Lead Exposure Assessment Toolbox Talk

Before work begins on materials that may contain lead, it is important to evaluate the potential for worker exposure. A lead exposure assessment identifies tasks that may generate lead dust or fumes, estimates the level of exposure, and determines the engineering controls, work practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other protective measures needed to perform the work safely. Exposure assessments should be reviewed whenever work conditions or job activities change.

This toolbox talk reviews the purpose of lead exposure assessments and the role workers play in recognizing and controlling lead hazards.

Why This Matters

• Lead exposure assessments help identify hazards before work begins.
• Proper assessments determine the controls needed to reduce worker exposure.
• Evaluating work activities helps prevent uncontrolled lead dust and fumes.
• Exposure assessments support compliance with occupational health regulations.
• Regular reassessment ensures controls remain effective as work conditions change.

Common Hazards

• Grinding, sanding, cutting, or scraping lead-containing materials.
• Welding or torch cutting painted or coated metal containing lead.
• Demolition activities that generate airborne lead dust.
• Changes in work methods that increase lead exposure.
• Inadequate ventilation or dust control.
• Failure to evaluate new work areas or materials.
• Improper use of respiratory protection or PPE.
• Assuming previous exposure assessments apply to different work conditions.

Safety Checklist

Before Work Begins

• Determine whether lead-containing materials are present or may be disturbed.
• Review available lead testing results, building records, or previous exposure assessments.
• Identify tasks that could generate lead dust or fumes.
• Select appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and PPE based on the assessment.
• Ensure workers understand the identified lead hazards and required protective measures.
• Verify that required air monitoring or exposure monitoring will be performed when applicable.

During Work

• Monitor work activities for changes that could affect lead exposure.
• Follow all engineering controls, containment measures, and lead-safe work practices.
• Report changes in materials, work methods, or site conditions that may require the exposure assessment to be updated.
• Use required respiratory protection and PPE throughout the task.
• Maintain good housekeeping to prevent the spread of lead contamination.
• Stop work if exposure controls are no longer effective or conditions differ from the assessment.

Crew Talking Points

• What lead hazards have been identified for today's work?
• Which tasks are most likely to generate lead dust or fumes?
• What engineering controls and PPE are required?
• What changes in the work could require a new exposure assessment?
• Who should be notified if conditions change during the job?
• Speak up immediately if you believe lead exposure controls are inadequate or work conditions have changed.

Stop Work If

• Lead hazards have not been assessed before work begins.
• Previously unidentified lead-containing materials are discovered.
• Required engineering controls or PPE are unavailable or ineffective.
• Work conditions change beyond what was evaluated in the exposure assessment.
• Uncontrolled lead dust or fumes are being generated.
• You are unsure whether the current exposure assessment applies to the work being performed.

Final Reminder

A lead exposure assessment is the foundation of safe lead work. Identify hazards before work begins, use the controls specified in the assessment, report changes in work conditions immediately, and never assume yesterday's assessment applies to today's job without verification. If conditions change, stop work and reassess the hazards.