NIOSH alert: Request for assistance in preventing lead poisoning in construction workers

Technical Report · Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:5696530

The need for assistance in preventing the exposure of workers to lead (7439921) during the maintenance, repainting, or demolition of bridges or other steel structures coated with lead containing paints was discussed. Lead exposure may occur during abrasive blasting, sanding, cutting, burning, or welding of these structures. Specific cases were cited where lead poisoning was manifest in torch burners, burner helpers, power tool users, rivet removers, blasters, carpenters, steam fitters, and drillers. Preventive measures discussed included the use of air monitoring equipment to determine whether a hazard exists, and engineering controls including those which will protect workers during welding, cutting or burning. Surface preparation was reviewed along with proper work procedures for tasks inside containment structures and the specifications required to be in new contracts. Personal hygiene practices which can help reduce the exposure likelihood were discussed, along with the proper use of warning signs and personal protective equipment. Medical surveillance programs were reviewed, including medical monitoring, medical protection, mandatory reporting and training.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (United States)
• OSTI ID: 5696530
• Report Number(s): PB-92-133354/XAB; DHHS/PUB/NIOSH--91-116
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION MONITORS
COATINGS
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
CUTTING
ELEMENTS
FABRICATION
INDUSTRY
JOINING
LEAD
MACHINING
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MEDICAL RECORDS
METALS
MONITORS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PAINTS
PERSONNEL
POLLUTION
TOXICITY
US NIOSH
US ORGANIZATIONS
WELDING