Heritage Testing LimitedTest For Lead

Commercial Laboratory Lead Testing Services
from Heritage Testing Limited

 

Where is Lead?

With its density, workability and corrosion-resistance, lead has a long industrial history and has been used in a wide range of products. Within the construction industry paint is a major source of lead contamination, however, lead is present in a wide variety of materials including varnish, plastics, slate and pipes.

Dangers of Lead

Lead poisoning affects many of the body’s organ systems, including the nervous system, kidneys, cardiovascular, immune and reproduction systems. There is no scientifically agreed safe level of lead.

Test For Lead

Prevalence of leadAre 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:-

CDM RegulationsThe 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).

Blood lead level testsThe 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.

UK and EU lead legislationAll 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..

Paint Toxicity and Risk

An in depth article on paint toxicity and risk assessment, written by us for The Building Conservation Directory 2018.

Lead Safe World Partner