OSHA General Industry Standards (29 CFR Part 1910) 1910.1025: 1910.1025 Lead

Applies to all occupational exposure to lead (metallic lead, all inorganic lead compounds and organic lead soaps) except construction and agriculture under part 1928. PEL: 50 µg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour period; for shifts longer than 8 hours the limit is 400 divided by hours worked; action level 30 µg/m3 as an 8-hour average; no STEL. Where a compliant respirator program is in place, exposure during respirator wear may be counted at the level provided by the protection factor. Exposure monitoring: full-shift (at least 7 continuous hours) personal samples per shift per job classification per work area, representative of regular daily exposure; an initial determination based on monitoring plus observations, previous measurements and symptom complaints (data from the preceding 12 months may be used); a written record of any negative determination; if at or above the action level, representative monitoring of every exposed employee; repeat every 6 months between the action level and PEL and quarterly above the PEL, stepping down after two consecutive results at least 7 days apart; additional monitoring after changes; accuracy plus or minus 20 percent at or above 30 µg/m3; written notification within 15 working days including a PEL-exceedance statement and corrective action. Methods of compliance: where exposure exceeds the PEL more than 30 days per year, engineering and work practice controls (including administrative controls) per the Table I schedule; where 30 days or less, engineering controls to 200 µg/m3 then any combination to 50 µg/m3; a written compliance program (operations, means of compliance, technology report, air data, schedule with purchase orders, work practice program, administrative control schedule) revised at least annually; ventilation effectiveness measurements at least every 3 months and within 5 days of changes; recirculated air needs a high efficiency filter with backup and automatic bypass monitoring; job rotation schedules documented. Respirators per 1910.134 during control installation, where controls are insufficient, and whenever an employee requests one; full facepieces for irritating aerosols; HEPA filters; PAPR on request. Protective clothing above the PEL or where irritation is possible, clean at least weekly and daily above 200 µg/m3, removed only in change rooms, labelled closed containers, launderers informed in writing. Housekeeping: no compressed air; sweeping or brushing only where vacuuming failed. Hygiene above the PEL: no food, tobacco or cosmetics in work areas, change rooms, end-of-shift showers, positive-pressure filtered lunchrooms, hand and face washing. Medical surveillance for employees at or above the action level more than 30 days per year: blood lead and ZPP at least every 6 months, every two months while at or above 40 µg/100 g until two results are below, monthly during removal; follow-up test within two weeks of a result at the removal level; CDC-approved laboratories with plus or minus 15 percent or 6 µg/100 ml accuracy; written notice within five working days of results at or above 40 µg/100 g. Medical examinations annually if any blood lead at or above 40 µg/100 g in the prior 12 months, before first assignment at or above the action level, promptly on symptoms, reproductive concerns or respirator breathing difficulty, and as appropriate for removed employees; content includes histories, physical, blood pressure, blood lead, hematology, ZPP, BUN, creatinine and urinalysis, with pregnancy or male fertility testing on request. Multiple physician review (employee may choose a second physician within 15 days and a third resolves disputes); written opinions to the employee; prophylactic chelation prohibited. Medical removal protection: removal from work at or above the action level when a periodic and follow-up test are at or above 60 µg/100 g, or the average of the last three tests (or six months) is at or above 50 µg/100 g unless the last test is below 40, or on a final medical determination; return after two consecutive tests below 40 µg/100 g; up to 18 months of earnings, seniority and benefits. Training at initial assignment and at least annually for those at or above the action level or at risk of irritation; employees in any workplace with potential airborne lead exposure at any level must be informed of the content of Appendices A and B. DANGER LEAD signs where the PEL is exceeded. Records: monitoring and medical records at least 40 years or employment plus 20 years, whichever is longer; medical removal records for the duration of employment. Appendices A to C are informational.