Lead (SANAS Accredited)
To compile an inventory of the lead containing materials existing within your premises in order to satisfy the requirements of the Lead Regulations, 2002, in particular Regulation 14, 15.
This survey identifies the location and approximate quantity (inventory), condition and potential health risk of any lead and Lead Containing Materials existing within the premises.
A Condition Rating is obtained by inspecting the physical condition type and nature of these products, its use and location.
About Lead
Lead is a very soft, highly malleable metal that is very resistant to corrosion. In terms of industrial hygiene two categories of lead compounds are considered – firstly, lead and inorganic lead compounds and secondly, organic lead compounds. Lead is widely used in metal products, sheet metal, solders and pigments. It was also widely used as an additive (tetra ethyl lead) in petrol. Other uses of lead include in batteries, pottery glazes and in lead crystal glass. Exposure to lead and inorganic lead compounds usually occurs through inhalation of dust and fume from metal processing, grinding and welding. Lead is readily absorbed through the lungs. Ingestion is also a possible route of entry where poor hygiene standards occur. Once in the body the lead is transported by the red blood cells and stored mainly in the bone marrow where it interferes with haemoglobin production. Organic lead compounds (mainly tetra ethyl lead) are absorbed as a vapour by inhalation and are also readily absorbed through the skin.
The lead surveys are carried out according to the Lead Regulations, 2001. (Occupational Health & Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993)
OHMS Pty Ltd offers the following services:
• Walk through health risk assessment/ lead risk assessment to lead (on site).A lead Risk Assessment will help employers to identify and manage the risk from lead exposure, as per the Lead Regulations, 2001.
• Personal, static and environmental air monitoring for lead based on the walk through health risk assessment and/or lead risk assessment.
• Testing of ventilation controls in place (local exhaust ventilation, fume cupboards etc.)
• Planning and drafting of chemical monitoring programmes.
OHMS Pty Ltd carries out HCS surveys taking into consideration:
• Compliance with the Lead regulations
• Protecting the health of the workers
• Medical surveillance for employees exposed to lead (Lead Regulations, 2001)
• Annual reminder to clients for personal exposure to lead monitoring(Lead Regulations, 2001)
• Recommending controls in good faith to keep lead exposures as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP)
Regulation and Standards:
- Occupational Health and Safety act, 1993, Act 85 of 1993
- Lead Regulations, 2001
- OESSM: Occupational exposure Sampling Strategy Manual. Published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- HSG- 173: United States of America, Dept of Health, Education and Welfare
- MDHS 6/3: MDHS 6/3 Lead and Inorganic Compounds of Lead in Air
- SANS 6164:2009: Determination of lead (inorganic and tetra-alkyl) in workplace air by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
