Lead Astray
Name the two primary ways lead enters the body on the job?
Inhalation and Ingestion
If your ears are ringing, is that a symptom of lead exposure?
No, but it is a sign your coworker is too loud
What item most commonly carries lead dust off the jobsite?
PPE or boots
What type of respirator is the only type you can wear with facial hair?
Hooded. Tight-fitting requires a clean shave.
Can you tell if an area has lead by smell?
No, lead has no smell. That's your coworker.
What types of products trap lead dust on the skin and increases exposure?
Lotions, oils, and chapstick
What makes airborne lead difficult to visually detect?
The particles are small, unlike your potential exposure
What end-of-shift practice is most effective at preventing taking home lead?
Changing clothes and washing before leaving the site.
What type of filter must be used for cleaning lead dust?
HEPA/P100
No, it is not enough to protect against lead.
What unsafe cleanup method puts settled lead dust back into the air?
Dry sweeping
Why does torch cutting lead-painted steel create dangerous exposures?
Lead fumes are easily inhaled.
What groups are most harmed by even small amounts of take-home lead?
Children and pregnant women
What work practice reduces airborne lead during cutting or grinding?
What behavior leads to unexpected lead exposure even when workers never touch the painted steel?
Handling tools or equipment that have settled lead dust on them
What overlooked surface becomes contaminated and leads to hand-to-mouth exposure later in the day?
Inside of gloves
What from the environment can spread lead farther than expected during open-air work?
Wind or air currents
How does lead affect children?
Children absorb lead easily and it significantly affects their developing brains
What is the order of effectiveness for the hierarchy of controls?
Elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE
Why does feeling healthy not mean you're safe from lead?
Lead exposure often has no early symptoms
What mistake regarding worker positioning causes workers to inhale high amounts of lead dust during cutting or grinding?
Working directly in the dust plume instead of staying out of the way
What process turns lead paint into fumes that are easily inhaled?
Torch cutting
What personal item becomes contaminated when workers drive home?
The driver's seat of their vehicle
What habit increases lead exposure if you fail to wash before?
Eating or drinking in a contaminated area
Why is it false that lead on clothing will "fall off" by itself?
Lead dust stays on clothing until washed or removed.