Work Practices

Beyond housekeeping and hygiene, workers can take a few additional steps before starting work and at the end of the day to help reduce exposure to lead even further.

Before starting work:

• Change into work clothing and shoes or shoe covers in the clean section of the changing area.
• Wear the appropriate protective equipment for the area, such as respirators or goggles. The particular equipment required for the area is determined and provided by the employer, but workers may also choose to wear equipment that protects them more than what is strictly required.
• Store any clothing not worn beneath the protective work clothing in a designated container within the changing area.

Before leaving the work area:

• Use a HEPA vacuum to clean contaminated clothing while it is still being worn. Never clean lead dust off of clothing by blowing on it, brushing it off, or using any other method that could spread the dust through the air.
• Remove shoes or shoe covers and leave them in the work area.
• Remove protective clothing and gear in the dirty area of the changing area.
• Remove coveralls by carefully rolling them down to help contain the dust.
• Remove respirators last to maximize the protection they provide.
• Wash hands and face.

In addition to those actions just discussed, workers must take the following actions when finishing work for the day:

• Place contaminated laundry in the designated container in the changing area.
• If disposable coveralls or shoe coverings are provided, dispose of them in a designated waste bin.
• Clean protective gear, including respirators.
• Wash hands and face again. If showers are available, workers should take showers and wash their hair. If showers are not available, workers should take showers and wash their hair as soon as they get home.

Following all of the procedures listed in this section can eliminate many of the sources of lead overexposure for workers and their families.

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