WEEKLY TOOL BOX SAFETY MEETINGS
LEAD
Warning — Lead Work Area — Poison — No Smoking or Eating
This is the wording for signs that identify areas where exposure to lead is above the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). The lead standard [29 CFR 1926.62] requires that no employee be exposed to concentrations of lead greater than 50 micrograms per cubic meter (50 µg/m³). Many other requirements designed to protect employees working with materials containing lead are included in this standard.
Employers must have a written compliance plan available on the site, and it must be specific to conditions at the worksite. This plan must be reviewed and updated every six months, and must identify a competent person. This competent person is responsible for determining when lead is present, and for conducting worksite inspections to assure that all workers and activities on the site are in compliance with OSHA regulations.
Some of the highest lead exposures occur in the construction industry. Repair and renovation jobs, which disturb lead- containing materials, can put workers at risk. The removal of lead-based paint and contaminated dust and soil can be very hazardous. The replacement or removal of fixtures and surfaces with lead-based coatings, and the preparation, cleanup, and disposal of any material containing lead must all be done with worker safety in mind.
Employers are required to supply respiratory protection, protective clothing, change areas, hand washing facilities, and biological monitoring until an exposure assessment indicates that exposure levels are below the PEL. It is your responsibility to use and/or wear the protection provided. Protective clothing must be supplied at least weekly — daily if exposures are greater than 200 µg/m³. Closed containers must be provided for soiled clothing. Disposal or laundering of this clothing is the employer’s responsibility. Employees may not take any lead-contaminated clothing home!
Training for employees on the hazards of lead exposure must take place prior to starting the job. Medical surveillance, including testing and exams, and accurate record keeping are also a part of the lead standard.
Severe health effects can result from over-exposure to lead contaminants. Be sure you are aware of the hazards before you begin work on any job where lead-containing materials are in use or will be disturbed.
Date______________ Company______________________________JobName/No._________________________
Topics Pertaining To Your Project ________________________________________________________________
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Employee Safety Recommendations ___________________________________________________________
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Meeting Attended By: Please sign your name and date.
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These instructions do not supersede local, state, or federal regulations.
Supervisor’s Signature ______________________________________________________________________
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