Lead

Action level

(a) Scope and application . (1) This section applies to all occupational exposure to lead , except as provided in paragraph (a)(2). (2) This section does not apply to the construction industry or to agricultural operations covered by 29 CFR part 1928 . (b) Definitions. Action level means employee exposure , without regard to the use of respirators , to an airborne concentration of lead of 30 micrograms per cubic meter of air (30 µg/m 3) averaged over an 8-hour period.

PEL

Department of Health, Education , and Welfare, or designee. Lead means metallic lead, all inorganic lead compounds, and organic lead soaps. Excluded from this definition are all other organic lead compounds. (c) Permissible exposure limit (PEL). (1) The employer shall assure that no employee is exposed to lead at concentrations greater than fifty micrograms per cubic meter of air (50 µg/m 3) averaged over an 8-hour period.

Surveillance trigger

(5) Lavatories. The employer shall provide an adequate number of lavatory facilities which comply with § 1910.141(d) (1) and (2) of this part. (j) Medical surveillance —(1) General. (i) The employer shall institute a medical surveillance program for all employees who are or may be exposed at or above the action level for more than 30 days per year.

Exam frequency

(3) Medical examinations and consultations—(i) Frequency. The employer shall make available medical examinations and consultations to each employee covered under paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this section on the following schedule: (A) At least annually for each employee for whom a blood sampling test conducted at any time during the preceding 12 months indicated a blood lead level at or above 40 µg/100 g;

Record retention

(A) A copy of the medical examination results including medical and work history required under paragraph (j) of this section; (B) A description of the laboratory procedures and a copy of any standards or guidelines used to interpret the test results or references to that information; (C) A copy of the results of biological monitoring. (iv) The employer shall maintain or assure that the physician maintains those medical records for at least 40 years, or for the duration of employment plus 20 years, whichever is longer.