Handling Contaminated Protective Clothing

After use, there are specific ways to handle the now-contaminated protective clothing.

• Workers must take off protective clothing in designated change rooms.
• If appropriate, employees may wear disposable coveralls and separate shoe covers. This eliminates the need for laundering clothing.
• Workers must place contaminated clothing in closed containers.
• Containers must be labeled with a warning that reads, "Caution: Clothing contaminated with lead. Do not remove dust by blowing or shaking. Dispose of lead-contaminated wash water in accordance with applicable local, state, or federal regulations."
• Employers must inform workers who are responsible for handling contaminated clothing in writing of the potential health hazards related to lead exposure. Please note that this includes laundry services or subcontractors.
• Never attempt to remove lead from protective clothing or equipment by brushing, shaking, or blowing. (This will actually disperse lead into the work area.)
• If using a respirator, employees may stop respirator use and leave the respirator use area to wash their face and respirator facepiece whenever necessary.
• Before removing a respirator, use HEPA vacuuming, damp wiping, or another appropriate cleaning method to clean loose particle contaminates from the respirator and the face-mask seal.

To learn more about Construction Lead Safety visit our Construction Lead Safety Online Training Certification web page.