# Lead awareness

URL: https://hardhatbinder.com/en/toolbox-talks/lead-awareness
Last updated: 2026-10-23

Lead is still in a lot of old paint, solder, pipes, and coatings on the buildings we work on. When we sand, scrape, cut, torch, or demo those surfaces, lead dust and fumes get in the air and on our clothes. You can't see most of it, and it builds up in your body over time, so we protect ourselves every shift.

## Key points

1. Before you disturb old paint or metal, ask if it has been tested for lead. If nobody knows, treat it like it has lead.
2. Use methods that make less dust: wet scraping, wet sanding, and tools with a HEPA vacuum attached. Do not dry sweep or use compressed air to clean up.
3. Wear the respirator you were assigned, fit-checked and with the right filters. A paper dust mask is not enough for lead work.
4. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in the work area. Wash your hands and face before you eat or take a break.
5. Keep lead dust off your family. Change out of work clothes and boots before you get in your truck, and don't take dirty clothes home mixed with the family laundry.
6. Keep the work area marked off so other trades and people don't walk through the dust. Clean up with a HEPA vac and wet wipes at the end of the day.
7. Tell the foreman if you get headaches, stomach pain, feel very tired, or notice other changes. Ask about blood testing if you do a lot of lead work.

## Talk it over

- Where on this job could we run into lead—paint, pipes, flashing, or something else?
- What tasks are we doing this week that make dust or fumes, and how can we cut that down?
- Where can you wash up and change before you leave the site, and is anything missing?

> **Remember:** If you don't know, treat it as lead—and leave the dust at work, not at home.

## Official sources

- [29 CFR 1926.62](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/section-1926.62) — Lead

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Source: HardHat Binder, operated by Leadspire LLC. Templates to be reviewed by a competent person before use; not legal advice; not affiliated with OSHA.