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© 2009 SESA-Safety & Environmental Services Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 27 133 203 933 ACN 133 203 933. All rights reserved

Lead metal posing health risks to building occupants, trade personnel and employees can be found in older commercial, industrial and residential buildings in the form of lead based paint, coating products or lead contaminated dust or fumes.

Lead poisoning affects virtually every system in the body – the central and peripheral nervous systems, kidneys and blood. Lead accumulates in a person's body throughout his or her lifetime; stored mostly in the bones.

Lead Based Paints

Were used in many Australian residential and commercial buildings prior to 1970. Small amounts of dust or chips of paint containing lead, generated during minor building repairs, can be a health risk.

Lead in paint can be a problem if it is damaged or disturbed. Paint in good condition that is not flaking or chalking, or is covered by well maintained lead free paint is not a hazard in itself. Lead can also be a hazard when it is on surfaces subject to friction or impact such as windows and doors, or on railings where children can chew it. Residues from lead based paint can lead to high concentrations of lead in garden soils in older properties.

Lead Contaminated Dust and Fumes

Lead contaminated dust can be found in buildings which are not regularly cleaned at levels sometimes hazardous posing a risk to health. The source of lead contaminated dust include:

• Settled or accumulated dust in older buildings in the vicinity of major road (source is leaded petrol) or in the vicinity of industrial operation that used lead
• Sanded or deteriorated lead based paint used in many residential and commercial dwellings built before 1970
• Sanded or deteriorated lead based protective coatings used on industrial buildings, plant and equipment
• Sanded or deteriorated lead based marine, automotive and vehicle paints
• Sanded or deteriorated lead based specialised paints, such as road marking and sign writing applications.

 

Lead Exposure Routes

Inhalation - Breathing in dust and fumes is the main way lead enters a  body. Fine particles of lead can penetrate deep into the lungs and rapidly pass into the blood.

Ingestion - Eating contaminated food and drink can occur if hands are not washed before meals and eating in workplaces where lead dust is present. Smokers can accidentally take in lead dust on their hands or cigarettes.

Absorption through the skin or mucus membranes - can occur where lead fine particles, leaded petrol or lubricants are handled without gloves or barrier cream.

 

Identifying, Assessing the Risk and Controlling Lead Exposure Hazards in the Workplace

Identification of lead exposure hazard involves inspecting the workplace environment by an occupational hygienist and preliminary sampling and testing of suspected lead containing materials.

A risk assessment can then be undertaken to evaluate the potential exposure to lead which involves exposure monitoring to atmospheric lead and health surveillance (lead blood testing) to determine if the work is a lead-risk work where specific requirements become mandatory to comply with the occupational health and safety legislation.

Methods of controlling exposure to lead in the workplace include:

• Use alternatives to lead. Other products are available which are lead free or have less lead eg. lead free paint and PVC, tin or silver solder etc.
• Isolating lead hazards or lead processes is critical to reduce risk. Engineering solutions, such as ducted extraction, are highly effective in removing lead dust and fumes.
• Developing a safe system of work
• Provide Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for any material containing lead
• Create a safe workplace. Many simple changes to plant, machinery, production processes, equipment and work practices can reduce the dangers of lead
• Provide facilities and ensure that hands and face are washed before meals and smoking. This will help ensure lead dust is not accidentally ingested. Smoking or carrying cigarettes where lead dust is present is very hazardous. Employers must provide appropriate facilities.
• Change out work clothes when finished work for the day. This stops lead dust being taken home on bodies, clothes and cars and help protect workers' families.
• Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. Respirators and face masks, overalls, gloves and other PPE.

Our Services

SESA occupational hygienists have been dealing for years with all aspects of lead hazard identification, assessment and management including the following:

• Site inspection, sampling and testing of lead based paint, lead contaminated dust on surfaces and in ceiling cavities as part of a hazardous building materials survey (standard survey or Pre-Local Council DA survey) or as hazard identification in workplaces involving lead risk work
• Atmospheric monitoring of lead dust and fumes (background, exposure and clearance monitoring)
• Writing technical specifications/scope of works for removal of lead dust contamination
• Project management of lead dust contamination removal works (Principal Contractor)
• Lead contaminated dust post removal clearance testing
• Lead work risk assessment
• Workplace Health and Safety Plans for lead hazards