Health risks of lead exposure 

Lead can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Once lead enters the body, it can accumulate in the bones, blood, and other tissues. Lead exposure can cause a variety of health problems, including: 

• Neurological problems: Lead exposure can damage the nervous system, particularly in children. This can lead to a variety of neurological problems, such as learning disabilities, behavioural problems, and hyperactivity. 
• Blood problems: Lead exposure can cause anaemia, which is a condition in which the blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells. 
• Digestive problems: Lead exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. 
• Kidney problems: Lead exposure can damage the kidneys. 
• Reproductive problems: Lead exposure can damage the reproductive system and lead to infertility and birth defects. 

Control measures for working with lead 

• Engineering controls: Engineering controls are physical barriers that prevent worker contact with lead. Examples of engineering controls include ventilation systems, dust collection systems, and enclosures for lead-containing materials. 

• Administrative controls: Administrative controls are procedures and policies that reduce the risk of lead exposure. Examples of administrative controls include training workers on lead safety procedures and requiring them to use personal protective equipment (PPE). 
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): PPE is clothing and equipment that protects workers from exposure to lead. Examples of PPE include gloves, respirators, and goggles. 

In addition to the control measures listed above, there are several other things that workers can do to reduce their risk of lead exposure, such as: 

• Wash hands thoroughly after working with lead. 
• Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while working with lead. 
• Change clothes and shoes after working with lead. 
• Get regular blood lead tests. 

Specific risks and control measures for working with lead in different industries 

The specific risks and control measures for working with lead vary depending on the industry in which the worker is employed. For example, workers in the construction industry who are involved in demolition or renovation projects may be exposed to lead dust from old lead-based paint. Workers in the manufacturing industry who work with lead-containing products, such as batteries and plumbing pipes, may also be exposed to lead dust and fumes. 

• Construction: Workers in the construction industry who are involved in demolition or renovation projects should be aware of the potential for lead exposure. They should wear PPE, such as gloves, respirators, and goggles, when working with lead-containing materials. They should also wash their hands thoroughly after working with lead. 
• Manufacturing: Workers in the manufacturing industry who work with lead-containing products, such as batteries and plumbing pipes, should be aware of the potential for lead exposure. They should wear PPE, such as gloves, respirators, and goggles, when working with lead-containing materials. They should also wash their hands thoroughly after working with lead. 
• Healthcare: Healthcare workers who may be exposed to lead include those who work in emergency rooms, trauma centres, and burn units. These workers should wear PPE, such as gloves, gowns, and goggles, when caring for patients who may have been exposed to lead. They should also wash their hands thoroughly after caring for patients who may have been exposed to lead. 

Working with lead can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. By following the control measures listed above, workers can reduce their risk of exposure to lead and the health problems that lead exposure can cause. 

The iProtectU health and safety software provides: 

• An inspection and Audit App which allows for safety inspection of the workplace and associated report 
• eLearning on a range of EHS topics, many including hazardous substances 
• Scheduling functionality for managers to send eLearning, risk assessments and documents out to all staff via the software with tracks completion and compliance 
• Risk assessment templates covering working with hazardous substances 
• Management system to document control the policy on working with lead 
• Method Statement module for the creation of working instructions 

• Legal register that provides legislation guidance on working with lead 
• Incident investigation module that tracks incidents involving hazardous substances, both with an app and via desktop 
• Hazard observation app where staff can report and record any concerns regarding work with lead to the organisation 
• Asset management App ensuring assets are recorded in the software