OSHA Seeking Public’s Help in Revising Lead Exposure Standards

Facility managers, especially those in older buildings, need to take precautions to prevent lead poisoning or exposure to themselves and building residents. Their experience may prove helpful to the U.S. 

Department of Labor (DOL) which announced this week that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is asking the for public feedback on modifying its current standards for occupational lead poisoning and exposure. 

According to the DOL, recent medical research has shown that lead exposure is more dangerous at lower blood levels in adults than what is reflected by OSHA’s current lead standards. 

OSHA published an “Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” (ANPRM) to collect public input on revising the current OSHA lead standards to help prevent harmful effects due to lead poisoning and exposure. 

OSHA is asking the public to specifically comment on the following areas of the lead standards: 

• Blood lead level triggers for medical removal protection 

• Medical surveillance provisions, including triggers and frequency of blood lead monitoring 

• Permissible exposure limit 

• Ancillary provisions for personal protective equipment (PPE), housekeeping, hygiene, and training.  

The ANPRM also seeks comments concerning the current practices of employers regarding workplace lead exposure and the associated costs. 

To submit comments, read the Federal Register notice for instructions. All comments must be submitted online by August 29, 2022. Refer to Docket No. OSHA-2018-0004 when submitting your input. 

Appy for an OSHA Safety Training Grant today!