Test For Lead
Are you involved in design or implementation of building works that:-
- Will disturb paint or varnish coats that could contain lead?
- Will disturb old dust that could contain lead e.g. within roof voids/attics, floor voids, or associated with commercial machinery?
- Will involve drilling, breaking, or disposal of materials that could contain lead or other toxic metals?
Lead is a potent neurotoxin that can cause a wide range of long-term health problems. Contractors are often unaware of the dangers. In the UK, the responsibility for managing the risk associated with exposure of workers to lead lies with:-
The Principal Designer/Specifier – Under current CDM regulations, sufficient information needs to be provided to the contractor at the design stage to enable the contractor to incorporate the safe handling and disposal of lead based substances into his quote. Under CDM, the Health and Safety File should contain information on hazardous materials used (e.g. lead paints and special coatings).
The Contractors – Under the Control of Lead At Work (CLAW), with Associated Code Of Practice (ACOP) – The contractor needs to risk assess exposure of workers to lead based substances, to act on that risk assessment, and to provide monitoring of workers’ blood lead levels where deemed necessary. Many contractors are unaware of the dangers of lead and precautions required.
All high-lead waste must be disposed of appropriately, in accordance with various UK waste regulations. As an EU member, the UK is also required to meet or exceed EU directives concerning lead.
Heritage Testing Limited can assist with:-
- Undertaking lead surveys
- Identifying presence of lead and other toxic metals in paint particularly older paint undercoats
- Detection of lead in dust
- Lead abatement – verification that a contractor has not left a building or surrounding area in a contaminated condition after refurbishment works
- Advice on how to manage the risks associated with lead
- Advice on cleaning of lead contaminated sites e.g. following inadvertent sanding of lead paint
For more information contact Heritage Testing Limited on 01273 891 785 or E-Mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..