What is lead, and how can exposure occur? Lead, a metal derived from mining lead ore, is utilized in various forms such as pure metal, alloys, and lead compounds, finding applications in products like vehicle batteries, solder, paint pigments, and as a stabilizer for plastic protection against sun damage.

In Section 392 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, the definition of lead and a list of lead process activities are outlined. Workplace activities exposing individuals to lead encompass tasks like dry machine grinding, discing, buffing, or cutting lead; manufacturing or recycling lead-acid batteries; repairing radiators or vehicle exhaust systems, among others.

To avoid exposure to lead, consider the following measures:

• Wear protective clothing, including overalls, disposable overshoes, hat, and gloves.
• Avoid practices generating dust clouds containing lead, such as dry sweeping or using compressed air to clean lead-contaminated areas.
• Utilize a particulate respirator designed according to AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory Protective Devices.
• Refrain from using inexpensive disposable dust masks with a single elastic strap, as they don't offer sufficient respiratory protection.
• Ensure the respirator fits and seals the face properly, especially if facial hair is present.
• Store the respirator face down in a sealed container away from the hazard source when not in use.
• Check the respirator for cleanliness, valve condition, and proper filters before use.
• Change coveralls and overshoes before leaving the work area to prevent contamination elsewhere.
• Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in lead-risk work areas.
• Use nailbrushes for thorough hand and face washing before smoking, eating, or drinking outside lead-risk work areas.
• Refrain from taking lead-contaminated clothing home for laundering; employers are responsible for appropriate laundering.
• Shower and wash hair promptly after finishing work.
• If working with lead-based paint, have blood levels checked by a registered medical practitioner experienced in health monitoring.

Health impacts of lead absorption Lead can enter the body through inhalation or ingestion, leading to severe consequences if untreated. Both adults and children, as well as pets, are at risk of fatal lead poisoning, with pets often exhibiting signs of lead poisoning first.

Lead poisoning symptoms

Common symptoms of lead poisoning are:

• loss of appetite
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• loss of weight
• severe abdominal pains
• muscle weakness
• limb paralysis
• headaches
• tiredness
• irritability.

Continued exposure or high levels of exposure can cause:

• anaemia
• kidney damage
• nerve and brain damage.

What to do if you suspect lead poisoning

Consult a doctor immediately if lead poisoning is suspected.

The doctor should order a blood test to determine if lead has been absorbed.

Who is at risk?

Common people who are at risk include:

• anyone visiting the workplace (workers, employers, customers, maintenance workers)
• anyone removing lead-based paint
• people in premises neighbouring the workplace
• family members exposed to lead carried home on the clothing of a worker, employer or self-employed person
• children, pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Lead exposure during pregnancy is of particular concern because it can cross the placenta and at low levels has been shown to be harmful to the foetus, affecting the baby's nervous system. Children are at risk because they are more susceptible to absorbing lead than adults. Even low amounts of lead absorbed by a child can reduce a child's intellectual development.

Who is responsible for controlling the risks?

Lead is a highly toxic cumulative poison for which:

• manufacturers and importers must prepare, review, amend and provide Safety Data Sheets
• suppliers must provide the Safety Data Sheets and label lead containers.

Employers and self-employed persons must:

• control and review control measures used in lead-risk work
• provide health monitoring by a registered medical practitioner with experience in health monitoring for workers in lead-risk work
• conduct atmospheric monitoring for lead-risk work
• temporarily remove anyone with high blood lead levels and exclude workers who are pregnant or breastfeeding or have a specific medical condition
• consult with workers on choosing a doctor
• maintain confidentiality of workers' medical records
• provide induction and training
• record information about lead exposure and training provided
• provide workers and workplace health and safety representatives with access to records
• notify Workplace Health and Safety Queensland by emailing OHHA@oir.qld.gov.au the approved form:
• Form 23 – New notification of lead risk work (PDF, 2.34 MB)
• Form 23 – Amended notification of lead risk work (PDF, 2.34 MB)
• Form 23 – Removal of worker from lead risk work (PDF, 2.34 MB)
• Form 86 - Lead health monitoring report (PDF, 0.2 MB)

Workers must:

• participate in health monitoring
• tell the employer about a medical condition that may be adversely affected by exposure to lead
• tell the employer if pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

The lead audit checklist (DOC, 0.16 MB) and the lead paint removal/residential buildings audit checklist (PDF, 0.3 MB) will help identify the risks of working with lead.