Lead

Lead is a metal that can have harmful effects on the human body. It can be found in many products, including lead- based paints, lead solder, electrical fittings and conduits, tank linings, plumbing fixtures, and many metal alloys.

The most common route of exposure to lead is through inhalation when workers breathe it in as a dust, fume, or mist. Workers can also accidentally ingest lead by eating, drinking, and smoking with contaminated hands or clothing, or on other contaminated surfaces.

Significant lead exposures can occur when paint is removed from surfaces that were previously covered with lead-based paint. Repair, renovation, and demolition operations often create dangerous airborne concentrations of lead.

Other common jobs with lead exposure include: Radiator repair Shooting range work Battery manufacturing Metal production, scrap cutting, and recycling Ceramic work Soldering Plumbing

Lead passes through the lungs into the blood where it can harm many of the body’s organ systems. Lead can cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys, blood forming organs, and reproductive system.

Common symptoms of lead poisoning include: Loss of appetite Fatigue Nausea Moodiness Vomiting Headache Stomach cramps Joint or muscle aches Constipation Anemia Difficulty sleeping Decreased sexual drive

Severe health effects of lead exposure include damage to the nervous system, including wrist or foot drop, tremors, and convulsions or seizures. Gastrointestinal effects, anemia, and kidney disease are also effects of lead exposure.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for lead is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, as averaged over an 8- hour period. Companies must begin specific compliance activities at the action level of 30 micrograms per cubic meter.

Companies must test workplace air for lead Companies must test workplace air for lead. Your company must institute a medical surveillance program for all workers who are or may be exposed at or above the action level for more than 30 days per year.

Your company must provide an information and training program for all workers exposed to lead above the action level or who may suffer skin or eye irritation from lead. Training must be provided annually.

The program must inform these workers of: The specific hazard associated with their work environment Protective measures The danger of lead to their bodies Their rights under the standard

Your company must make a copy of the lead standard and its appendices readily available to all workers, including those exposed below the action level.

Administrative Controls Companies must use engineering controls and work practices, where possible, to reduce worker exposure. Engineering Controls Administrative Controls PPE

Examples of engineering controls for lead exposure include: Equipping power tools used to remove lead-based paint with dust collection shrouds Substituting lead containing materials and chemicals with ones that do not contain lead Using a brush or roller instead of a sprayer for applying lead- based coatings Using high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums during cleanup operations

Companies must provide workers in work areas where their airborne exposure to lead is above the PEL with facilities for washing their hands and taking showers. They must also provide workers with clean changing areas and readily accessible eating areas.

Workers who are exposed to lead at work must follow good hygiene practices, including washing their hands before eating and showering at the end of the work shift.

Your company must provide workers with respirators when engineering controls and work practices cannot keep worker exposure to lead below the PEL.

Other PPE for lead exposure can include: Coveralls or other full body work clothing Gloves, hats, and shoes or disposable shoe coverlets Vented goggles, faceshields, or other appropriate face and eye protective equipment

Lead exposure can be harmful to your health Lead exposure can be harmful to your health. Your company must inform you if you are exposed to lead at work. Make sure you wash your hands before eating and shower at the end of your shift when you are exposed to lead.