When are you most at risk?

Work processes

When you work in industrial processes which create lead dust, fume or vapour. These include:

• blast removal and burning of old lead paint;
• stripping of old lead paint from doors, windows etc;
• hot cutting in demolition and dismantling operations
• recovering lead from scrap and waste.
• lead smelting, refining, alloying and casting;
• lead-acid battery manufacture and breaking and recycling;
• manufacturing lead compounds;
• manufacturing leaded-glass;
• manufacturing and using pigments, colours and ceramic glazes;
• working with metallic lead and alloys containing lead, for example soldering;
• some painting of buildings
• some spraying of vehicles
• Recycling of televisions or computer monitors which contain Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT’s)

Your body absorbs lead when you:

• Breathe in lead dust fume or vapour
• Swallow any lead for example if you eat, drink, smoke or bite you nails without washing your hands and face.

What you should do to protect your health

• Make sure you have all of the information and training you need to work safely with lead
• Use all of the equipment provided by your employer and follow the instructions for use
• Make sure all protective equipment fits correctly and is in good condition
• Keep your immediate work area clean and tidy
• Clear up and get rid of any lead waste at the end of the day
• Do not take home any protective clothing or footwear for washing or cleaning
• Wear any necessary protective equipment or clothing and return it to the proper place provided by your employer
• Report any damaged or defective equipment to your employer
• Only eat and drink in designated areas that are free from lead contamination
• Keep any medical appointments with the doctor where you work
• Practice a high standard of personal hygiene:
  • Wash your hands and face and scrub your nails before eating
  • Wash and/or shower before you go home