Lead Burning and Wiping

Lead burning and wiping are specialist techniques used to join lead sheet on roofs, flashings, and heritage buildings.
Lead fume is produced when lead is heated above 500°C and is highly toxic when inhaled.
The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW) set strict exposure limits for lead work.
The workplace exposure limit (WEL) for lead fume is 0.15 mg/m³ over an 8-hour TWA.
Blood lead levels must be monitored through health surveillance for workers regularly exposed.
Lead burning uses an oxy-propane or oxy-acetylene flame, creating both fire and fume hazards.
Lead wiping involves applying molten solder by hand — burns to skin are a significant risk.
Pregnant workers and those of childbearing age face additional restrictions under CLAW Regulations.
Heritage and listed building work often requires traditional lead techniques where modern alternatives are not permitted.
Hot works permits are required for all lead burning operations on construction sites.

Protect your health	Lead poisoning causes permanent damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive system.
Legal compliance	The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 require exposure monitoring, health surveillance, and safe systems.
Fire prevention	Lead burning uses open flames near combustible materials, requiring hot works permits and fire watches.

Do

Don't

Complete a COSHH assessment for lead fume before any lead burning or wiping begins
Wear RPE with a minimum APF 20 (P3 filter) when heating or melting lead
Ensure adequate ventilation or local exhaust ventilation at the work area
Obtain a hot works permit before using any flame equipment on site
Enrol in the health surveillance programme with regular blood lead level testing
Wash hands and face thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking after lead work
Use designated lead work clothing and change out of it before leaving site
Store and eat food away from any area where lead work is being carried out
Keep a fire extinguisher within reach during all lead burning operations
Report any symptoms of lead exposure such as stomach pain or fatigue immediately

DON'T heat lead without appropriate RPE — fume is invisible and odourless
DON'T eat, drink, or smoke in any area where lead work is taking place
DON'T carry out lead burning without a valid hot works permit in place
DON'T allow untrained workers to carry out lead burning or wiping tasks
DON'T ignore health surveillance appointments or blood lead test results
DON'T use compressed air to clean lead dust from clothing or surfaces
DON'T take contaminated work clothing home — use on-site laundry facilities
DON'T work without ventilation in enclosed areas when heating lead
DON'T dispose of lead waste as general site waste — it is hazardous waste
DON'T allow pregnant workers or those of childbearing age to carry out lead work

See also: Hot Works Permit Requirements | RPE Selection and Face Fit Testing

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