NIOSH Provides Information to Reduce Workers’ Lead Exposure When Replacing Lead Pipes

This past September, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published a new resource to help employers and workers reduce hazards associated with lead pipe removal and replacement.

Workplace Solutions: Reducing Workers’ Lead Exposure during Water Service Line Removal and Replacement discusses the potential for lead exposure when workers replace lead service lines and provides recommendations to reduce exposure. The 7-page document also provides information about the health effects of lead exposure, take-home lead exposure hazards for families, and occupational exposure limits and references.

NIOSH’s recommendations for employers to reduce lead exposure include actions such as:

• Developing a written lead monitoring and control program which may include a testing protocol, hazard control program and job hazard assessment for tasks that may expose workers to lead
• Monitoring airborne lead exposures
• Providing portable high efficiency particulate air (HEPA)-filtered vacuums to clean work vehicles
• Improving training, testing and housekeeping

“While this document is a valuable resource for those involved with replacing lead service lines, there are still a number of other industries where workers could be exposed to lead on a regular basis,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It’s important to note that elevated blood lead levels can cause permanent health issues. This is why EMSL’s laboratories offer comprehensive industrial hygiene, environmental, and material testing for lead and other heavy metals. We also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, and even a full range of personal protective equipment (PPE). These services and tools not only protect workers, they also help to keep companies in regulatory compliance to avoid costly penalties.”

Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about lead exposure risks in the work environment that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/9Xcns9ZY_bo

To learn more about lead testing and monitoring resources, or for access to PPE, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail