Lead in the Workplace

Information for Workers

Key points

  • Read and follow your employer's lead control and management plan.
  • Follow good hygiene practices, work in well-ventilated areas, and use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • If worried about your exposure, have your blood lead level checked.
The chemical symbol for lead is Pb.

Stay safe when working with lead

You can be exposed to lead several ways, so read and follow your employer's lead control and management plan.

Follow good hygiene practices

  • Clean your work area throughout the day.
    • Use wet cleaning methods or a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
    • Never use compressed air or dry sweep.
  • Wash your hands with soap designed to remove lead as soon as you can after cleaning up or working with lead.
  • Try not to touch your face and mouth.

Did you know?‎

Standard soap water are not enough to completely remove lead dust.1 Search "lead wipes" in any browser for a list of NIOSH-licensed, commercially available products proven to decontaminate your skin.

Work in well-ventilated areas

  • Use local exhaust ventilation where provided.
  • Open windows or work outside when possible to improve airflow.

Use required PPE

  • Always wear and clean PPE properly. Talk with a health and safety or union representative from your worksite or contact us at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) to learn more.
  • Clean boots and other re-usable PPE with lead-removing wipes or solution daily.
  • Replace items that become excessively soiled, like work gloves.

Follow these steps when at work

When you arrive at work
  • Change into work clothes and shoes that stay at your workplace.
    • Store your clean clothes, shoes, and personal items in a closed plastic bag and in a place away from lead.
    When you take breaks or eat
    • Always wash your hands with soap designed to remove lead before you eat, drink, or smoke.
    • Only eat, drink, and smoke in approved places away from lead dust.
    • Never leave your workplace without cleaning up, even if just for a quick trip.
    When you are leaving work
    • Don’t take home tools, scrap, and packaging that may have lead on them.
    • If showers are provided, always shower and wash your hair before leaving work.

    If you can't shower at work

    • Wash as much of your skin as you can with lead-removal soap before going home.
    • Change clothes and shoes before going home and leave dirty clothes and shoes at work for cleaning.

    If you clean your work clothes

    • Store work clothes in a closed plastic bag away from all other clothes.
    • Wash and dry work clothes alone and not with any other clothes.

    If worried about lead exposure

    Have your blood lead level checked

    Healthcare providers can measure your blood lead level by taking a blood sample. Any amount of lead in the blood means a person was exposed to lead.

    Workplace safety and health professionals use blood lead (BL) tests to ensure workers are protected from lead exposure. Talk with your employer to see if they do routine BL testing. If your employer does not do routine BL testing, talk with your healthcare provider about having this test done. If you are breastfeeding, also consult your baby's pediatrician to decide if you should have a BL test.

    Ask your doctor to help you understand your BL test results. If your BL test is above normal, your doctor will decide on the best treatment.

    Share your concerns

    Did you know?‎

    If you are concerned about exposure to lead or another workplace hazard, you can submit a request to the NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program to have your work environment evaluated for free.

    If you are concerned about unsafe working conditions, you can also contact the OSHA office nearest you.

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    Content Source:
    National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
    1. Filon FL, Boeniger M, Maina G, Adami G, Spinelli P, Damian A. [2006]. Skin absorption of inorganic lead (PbO) and the effect of skin cleansers. Journal of Environmental Medicine. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16832226] 48(7): 692-699.