Lead-in-paint Survey

Lead-in-paint Consultancy Services

Our BOHS-qualified consultants are experienced in lead-in-paint surveys and can identify probable locations of lead-based paints. We can provide instant results using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques which involves the use of a handheld analyser unit This equipment is particularly useful in heritage buildings, or where damage to décor needs to be avoided. Paints can also be sampled ( by scraping a test area) and having them analysed in our laboratory.

Our consultants can also assist employers with their duty to protect workers exposure to lead with other specialist services such as :

Guidance and specification for removal, controls needed and advice on the suitable and sufficient washing and shower facilities needed.
Air testing – personal and static monitoring to measure levels of lead-in-air to compare with the Occupational Exposure Limits documented in the Regulations
Interpretation of blood lead levels, for lead workers as required under the regulations.

This survey is required to identify locations of lead-based paints and allows Duty Holders to protect the health of people at work in compliance with The Control of Lead at Work Regulations (2002).

FAQ

Why is lead-based paint dangerous?

Lead can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of particulate or fume, from cutting, burning sanding etc during works, or by ingestion, where the lead dust enters the digestive tract, and therefore strict controls are required for eating, drinking and smoking when working with lead. Long-term exposure to even low levels of lead can lead to health problems.

Where is lead-based paint found?

Lead was historically used in paints as an anti-corrosive primer, on steelwork, such as window frames, columns, RSJs etc, as well as woodwork, particularly externally. The use of lead in paints was banned in 1992.

What does UK law say about managing lead-based paint?

The current Control of Lead at Work Regulations (2002) aims to:

protect the health of people at work by preventing or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlling their exposure to lead; and
monitor the amount of lead that employees absorb so that individuals whose work involves significant exposure to lead at work can be taken off such work before their health is affected.

The Regulations require employers to:

make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks to the health of employees created by the work to include whether the exposure of any employees to lead is liable to be significant;
identify and implement the measures to prevent or adequately control that exposure;
record the significant findings of the assessment as soon as is practicable after the assessment is made.

How do you survey for lead-based paint?

AEC occupational hygiene consultants are experienced in lead-in-paint surveys can identify probably locations of lead-based paints, and identify where these are lead-based by:

Using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques which involves the use of a handheld XRF analyser unit which works by exposing a material to X-rays in the 35 to 50 kilovolt (kV) region which causes the atoms in the material to emit a scattered X-ray photon (fluorescence), which is subsequently detected by the analyser, measured and converted into a material identification, in this case lead (Pb), and reported as mg/cm². This equipment provides ‘instant’ results, and is particularly useful in heritage buildings, or where damage to décor needs to be avoided, or

Sampling paints for lead content. We can do this by scraping samples and having them analysed in the laboratory.