MoD Health & Safety Handbook 

JSP 375 Vol 2 

Types of work where there is liable to be 

Examples where such work could be 

significant exposure to lead (unless the employer 

carried out 

provides adequate controls) 

Lead dust and fumes 

High temperature lead work (above 500

C) e.g. lead 

Casting of certain non ferrous metals e.g. 

melting, burning, welding and cutting. 

gunmetal, burning of lead coated and painted 

plant and surfaces in demolition work, ship 

building, breaking and repairing and radiator 

repair. 

Abrasion of lead giving rise to lead dust in air e.g. dry 

Maintenance and repair of service 

discing, grinding, cutting by power tools. 

equipment, vehicles and maritime craft. 

Firing small firearms in indoor ranges 

Spraying of lead paint and lead compounds. 

Painting equipment with lead paint. 

Work with lead compounds which give rise to lead 

Battery breaking. 

dust in air. 

Lead alkyls 

Inspection, cleaning and maintenance work inside 

Establishments with gasoline storage 

tanks which have contained leaded gasoline. 

capability. 

Table 1 Types of work with lead that are liable to result in significant exposure 

Types of lead work where there is not liable to be 

Examples where such work could be 

significant exposure to lead 

carried out 

Lead dust and fumes 

Low temperature melting of lead (below 500

C). 

Plumbing, soldering 

Low temperatures control the fume but care is still 

required for dust from dross. 

Work with materials which contain less than 1% total 

lead. 

Work with lead in emulsion or paste where the 

Brush painting with lead paint. 

moisture content is such and is maintained so that lead 

dust and fume cannot be given off  throughout the work 

duration. 

Handling of clean solid metallic lead, e.g. ingots, pipes 

Weathering buildings, plumbing 

and sheets 

Lead alkyls 

Any exposure to lead alkyl vapours from leaded 

Refuelling vehicles with leaded gasoline 

gasoline. 

Table 2 Table 2 Types of work not liable to result in significant exposure to lead 

Significant exposure 

9 

If the exposure is liable to be significant, guidance must be sought, via the local Safety Advisor, or 

from occupational or environmental health specialists, as all of CLAW will apply.  In addition, there may 

be medical implications that preclude women and young persons from being exposed to such a risk. 

Introducing control measures and air monitoring 

10  If the exposure is significant the Line Manager must take steps to prevent employees inhaling lead 

dust, fume and vapour by: 

Leaflet 5 Annex B 

April 2003 

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