"<p><strong>WORKSAFE BC SAFE WORK PRACTICES FOR HANDLING LEAD<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p><\/p>\r\n<p>WorkSafe BC does not numerically define what is considered to be a lead containing paint or coating. All suspected paints or coatings should be tested for lead as depending on the nature of work, even a small amount of airborne lead could pose a risk to workers or occupants. In order to determine which controls and personal protective equipment are required for a specific job, a qualified person must consider this information as part of the site- specific risk assessment.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n<p>For example, the implementation of appropriate workplace controls during the removal or disturbance of any paint\u00a0or material containing more than 90 ppm lead if vulnerable people are (or will be) present. These individuals could\u00a0include pregnant women (or those trying to become pregnant), older workers, and children. The employer has a\u00a0responsibility to protect all who could be harmed by any lead released during the work.<\/p>\r\n<p>Based on the nature of work activity, more stringent workplace controls may be required regardless of the\u00a0concentration of lead. For example, hand scraping of paint containing 700 ppm lead may not produce levels of\u00a0airborne lead higher than one-half the exposure limit. However, abrasive blasting of the same paint will generate\u00a0much greater levels of airborne lead. Qualified persons must consider both methods of removal and nature of the\u00a0material in order to properly assess risk levels.<\/p>"