Lead Safety In Construction

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Session Objectives You will be able to understand: Lead hazards, exposure, and control Respiratory protection Medical surveillance Information about chelating agents Engineering controls and work practices Access to records and OSHA lead standard

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Lead in the Workplace Lead is a leading cause of workplace illness Extremely high levels may cause immediate serious health effects Long-term exposure to low levels are more likely OSHA requires that employees be trained on how to protect against lead hazards

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Health Hazards of Lead Anxiety, headache, tiredness, or insomnia Loss of appetite and stomach pain Numbness, pain, weakness, or twitching in your muscles Reduced sex drive, sterility, and birth defects Kidney damage Permanent brain and nerve damage

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Effects of Lead on Children Children are very susceptible to the effects of lead Small amounts of lead can harm them It is important not to take lead dust home on your clothing

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Permissible Exposure Limit No “safe” amount of lead OSHA says you cannot be exposed to lead limits of more than 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc How Lead Enters the Body Inhaling lead spray paint or lead dust Inhaling lead fumes from welding or burning lead paint Swallowing lead dust when eating, drinking, or smoking

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Workplace Lead Exposure Cutting or removing lead pipe Grinding or sandblasting lead paint on metal structures Using solder that contains lead Bridge-painting Remodeling buildings with lead paint Cleaning up demolition sites with lead dust

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Lead Exposure The following products used or items found on this worksite contain lead: [List products or items here]

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Lead Exposure (cont.) You may be exposed to lead at this jobsite in the following activities or locations: [Describe or list specific jobs or activities where employees are or may be exposed to lead at your worksite]

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Personal Protective Equipment Coveralls Gloves Hat Work shoes or shoe covers Face shield or goggles Respirator

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Respirators Respirator may be required You will be provided with a respirator of the following type: [List respirators used here] Image Credit: State of WA-WISHA Services

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Respirators Worn when lead in the air is above the PEL Must be properly fitted Medical evaluation required before use Training required before use Image Credit: State of WA-WISHA Services

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc PPE Cleaning and Disposal Remove dust with a HEPA vacuum Do not remove lead by blowing or shaking Dispose of contaminated clothing properly Use labeled disposal and laundry containers

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Restricted Work Areas Restricted area Signs posted Respirators required Showers, changing rooms, and lunchrooms

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Any Questions? Any questions about lead hazards, exposure, and control?

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Medical Monitoring Blood tests if exposed above the “action level” Medical exam if lead in blood exceeds 40 µg/dl Routine blood tests Medical exam before starting job Symptoms are reported Medical advice

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Medical Removal Blood levels above 50 µg Unable to bring exposure levels down Increased risk of health impairment Keep pay, seniority, and benefits Blood tested monthly Return to job when blood levels reduced

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Chelation Therapy Drug therapy that reduces blood lead levels May cause side effects Permitted under a doctor’s supervision Prohibited to routinely lower blood levels without symptoms

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Work Practices Don’t eat, drink, or smoke near lead Wash before eating, smoking, or applying cosmetics Don’t wear lead- contaminated clothing home Store work clothes separately from personal clothes

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Work Practices (cont.) Always wear your respirator Use water when sanding, grinding, or cutting objects that contain lead Remove lead dust with a HEPA vacuum

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Control Lead Exposure Stay out of restricted areas Obey warning signs Use ventilation systems

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Ventilation Mechanical system used with enclosures Local portable system Shrouded power tools Measurements taken every 3 months

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Air Monitoring Required if there are indications of lead Performed every 3 months if above the PEL Performed every 6 months if above the action level Required if there are changes in the workplace Results provided to employees

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Access to Records and Regulations You have the right to see: Any of your medical records related to lead Results of air sampling for lead A copy of OSHA’s lead in construction standard

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Any Questions? Any questions on medical surveillance, chelating agents, engineering controls, work practices, or access to medical records?

© Business & Legal Reports, Inc Summary Learn job tasks that risk lead exposure Know symptoms of lead exposure Use ventilation Wear respirator Follow hygiene practices