Special Note on Lead Handling
Lead (Pb) is used extensively throughout Jefferson Lab for soldering as well as for radiation shielding in the form of bricks, sheets, and shot bags. Particulate lead can be on soldering benches, lead bricks (or other lead items) and surrounding surfaces, and even in fumes.
Limited exposure to Pb presents a minimal hazard; however, that hazard is still to be respected. To avoid lead hazards, staff, users, and visitors should:
- First, review activities and select a less toxic substitute whenever practical.
- Consult the MSDS and heed all related warning & caution signs.
- Complete lead worker awareness training prior to working with lead.
- Contact EH&S Staff when moving more than 10 lead bricks. Industrial hygiene monitoring will need to be performed.
- Prepare a TOSP for any machining of lead that will result in the generation of dust, particulates, or off-gassing.
- Not handle lead unnecessarily. If handling is necessary, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn.
- When stopping work, wash all surfaces exposed to lead such as your hands and face.
- Refrain from taking food, cigarettes, or other tobacco products into areas using lead.
- Use a HEPA vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during cleanup of areas where lead dust may be present.
- Clean soldering benches each week with Spray Nine and Kim Wipes to limit lead dust on work surfaces.
Supervisors/SOTRs should:
- Minimize the need for contact with lead. When lead must be handled, make sure it is handled properly.
- Conduct a task hazard analysis before carrying out work involving lead.
- Prepare a TOSP for any machining of lead that will result in the generation of dust, particulates, or off-gassing.
- Make sure appropriate signs are posted near areas using lead work or storage.
- Assess the need for air sampling when moving lead brick in quantities more than 10. (Contact the Safety Lab, ext.7039, for assistance)
EH&S Staff should:
- Conduct lead monitoring when necessary
- Provide lead hazard awareness training
- Monitor when cutting or abrading is involved
Storage
Lead stored outdoors must be elevated and covered completely with tarps in such a way as to preclude contact with water, which accelerates oxidation. Lead stored indoors, even lead bricks that are painted or sealed, must be segregated through use of notice signs. Uncoated lead bricks must be kept covered with tarps. (Remember that tarps or sheet plastic used indoors must be fire-retardant.)
To prevent contamination, storage areas should also be chosen for isolation from drainage. Indoors, Pb storage areas should be away from drains that empty into the sewage system; outdoors, they should be away from storm drainage channels.
Waste
Contact the Hazardous Waste Coordinator (x7863) to arrange for disposal of lead waste.
More Information
Refer to EH&S Manual Chapter 6680, Lead Handling, or contact EH&S staff.