Lead Tips and Alerts
for the WAP Network

    This page will be devoted to "tips" on dealing with the Lead Issue when weatherizing.  If you have a tip to offer the network, please submit to our webmaster.  Thanks...

Tips & Lead Alerts to be aware of as WAP directors
HIGH Air Monitoring Results (over 50 ug/m3) These were short bursts and the 8 hr time weighted average for the day was still well below the OSHA standards.
12/02  It has come to our attention, here at NYSWDA, that a couple of agencies (as Steve would say) popped air monitoring readings over 50 lg/m3.  This is a serious problem in that it now requires these agencies to have medicals, bloods, and to write up a "Compliance Plan". 

Also, it means that during the process of weatherization, workers may be exposed to dangerous levels of lead in the workplace if proper lead work-safe practices are not followed.

What action produced the problems?  Here are what appears to be two of the causes.

  1. Removing shingles or clapboard - Agency had wetted the surface of the material, but when the siding was removed, a small amount of lead contaminated dust was released, enough to pop a high reading.
  2. Drilling through painted surfaces in the breathing zone, even though surface was wet.

Recommendations:

  • NYSWDA recommends, in addition to wetting down the surface of shingles or clapboard, performing a thorough misting up behind the material prior to removing.  This will help ensure that any dust collected behind the siding will not be released into the air.
  • Very important: When removing shingles or siding, or drilling through painted surfaces, have ladders placed high enough so that the work is not taking place in the critical "breathing zone". 

 

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