"<p><strong><img src=\"https:\/\/perfexcrmx2.xtrazcon.com\/media\/th.jpg\" width=\"15\" height=\"15\" alt=\"\">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<br>paints or coatings should be tested for lead as depending on the nature of work, even a small amount of airborne<br>lead could pose a risk to workers or occupants. In order to determine which controls and personal protective<\/p>\r\n<p>equipment are required for a specific job, a qualified person must consider this information as part of the site-<br>specific risk assessment.<\/p>\r\n<p>For example, the implementation of appropriate workplace controls during the removal or disturbance of any paint<br>or material containing more than 90 ppm lead if vulnerable people are (or will be) present. These individuals could<br>include pregnant women (or those trying to become pregnant), older workers, and children. The employer has a<br>responsibility to protect all who could be harmed by any lead released during the work.<br>Based on the nature of work activity, more stringent workplace controls may be required regardless of the<br>concentration of lead. For example, hand scraping of paint containing 700 ppm lead may not produce levels of<br>airborne lead higher than one-half the exposure limit. However, abrasive blasting of the same paint will generate<br>much greater levels of airborne lead. Qualified persons must consider both methods of removal and nature of the<br>material in order to properly assess risk levels.<\/p>"