Protecting Workers

In the last section, you learned how employers test for lead exposure. What happens after an employer has determined there is lead in the workplace?

In this section, you will learn how employers can protect workers from lead exposure on worksites where lead has been detected. Remember that employees can legally work on jobsites that have lead, as long as exposure is within the permissible exposure limit (PEL). However, you also learned that lead can accumulate in the body over time. Therefore, even the smallest (and legally acceptable) amount of lead in the workplace warrants the actions you will learn about in this section.

According to OSHA, the most effective way to protect workers is to decrease exposure through the following:

• Engineering controls related to lead (such as using proper ventilation, replacing equipment that is lead-based, or changing work processes to avoid lead)
• Good work practices and training regarding hygiene and housekeeping
• Use of personal protective clothing and equipment (including respirators when required)

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