Safe Work Method Statement for Lead Exposure Prevention and Contamination Control on Construction Sites

Working Around Lead Residue Dust

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Working around lead residue and dust on construction sites involves significant health risks from lead poisoning. This SWMS covers lead exposure prevention, containment measures, cleanup procedures, and personal protection protocols. The document addresses Australian WHS requirements for hazardous substances and lead exposure management.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

Working around lead residue and dust requires specialized controls to prevent lead poisoning. This SWMS covers containment procedures, respiratory protection, and proper cleanup to protect workers from lead exposure hazards.

Fully editable, audit-ready, and aligned to Australian WHS standards.

Why this SWMS matters

Lead dust causes irreversible health damage including neurological and kidney problems. Construction sites often contain lead from old materials, requiring strict controls to prevent exposure and contamination.

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Working Around Lead Residue Dust Safe Work Method Statement crews before they mobilise.

Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

High

Inhalation or ingestion of lead dust causing chronic health effects.

High

Fine lead particles becoming airborne during work activities.

Medium

Lead residue settling on work surfaces and equipment.

Medium

Improper removal leading to ongoing exposure risks.

Medium

Lead dust carried home on clothing and vehicles.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Use lead-free materials and avoid disturbing lead surfaces when possible.

Implementation

Specify lead-free materials, use encapsulation, avoid demolition.

Install barriers and ventilation to contain lead dust.

Implementation

Plastic sheeting, negative pressure, HEPA exhaust.

Use specialized vacuums for lead dust capture and cleanup.

Implementation

HEPA vacuums, wet methods, vacuum tools.

Establish procedures for testing, monitoring, and decontamination.

Implementation

Lead testing, air monitoring, decontamination zones.

Provide respiratory and skin protection for lead work.

Implementation

P2 respirators, coveralls, gloves, safety glasses.

Personal protective equipment

Requirement: P2 mask or PAPR for lead dust

When:

Requirement: Disposable coveralls with hood

When:

Requirement: Nitrile gloves with extended cuffs

When:

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

  • Test surfaces for lead content
  • Verify containment systems
  • Check HEPA equipment
  • Confirm decontamination facilities

During work

  • Monitor airborne lead levels
  • Check containment integrity
  • Verify PPE usage
  • Monitor worker exposure

After work

  • Conduct air quality testing
  • Inspect for residual contamination
  • Verify waste disposal
  • Document exposure levels

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready

Site Assessment and Planning

Assess lead hazards and develop control plan.

Safety considerations

Never work alone, ensure emergency access

Containment Setup

Establish barriers and ventilation systems.

Safety considerations

Prevent dust escape from work area

Personal Protection and Decontamination

Set up PPE and decontamination procedures.

Safety considerations

PPE worn completely at all times

Lead Disturbance Work

Perform work using dust control methods.

Safety considerations

Stop if containment breached

Cleanup and Decontamination

Conduct thorough cleanup and decontamination.

Safety considerations

Never dry sweep lead dust

Frequently asked questions

What are lead poisoning symptoms?

Fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain, joint pain, severe cases cause seizures or coma.

How is lead exposure measured?

Through air sampling and blood lead level testing for exposed workers.

What is lead exposure limit?

0.05 mg/m³ (50 µg/m³) as 8-hour time-weighted average.

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Why It Matters

Lead residue and dust pose severe health risks including lead poisoning, which can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive system. Construction sites often contain lead from old paints, plumbing materials, and industrial coatings. Without proper controls, workers can inhale or ingest lead dust, leading to chronic health issues and workplace contamination. This SWMS ensures systematic lead hazard management through containment, respiratory protection, and proper cleanup procedures.

Hazard Identification

Lead residue and dust present several critical hazards requiring specialized control measures.

Control Measures

Control measures follow the hierarchy of controls, prioritizing elimination and engineering solutions before administrative and PPE measures.

PPE Requirements

Personal protective equipment is critical for lead dust work and must meet specific standards.

Inspections & Checks

Regular inspections and checks are essential for maintaining lead safety.

Step-by-Step Work Procedure

Follow these systematic procedures for safe work around lead residue and dust.

FAQ

Common questions about working around lead residue and dust.

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Risk Rating

BeforeHigh
After ControlsLow

Key Controls

  • • Pre-start briefing covering hazards
  • • PPE: hard hats, eye protection, gloves
  • • Emergency plan communicated to crew

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