Warnings
Warnings help to raise awareness about entering hazardous lead-containing areas, but they do not prevent entry. Warnings work only as long as employees comply with them. Generally, warnings include signs, alarms, and labels. Employers are required to post this warning sign where the PEL of lead is exceeded.
All signs must be well lit and kept clean so that they are easily visible. Statements that contradict or detract from the signs' meaning are prohibited. Signs required by other statutes, regulations, or ordinances, however, may be posted in addition to, or in combination with, this sign.
Work Practice Controls
A rigorous housekeeping program and basic personal hygiene practices will reduce exposure to lead. These two elements help prevent workers from taking lead dust out of the worksite and into their homes. Below are examples of work practice controls.
- Change Areas: Provide a clean change area for employees whose exposure to lead is above the PEL. Equip storage facilities for street clothes and a separate area with facilities to remove and store lead-contaminated protective work clothing and equipment. No lead-contaminated items should enter this area. Do not wear work clothing away from the jobsite or launder at home.
- Showers: When feasible, provide showers for employees whose airborne exposure to lead is above the PEL .
- Washing Facilities: Provide washing facilities close to the worksite and furnish water, soap, and clean towels.
- Housekeeping: Maintain all surfaces as free of lead contamination as practicable. Vacuuming lead dust with HEPA-filtered equipment or wet the dust with water before sweeping. Do not use compressed air to remove lead unless a ventilation system is in place to capture the dust. Put all lead-containing debris and contaminated items into labeled, sealed, impermeable bags or other closed impermeable containers.
- End-of-Day Procedures: Place contaminated clothes in a properly labeled closed container. Take a shower. Where showers are not provided, wash hands and face. Change into street clothes in clean change areas.
- Personal Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands and face in washing facilities after work and before eating.
- Do not enter lunchroom facilities or eating areas with protective work clothing or equipment unless surface lead dust has been removed.
- In all areas where exposure to lead is above the PEL, do not have or consume food, beverages, tobacco products, and cosmetics.
- If exposure to lead is above the PEL, wash hands and face before eating, drinking, smoking, or applying cosmetics.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-4. To be effective, lead warning signs work only when _____.
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