Lead exposure training is needed by workers who may disturb or handle lead, including construction, renovation, painting and manufacturing crews. Anyone repairing or inspecting older buildings with lead-based paint is at risk. OSHA requires lead training for employees exposed at or above the action level, and their supervisors should understand the hazards too.

OSHA's lead standards are 29 CFR 1910.1025 for general industry and 29 CFR 1926.62 for construction. Both set a permissible exposure limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter over eight hours and an action level of 30. The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, 40 CFR Part 745, covers work on pre-1978 housing.

Lead gets into the body mainly by breathing dust or fumes and by swallowing particles from contaminated hands, food or cigarettes. Once absorbed, it travels through the blood and can damage the nervous system, kidneys and reproductive system. Workers can also carry lead dust home on clothing and expose family members.

Symptoms of lead poisoning include fatigue, headaches, irritability, stomach pain, joint aches and trouble concentrating. Many people have no symptoms until levels are high, so a blood lead test is the reliable way to confirm exposure. Long-term exposure can cause kidney damage, high blood pressure and reproductive harm.

Workers can reduce lead exposure on the job by using wet methods and HEPA vacuums instead of dry sweeping, wearing the respirators and protective clothing provided, and washing hands and face before eating. Changing out of work clothes before leaving the site keeps lead dust out of vehicles and homes.