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Lead: Identification, Remediation and Personal Protection, 29 CFR 1926

Document Number: 165
Introduction
In October 1992, President Bush signed Section 1031 of Title X of
the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, requiring OSHA to
develop an interim standard for lead in the construction industry.
This interim standard had to provide guidelines for protection of
construction workers from occupational exposure to lead that is as
effective as the HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development)
guidelines and OSHA's lead standard for general industry. On May 4th,
1993, the final interim rule for lead in the construction industry was
issued. This can be found in Subpart D of Title 29 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) 1926.62. The following will cover some of the
highlights of this standard. For more information, consult 29 CFR
1926.62.
Where Lead Can Be Found
Many people associate lead with paint, but it is also present in
many other places. Lead may be present in your drinking water, which
is polluted by the lead in pipes, or in soil from the leaded gasoline
which was phased out in the late 80s and early 90s. Although lead in
these forms can be dangerous, most exposures to lead poisoning occur
during lead paint removal.
In the early 1900s, people realized that lead in paint prevented
structures such as bridges, ships, lighthouses and other buildings
from corroding. When the paint begins to flake or chip, it is usually
taken off by the process of blasting. This type of removal is fast,
but it also creates a lot of airborne lead particles, which can be
harmful.
How Lead Enters the Body
Lead can enter the body by means of ingestion or inhalation. Once it
has entered the body, it is then absorbed by the blood stream which
circulates it through the entire body. While the lead is being
circulated, the body attempts to filter it out. Some of the lead is
filtered out, but much of it is absorbed by soft tissue such as the
kidneys, liver and brain tissue or hard tissue such as bones and
cartilage.
Health Effects
Health effects from lead can vary depending on the length and level
of exposure. In an acute exposure, an individual is exposed to a high
level of contaminant over a short period of time. Exposures like this
can result in a condition called encephalopathy, which affects the
brain and quickly develops into seizures, coma and death from
cardiorespiratory arrest.
In a chronic exposure, an individual is exposed to low levels of
contaminants over a long period of time. This exposure can result in
damage to the brain tissue, reproductive system, urinary tract,
nervous system and the formation of blood. Some common symptoms of
chronic exposure include:
loss of appetite
dizziness
metallic taste in the mouth
constipation
muscle or joint pain
headache
pallor
hyperactivity
numbness
insomnia
Testing
Testing for the presence of lead can be done in the following ways:
- Determination of air concentrations. (Follow NIOSH testing method
7082 or an equivalent.) Two pieces of equipment are needed for thisa
personal air sampling pump and a membrane filter. These can be
attached to an employee for personal monitoring or used for area
monitoring.
NOTE: The exposure level to lead in construction and
general industry is 50 µg/m3
(microgram per meter cubed) for air concentration.
- Determination of water concentration. Obtain a water test kit or
submit a sample to a laboratory.
- Determination of soil concentration. Obtain a soil test kit or
submit a sample to a laboratory.
- Determination of blood lead level. Determined by blood sample
taken by physician.
NOTE: The exposure level for lead in blood is 50µg/dl
(micrograms per deciliter).
- Determination of surface lead level. Can be determined by
convenient test kits.
NOTE: Once the lead level is determined, it should be
compared with the recommended level.
Remediation of Lead
Lead can be handled in the following ways:
- Replacementremove the entire piece and replace.
- Encapsulationcover the lead with another material.
- Chemical removalremove lead by chemical process
- Physical removalremove lead by heat gun and manual scraping
- Blastingremove by water or vacuum
NOTE: Before removing lead, consult with state OSHA and
EPA regulations. Lead must be disposed of according to state or
local ordinances.
Safe Work Practices
When working with lead, you should follow certain practices (29 CFR
1926.62):
- Provide exhaust ventilation.
- Use only HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Absolute) vacuums for
cleanup.
- Use a NIOSH/MSHA-approved respirator. (The type will be
determined by the exposure level. See Table 1 below.)
- Do NOT eat, drink or smoke in lead- contaminated areas.
- Use proper protective clothing, shoe covers and gloves.
- Wash hands thoroughly before eating.
-
Shower and change into clean clothes before leaving worksite.
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| Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.62 |
Training
OSHA guidelines require comprehensive training for everyone who may
be potentially exposed to lead. (29 CFR Part 1926 pp. 26579).
Signs
Signs must be posted to warn employees of the danger of lead in the
area. The signs should state the following: "Warning," "Lead
Work Area," "Poison" and "No Smoking or Eating."
These signs shall be illuminated and cleaned as necessary to ensure
legibility (29 CFR 1926.62 Appendix B, XI).
Product Reference
Lab Safety Supply has the products you need to keep your
workers safe and comply with current regulations. Please refer to the
Asbestos, Clothing, Gloves, Respirators, Signs and Vacuums sections of
your Lab Safety Supply General Safety Catalog for details.
Sources for More Information
29 CFR Part 1926, Lead Exposure In Construction, Interim Final Rule.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
4676 Columbia Pkwy.
Cincinnati, OH 45226
800-356-4674
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Please Note: The information contained in this
publication is intended for general information purposes only. This
publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government
regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice
or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited
regulation or consult with an attorney.
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