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Lead Safety In Construction

Lead Safety In Construction. 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.

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Lead Safety In Construction

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  1. Lead Safety In Construction

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. How Lead Enters the Body • Inhaling lead spray paint or lead dust • Inhaling lead fumes from welding or burning lead paint • Swallowing lead dustwhen eating, drinking,or smoking

  8. 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

  9. Personal Protective Equipment • Coveralls • Gloves • Hat • Work shoes or shoe covers • Face shield or goggles • Respirator

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. Restricted Work Areas • Restricted area • Signs posted • Respirators required • Showers, changing rooms, and lunchrooms

  13. Any Questions? • Any questions about lead hazards, exposure, and control?

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. Control Lead Exposure • Stay out of restricted areas • Obey warning signs • Use ventilation systems

  20. Ventilation • Mechanical system used with enclosures • Local portable system • Shrouded power tools • Measurements taken every 3 months

  21. 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

  22. 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

  23. Any Questions? • Any questions on medical surveillance, chelating agents, engineering controls, work practices, or access to medical records?

  24. Summary • Learn job tasks that risk lead exposure • Know symptoms of lead exposure • Use ventilation • Wear respirator • Follow hygiene practices

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