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 your 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