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- If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?
- What eye/face protection is recommended for working with lead?
- What skin protection measures are recommended when working with lead?
- What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?
- Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?
If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?
If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to this material, then wear suitable personal protection equipment including approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills or fire.
If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-93, "Selection, Care, and Use of Respirators", available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:
NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LEAD CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:
UP TO 0.5 mg/m3: Respirator with high-efficiency particulate filter(s); or SAR.
UP TO 1.25 mg/m3: SAR operated in a continuous-flow mode; or powered air- purifying respirator with high-efficiency particulate filter.
UP TO 2.5 mg/m3: Full-facepiece respirator with high-efficiency particulate filter(s); or SAR with a tight-fitting facepiece operated in a continuous-flow mode; or powered air-purifying respirator with tight-fitting facepiece and high-efficiency particulate filter; or full-facepiece SCBA; or full-facepiece SAR.
UP TO 50 mg/m3: Positive pressure SAR.
UP TO 100 mg/m3: Positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR.
EMERGENCY OR PLANNED ENTRY INTO UNKNOWN CONCENTRATIONS OR IDLH CONDITIONS:
Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.
ESCAPE: Full-facepiece respirator with high-efficiency particulate filter(s); or escape-type SCBA.
NOTE: The IDLH concentration for lead is 100 mg/m3 (as Pb). The purpose of establishing an IDLH value is to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of failure of the most protective respiratory protection equipment. In the event of failure of respiratory protective equipment every effort should be made to exit immediately.
The respirator use limitations specified by the approving agency and the manufacturer must be observed. Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators.
ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus; IDLH = immediately dangerous to life or health.
What eye/face protection is recommended for working with lead?
Chemical safety goggles. A face shield may also be necessary.
What skin protection measures are recommended when working with lead?
Chemical protective gloves, coveralls, boots, and/or other protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?
Most materials commonly used in protective clothing are probably adequate. No specific guidelines are available. Contact chemical manufacturer/supplier for advice.
Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?
Remove contaminated clothing promptly. Keep contaminated clothing in closed containers. Discard or launder before rewearing. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards. When handling on a large scale, do not wear work clothing home. A double locker-shower setup is usually required (i.e., work clothes are left in one locker room, the workers takes a showers and goes to the locker on the other side where the worker's street clothes are). Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, smoking or using the washroom. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas.
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Document last updated on September 24, 1998
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