OCCUSAFE UPDATE
Monthly Round Up of Important Ideas and Standards in
Industrial Hygiene and Safety
January 2009
IN THIS ISSUE: Get the Lead Out
The widespread use of lead in manufacturing and construction has compelled the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to restrict exposure limits in order to ensure employee’s safety.
“Lead exposure is dangerous and can be deadly,” explains Gary R. Ticker, CIH, CSP, of OccuSafe, Inc, “OSHA recognizes this and has made the reduction of lead exposure a high priority.”
In order to protect employee health and avoid the cost of compliance, companies should bring employee exposure below the OSHA Action level of 25 micrograms per cubic meter. Exposure to this highly toxic chemical causes symptoms including fine tremors, numbness, and a metallic taste that will not subside. Chronic exposure to lead may result in damage to organs, nervous, urinary, and reproductive systems. Extremely high levels can cause brain damage and death. Lead is found in the manufacture of paint and batteries, smelting, and fumes from bullets shot at firing ranges. In construction, lead exposure may occur in demolition, welding, and painting.
“Compliance with the lead standards for construction or general industry involves air and medical monitoring, ventilation, shower and dressing rooms, explains Ticker, “And I recommend initiating controls before lead exposure leads to serious illnesses.”
For more information on this topic and to discuss your company’s safety and industrial hygiene needs call OccuSafe at (214) 662-6005 or visit us at www.occusafeinc.com.
OccuSafe Environmental and Safety, Inc. provides skills and expertise to recognize, evaluate and control hazards and injuries in the areas of industrial hygiene, occupational safety and health. OccuSafe services companies of all sizes in a range of industries.
This newsletter is published monthly by OccuSafe Environmental and Safety Services, Inc. Feel free to forward it to friends and colleagues.
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