NIOSH Alert: Request for Assistance in Preventing Lead Poisoning in Construction Workers. Revised Edition.

摘要

Attention is drawn to the hazards of lead (7439921) exposure for workers involved in the maintenance, repainting, or demolition of bridges or other steel structures coated with lead containing paints. Operations such as abrasive blasting, sanding, burning, cutting, or welding on steel structures coated with lead containing paints may produce very high concentrations of lead fumes and dust. The recent introduction of containment structures may result in even higher airborne concentrations of lead. Through the exposure, lead can be carried by the workers back to their homes and automobiles. NIOSH and OSHA have recently recommended that exposure to lead dust and fumes be minimized by the use of engineering controls and work practices, and by the use of personal protective equipment such as respirators for additional protection. Monitoring of airborne lead concentrations and blood lead concentrations should be ongoing programs. Specifications for a mandatory program of worker protection from lead hazards should be made known to workers in the field.