Showers & Washing Facilities

Employers must provide adequate washing facilities for workers exposed to airborne lead above the permissible exposure limit (PEL). These facilities must:

• Be close to the worksite
• Have water, soap, and clean towels
• Have a disposal system (in accordance with applicable local, state, or federal regulations) for disposal of contaminated water

If possible, employers should provide showers for workers exposed to airborne lead above the permissible exposure limit (PEL). This way, employees can shower before leaving the worksite.

When showers are provided, employees must change out of their work clothes and shower before changing into their street clothes and leaving the worksite. If they do not, they risk contaminating their homes and cars with lead dust, which leads to longer lead exposure for the employees and exposure for other members of their household.

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