Ensure Lead-Safe Working Practices
Implementing Safety Measures to Prevent Lead Exposure in the Workplace
children worldwide have lead poisoning (UNICEF)
deaths each year result from lead poisoning (WHO)
known safe level of lead in the human body (WHO)
Transferrable Contamination: From Work to Home
Employees in the construction and remodeling sectors are frequently exposed to the risk of lead contamination. During renovations, they may come into contact with lead present in old paints , which spread in the air and on surfaces during the work. Lead is invisible and poses a significant health hazard to workers and their families if preventive measures are not taken.
As shown in the photos below, lead adheres to skin, shoes, clothing, and hair . Therefore, it can be easily transported home, risking the contamination of family members.
Hand tested after wiping a surface with lead dust
Shoe sole tested more than 48 hours after leaving a job site
Lead Contamination at Work: A Danger for Employees, Their Families, and the Community…
Contamination of employees’ homes: Renovating buildings that contain lead can pose significant health risks. During activities like sanding, lead dust can adhere to workers’ clothing. Without proper precautions, this lead dust can be transported home, potentially contaminating the workers’ living environment and exposing their families to harmful lead particles. To protect the health of workers and their families, make sure to identify potential lead hazards before beginning any renovation work.
Employee’s Exposure to Lead: Employees in the construction and renovation industry are particularly exposed to lead hazards. Lead is harmful to adults. Before renovating, make sure the building does not contain lead and protect the health of your employees.
Environment contamination: When sanding lead paint, lead dust will be spread in the environment (inside a building or outside). IMPORTANT: Lead paint can be an old layer hidden by a new one. When sanding, this hidden lead paint will also create dust and spread around.
Lead particles: When sanding lead paint, lead particles will spread in the air and contaminate the building itself and also the neighborhood.
Community contamination: When renovation works are carried out, lead dust can contaminate not only the people occupying the building (if the works are carried out inside) but also passers-by (if the works are carried out outside).
Contamination of employees’ homes: Renovating buildings that contain lead can pose significant health risks. During activities like sanding, lead dust can adhere to workers’ clothing. Without proper precautions, this lead dust can be transported home, potentially contaminating the workers’ living environment and exposing their families to harmful lead particles. To protect the health of workers and their families, make sure to identify potential lead hazards before beginning any renovation work.
Employee’s Exposure to Lead: Employees in the construction and renovation industry are particularly exposed to lead hazards. Lead is harmful to adults. Before renovating, make sure the building does not contain lead and protect the health of your employees.
Environment contamination: When sanding lead paint, lead dust will be spread in the environment (inside a building or outside). IMPORTANT: lead paint can be an old layer hidden by a new one. When sanding, this hidden lead paint will also make dust and spread around.
Lead particles: When sanding lead paint, lead particles will spread in the air and contaminate the building itself but also the neighborhood.
Community contamination: When renovation works are carried out, lead dust can contaminate not only the people occupying the building (if the works are carried out inside) but also passers-by (if the works are carried out outside).
“Lead (Pb) exposure in older homes primarily results from lead-based paints, which [is] a significant source of lead intoxication in children.” – National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Identify Hazardous Lead Paint Before Sanding
It is important to identify the presence of lead before undertaking renovations, as it can be found in old paints layers. When the paint is disturbed during work, lead can break into chips and generate dust that easily spreads in the air and on surfaces.
This contamination poses a significant risk to occupants, workers, and their families (workers can take lead home with their contaminated clothing). Testing for lead is essential to reduce contamination risks and protect the health of the people potentially exposed during renovations.
Implement Safety Measures to Minimize the Risk of Contamination
1. Test for lead before starting renovations.
2. Separate the work area from other rooms to avoid lead contamination.
3. Protect yourself to keep your health and that of your family safe.
Lumetallix™: Your Solution for Detecting Lead at Work
Lumetallix Instant Lead Detection Kit allows you to identify lead in just seconds. In older buildings, lead can be found in paint, on pipes and furniture. Prevent unnecessary risks and ensure a safe working environment by testing any paint layer before renovation.
The kit offers the ability to perform around 500 tests without having to invest in expensive XRF analyzers. The reagent can detect lead from 500 ppm. Developed at the AMOLF Research Institute (Amsterdam, The Netherlands), their innovative technology has been extensively tested around the world, ensuring its reliability.
Do protect your employees, their families, and communities from lead exposure with Lumetallix Instant Lead Detection Kit.
1. Uncover older underlying lead-based paint layer
Use a cutter or a knife to uncover older paint layers. Lead can be hidden under the newest paint layers and be sanded off during renovations.
2. Turn on the LeadLight
Turn on the LeadLight. The wall reflects to blue/purple color of the UV.
3. Spray the reagent
Make sure to spray the reagent on each paint layer. If it lights up green, the paint contains lead.
“With experts estimating that half of the US population has been exposed to adverse lead levels in early childhood, using an accurate testing method to ensure the safety of my clients is a top priority. I’ve been proactively searching for a better solution since the EPA introduced the RRP rule in April 2010. I’ve tried several products for lead detection, and Lumetallix hits the nail on the head. It’s the easiest, and most effective product available on the market today for detecting lead.”
Joe Levitch
NARI Member and President of Levco Builders LLC
Use the Lumetallix Testing Method at Work
Download your documents to help you implement lead risk management measures at work.
Guide for Businesses
Prevention & Information
What to do if I find Lead?
With a lead certification
- Set up security signs and barriers to inform people.
- Cover or remove the furniture to protect them from lead dust.
- Establish interior or exterior containment to limit lead dust exposure to people.
- Use personal protective equipment to protect your health.
- Minimize dust by using suitable tools and protections.
- Keep the contaminated clothes and items away from your home to avoid contaminating your family.
- Control the wastes and separate them to prevent the release of dust and debris.
- Regularly clean the surfaces to limit lead contamination.
- Check the cleaning procedure and make sure there is no lead remaining.
Without lead certification
USA and Canada
Call on a certified lead abatement company to remove lead.
Malaysia
To find a certified lead abatement company in Malaysia, you should look for a company that is registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) as they provide certification for construction personnel, including those involved in lead abatement activities. You can check their database to find certified companies in your area.
Key points about finding a certified lead abatement company in Malaysia:
CIDB Certification:
The primary way to verify a company’s lead abatement certification in Malaysia is through the CIDB. CIDB offers a certification scheme for construction personnel including those specializing in blasting and painting, which could include lead abatement skills.
Check for specific expertise:
While looking for a CIDB certified company, ensure they have the specific expertise in lead abatement activities, as not all certified companies will handle lead-related work.
Contact the CIDB:
If unsure about a company’s certification, you can directly contact the CIDB to verify their status.
Singapore
To find a certified lead abatement company in Singapore, you would need to look for a company that is registered with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and specifically certified to handle lead abatement work. However, there is no readily available public list specifically for “certified lead abatement companies” in Singapore, so contacting the MOM directly or consulting with environmental consulting firms might be necessary to verify a company’s qualifications.
Key points to consider when searching for a certified lead abatement company in Singapore:
Check with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM):
Contact the MOM to inquire about a company’s safety and health certifications, including their ability to handle hazardous materials like lead.
Look for relevant industry certifications:
While there might not be a specific “lead abatement” certification in Singapore, look for companies with relevant certifications related to hazardous materials handling or environmental remediation.
Experience and track record:
Ask about the company’s past experience in handling lead abatement projects, especially in residential or commercial settings.
Consult environmental consultants:
Environmental consulting firms often have knowledge of reputable companies specializing in lead abatement work in Singapore.