## Old Lead Paint What You Need To Know As A Busy Builder

Do you know old leaded paint can be serious risk to your health? These are essential health and safety tips you should follow, even if you don't directly employ the people working on your site. 

n	 Breathing or ingesting lead dust or fume can 
cause serious problems like kidney, nerve and brain damage or infertility.
n	 You are most at risk if you regularly do 
common jobs like:
-	
remove existing paint coatings in 
properties built before the 1980s;
-	
stripping old paint using blow lamps or 
gas torches; 
-	
dry sanding old paint.

## Remember

n		 Lead pigments were widely used in paints 
for homes, schools and offices until the 1960s.
n		 Lead pigments were not removed from 
commonly used paints until the early 1980s.
n		 Lead paint can be found under existing 
paintwork in older buildings.
Fee for Intervention HSE now recovers the costs of time spent dealing with material breaches of health and safety law. This is known as Fee for Intervention (FFI). FFI generally applies when an inspector finds something wrong that they believe is serious enough for them to write to you about. A fee is charged for the time spent by the inspector in sorting it out. Following the simple guidance on this sheet may help you to avoid having to pay a fee.

n	 You can take simple steps to stop this dust 
and fume that will meet the law:

1	 Plan your work - Only strip back old paint 
if it is flaking, chipping or it is a risk to children.
2	 If paint is in poor condition remove using a 
combination of chemical paint stripper, wet abrasive paper and on-tool extraction. 
3	 If paint is in good condition use waterproof 
abrasive paper to make a key for the new coat of paint.
4	 Remove any debris with a damp cloth. 5	 Place any debris, cloths, abrasive paper in a 
plastic bag for disposal.
1. Plan your work - 

Remove or protect soft 
furnishings and surfaces 
with plastic sheeting. Wear 
disposable overalls and an 
FFP3 mask.
2. Stop dust getting into 
the air - 

Use wet abrasive paper 
or on-tool extraction. 
 
Passive capture bags on 
tools are less effective.

## 3. Stop Lead Fume

being produced - 

Set hot air guns or infrared 
equipment below 500° C. 
Do not use gas torches or 

blow lamps.

## 4. Wash Hands And Forearms Before Eating, Drinking And Smoking –

The small sink is not 
suitable. Provide a large sink, hot or warm running water, soap and towels.

© *Crown copyright* If you wish to reuse this information visit www.hse.gov.uk/copyright.htm for details. First published 09/14
This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Following the guidance is not compulsory, unless specifically stated, and you are free to take other action. But if you do follow the guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may refer to this guidance.

The Working Well Together campaign aims to improve 
health and safety in the construction 
industry, particularly in small 
and micro businesses. For more 
information visit www.wwt.uk.com