Housekeeping

Employers must establish a housekeeping program to keep surfaces from accumulating with lead dust, but it is usually the worker's job to uphold this program. The best way to keep surfaces clear of lead dust is to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Vacuums must be emptied in a way that minimizes the amount of lead dust that can reenter the air. Using compressed air to clean floors is prohibited unless done together with a ventilation system designed to contain the dust that flies into the air as a result. Sweeping, shoveling, mopping, or brushing are not allowed unless vacuuming or other similar methods have been tried and did not work.

To learn more about Construction Lead Exposure visit our Cal/OSHA Construction Lead Exposure Online Training web page.