Lead in the Workplace

Lead

Hazardous substance 4

Lead is a hazardous substance which can build up in people’s bodies causing problems such as anaemia, nervous system and kidney disorders, hypertension and decreased fertility. Lead poisoning in young children can produce permanent brain damage and may cause reduced intelligence and behavioural problems. Lead poisoning is a particular issue for pregnant women as the lead in the mother’s blood affects the developing embryo/foetus.

Lead is used in making electric storage batteries for automotive, industrial and lighting applications, in paints, as stabilisers in plastics, in glasses and glazes, in building construction, as metal alloys for solder and covering sheaths on power cables.

In the workplace, lead can enter the body through inhalation or ingestion during production and manufacturing processes that produce dust or fumes containing lead.

National Standard for the Control of Inorganic Lead at Work [NOHSC:1012]

Supplements the hazardous substances model regulations by setting out particular requirements that apply control of inorganic lead in workplaces (doesn't apply 'inorganic lead compounds', specifically alkyl lead, which are toxic in a different way).

National Code of Practice for the Control and Safe Use of Inorganic Lead at Work [NOHSC:2015]

Provides practical guidance about how to comply with the national standards; can be used to develop specific programs for controlling exposure to lead.

Link to the ASCC website for further information and links to Standard and Code mentioned above.