Employees that work around products or materials that contain lead could be exposing themselves and family members to potential health problems. Workers should be informed of the health effects associated with exposure to inorganic lead including the different risks to men and women and people of younger age (<18) prior to commencement of employment. Employers must ensure they comply with the National Code of Practice for the Control and Safe Use of Inorganic Lead at Work [NOHSC: 2015 (1994)]

Lead is a metal obtained from mining lead ore, which is used in a number of forms including pure metal, alloys (mixture of metals) and as lead compounds. It has many uses including vehicle batteries, solder, paint pigments and as a stabiliser to protect plastic from sun damage.

Health problems caused by lead

Lead has a wide range of biological effects on people, including on the developing foetus, which are directly related to the concentration of lead in the affected organ systems. Biological effects includes nervous system abnormalities, increased blood pressure, heart rate variability, kidney dysfunction, changes in immune system markers, reduced sperm quality and haematological (blood cell) effects.

• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Tired / irritable
• Headachy
• Nauseous / sick
• Depressed
• Distracted / forgetful

Workers who consider they have not completed their family should be counselled on the health effects of lead on male and female reproduction, as appropriate. Workers who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be advised to seek alternative work during that period from their PCBU which does not involve lead risk work.

How to prevent lead poisoning:

• Keep the job clean. If a vacuum is used, it must be an industrial one with a HEPA Filter.
• Reduce lead in the air, eg ventilation close to the work, damp work, no sweeping.
• Use very good hygiene. Wash hands, face and arms before eating or drinking
• Do not take lead home
• Wear work clothes only at work
• Shower after work

Lead is poison:

• Lead can build up in your body and stay there for years
• Lead gets into your body in two ways; breathing and swallowing
• It can affect the whole body including the mind
• The amount of lead that can cause problems varies from person to person
• Lean can harm children and unborn babies
• It can be passed in milk to breastfeeding babies
• Workers and management need to work together to reduce lead exposure
• Workers exposed to lead require regular blood tests and medical examinations to protect their health.

More safety information can be found at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au