OSHA Lead Awareness Training
The OSHA Lead Awareness Training course is developed in alignment with OSHA’s Lead Standard for the Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926.62). This course provides essential knowledge for workers, foremen, and supervisors who may be exposed to lead or lead-containing materials during construction or maintenance operations. It ensures compliance with OSHA’s initial and annual training requirements for employees working at or above the action level of lead exposure.
What is Lead Exposure?
Lead exposure occurs when lead particles are inhaled or ingested, commonly through dust, fumes, or contaminated materials at construction sites. Over time, exposure can accumulate in the body and cause severe health problems affecting the nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive organs. Even low levels of exposure can be harmful, especially for long-term workers and their families who may be indirectly affected through take-home contamination.
Employer Responsibilities
OSHA requires employers to implement a written lead compliance program that identifies potential sources of lead exposure and outlines control measures to reduce worker risk. Employers must provide appropriate training, medical surveillance, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure employees are adequately protected. Regular monitoring and recordkeeping are also required to maintain OSHA compliance and workplace safety.
Course Purpose
This OSHA Lead Awareness Training aims to help participants understand the hazards of lead exposure, recognize situations where exposure may occur, and implement safe work practices to minimize risk. The course covers proper hygiene practices, engineering controls, PPE usage, and decontamination procedures to protect workers and prevent contamination of surrounding environments.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is designed for individuals involved in operations where lead exposure may occur, including:
- Construction workers and site laborers
- Supervisors and foremen overseeing lead-related tasks
- Maintenance and renovation workers
- Painters, welders, and demolition crews
- Health and safety professionals
Why Choose This OSHA Lead Awareness Training?
- Meets OSHA’s annual training requirements for lead exposure.
- Promotes awareness of workplace lead hazards and control measures.
- Prepares workers to recognize symptoms of lead poisoning and take preventive actions.
- Reduces risk of citations, penalties, and long-term health consequences.
- Encourages safer work practices and a culture of compliance.
What You'll Learn
- Understand OSHA’s Lead Standard (29 CFR 1926.62) and its requirements.
- Identify sources of lead exposure on construction sites.
- Recognize the health effects and symptoms of lead poisoning.
- Apply engineering and administrative controls to minimize exposure.
- Select and properly use personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Follow hygiene and housekeeping procedures to prevent contamin
Upon completion of the OSHA Lead Awareness Training course, learners will be able to:
This course covers the regulatory, medical, and practical aspects of lead safety for construction worksites. After completing the module, participants will be able to:
-
Summarize OSHA regulations pertaining to lead exposure in the construction industry
Describe the scope and key requirements of 29 CFR 1926.62, employer duties for exposure monitoring, written compliance programs, training, recordkeeping, and controls to protect workers.
-
Explain the physical and chemical properties of lead
Identify common forms of lead (metallic lead, lead oxide, lead-based paint, leaded dust and fumes), and how those properties influence hazards and control methods.
-
Explain the various routes of exposure to lead and the adverse health effects associated with this exposure
Discuss inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact as exposure routes and summarize acute and chronic health effects including neurological, renal, reproductive, and developmental impacts.
-
Outline the permissible exposure limit (PEL) and action level (AL) for lead exposure as specified by OSHA regulations
Define OSHA’s PEL and AL for lead, explain how they are measured (time-weighted averages and sampling), and describe employer obligations when levels meet or exceed the action level.
-
Explain the elements of a comprehensive medical surveillance program
Cover medical examinations, baseline and periodic blood-lead testing, symptom reviews, recordkeeping, confidentiality, and criteria for referral or medical removal.
-
Define chelating agents and the conditions for their use
Describe what chelation therapy is, common chelating agents used for lead poisoning, clinical indications, and the importance of medical supervision and appropriate follow-up.
-
Summarize the purpose of medical removal protections and the benefits an employee is entitled to in case of removal
Explain medical removal protection (MRP), the criteria for removal from lead-exposed work, job protection, wage continuation or benefits, and procedures for return-to-work following clearance.
-
Discuss the various hazard controls and safe work practices that must be implemented on a worksite to limit lead exposure to safe levels
Detail engineering controls (local exhaust ventilation, containment), administrative controls (work rotation, housekeeping), PPE selection and use, decontamination, hygiene practices, and training to minimize exposure and prevent take-home contamination.