WORKSAFE Victoria says workers using lead solder to repair radiators risk being exposed to excessive amounts of lead.
Lead is a cumulative poison. It can build up in the body over a period of time until symptoms occur. Continued exposure can cause kidney damage, nerve and brain damage, paralysis and lead palsy.
Repair technicians may be exposed to lead through inhaling lead fumes, airborne dust, and ingestion from contaminated hands or food.
According to WorkSafe Victoria, the lead exposure risk can be eliminated or reduced by using lower temperature fuel such as natural gas or air instead of oxyacetylene, producing less fumes.
Workers should also consider using solder with lower lead content, and setting up the job so that operator is not working so close to or over the solder fumes.
A local exhaust ventilation solution can also be used to draw fumes away from the operator’s breathing zone, or P2 respiratory protection can be used.
Lead dross should be captured in a bucket of water to prevent the spread of lead contamination, and cleaning up should utilise a wet method or HEPA filter fitted vacuum cleaners.
Employers should also consider contamination from work clothing, by providing changing and washing facilities, isolating lunch areas from the lead-contaminated areas, and promoting an active hand washing policy prior to eat, drinking or smoking.
Workers should be tested for lead contamination in order to assess the effectiveness of the risk reduction regime.
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