Lead Paint and Coatings

Lead-based paints were widely used on metalwork and timber in buildings constructed before 1992.
Disturbing lead paint by sanding, scraping, burning, or blasting creates lead dust and fume exposure.
Lead is a cumulative poison — it builds up in the body over time causing damage to kidneys, brain, and blood.
The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 require employers to assess and control lead exposure.
The workplace exposure limit for lead is 0.15 mg/m³ for inorganic lead dust and fume.
Blood lead monitoring is required for workers regularly exposed above the action level.
Women of reproductive capacity have lower suspension limits due to the risk of harm to an unborn child.
Dry sanding and flame burning lead paint generate the highest levels of airborne lead.
Wet methods, HEPA-filtered extraction, and chemical strippers significantly reduce lead dust generation.
Lead-contaminated waste must be disposed of as hazardous waste through licensed carriers.

Chronic poisoning	Lead accumulates in the body causing anaemia, kidney damage, neurological impairment, and reproductive harm.
Legal duty	The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 impose specific duties for assessment, monitoring, and health surveillance.
Hidden hazard	Lead paint is often concealed under layers of modern paint — disturbance without testing releases dangerous dust.

Do

Don't

Test painted surfaces for lead content before any disturbance on pre-1992 buildings
Complete a COSHH assessment specific to lead exposure for the planned work method
Use wet methods or chemical strippers to minimise airborne lead dust generation
Wear RPE with a P3 filter when sanding, scraping, or blasting lead-painted surfaces
Enrol exposed workers in blood lead monitoring at the intervals required by regulation
Provide separate welfare facilities for washing and changing out of contaminated clothing
Collect all lead-contaminated dust and debris for disposal as hazardous waste
Use HEPA-filtered vacuum extraction during mechanical removal of lead paint
Brief all workers on the lead hazards specific to the building they are working on
Prevent eating, drinking, and smoking in lead-contaminated work areas

DON'T sand, scrape, or blast painted surfaces without testing for lead first
DON'T use flame or heat gun methods to remove lead paint — they create toxic fume
DON'T dry sweep lead paint dust — use a HEPA vacuum or wet cleaning only
DON'T eat, drink, or smoke in areas where lead paint is being disturbed
DON'T take contaminated work clothing home — it must be laundered separately
DON'T ignore blood lead monitoring results — elevated levels require medical review
DON'T allow pregnant workers or those planning pregnancy near lead paint work
DON'T dispose of lead paint waste with general construction waste
DON'T assume modern paint on top means lead paint is absent underneath
DON'T work without RPE when any method of lead paint removal generates dust or fume

See also: COSHH Awareness | RPE Selection and Face Fit Testing

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