Understanding Lead Regulations and Health Protection

Lead Regulations Overview

Lead falls outside COSHH regulations, with separate guidelines addressing lead-related issues, prevalent across various workplaces beyond construction.

Workplace Lead Sources

Various industrial processes generate lead dust, fume, or vapour, including:

• Stripping old lead paint
• Lead recovery from scrap
• Manufacturing lead-acid batteries and recycling
• Leaded-glass production
• Painting buildings or vehicles
• Recycling electronics containing Cathode Ray Tubes

Health Protection Measures

To safeguard health, individuals should:

• Obtain adequate information and training
• Utilize provided equipment as instructed
• Ensure proper fit and condition of protective gear
• Dispose of lead waste responsibly
• Practice personal hygiene, avoiding lead contamination

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must:

• Conduct thorough risk assessments
• Implement and record control measures
• Monitor air quality and employee exposure
• Ensure hygiene standards and provide suitable facilities
• Arrange medical surveillance for significant exposure cases
• Investigate and review measures if action levels are exceeded