Lead at work
The regulatory regime controlling exposure to lead and its compounds at work, requiring risk assessment, substitution where possible, exposure controls, air monitoring, biological monitoring, and health surveillance.
Also known as
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“lead at work”Exact equivalentThe Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2676) require employers to assess the risk of exposure to lead, prevent or control exposure, carry out air monitoring where appropriate, carry out biological monitoring (blood-lead testing) for significant exposure, and carry out health surveillance. A workplace exposure limit for lead applies under EH40.
Irish HSA
“lead at work”Close equivalentThe Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001 and the EU OEL Directive cover lead exposure in Irish workplaces. Biological monitoring and health surveillance are required for significant lead exposure. Ireland follows EU OEL values for lead, which differ from GB WEL values post-Brexit.
US OSHA
“lead”Close equivalentOSHA 29 CFR 1910.1025 (general industry) and 29 CFR 1926.62 (construction) set requirements for work with lead including PEL of 50 µg/m3 TWA, air monitoring, biological monitoring (blood-lead testing), medical surveillance, and hygiene facilities. The OSHA lead PEL is widely regarded as outdated.
Practitioner note: Biological monitoring is central where exposure is significant, not optional. Blood lead results drive suspension decisions.