FACTSHEET Prevention of Exposure to Lead at Work in Indonesia Which occupations have more risk of high lead exposure? Shooters and especially shooting instructors (eg in the Police and Armed Forces) are at particular risk of high lead exposure because they typically use lead bullets. Risks are higher for shooters who practice in indoor shooting ranges (if these exist in Indonesia) (Rainier Ballistics Corporation 1992). People who have been shot but survived and have retained lead shot or bullet fragments in their bodies should have regular blood lead tests for the rest of their life, to determine whether lead is leaching from the lodged lead fragments into the bloodstream (LLSBS 2010). Cleaning and maintenance workers at shooting practice ranges are also at risk from the lead dust which (is emitted every time a gun is fired and) collects on soil, floors and other surfaces (MWSHP 2002). There are many workers who are at serious risk of high lead exposure, particularly those workers in industries where activities as following are done:
People who work in electronic, plumbing and printing industries may also be at risk of exposure to lead, but the percentage is lower than people who work on the above activities (Source: HSE UK 2009, WorkSafe BC 2006 and Oregon DHS 2007). How to prevent lead exposure in the work place The first principle of preventing lead exposure at work is to institute the HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS (NSW WorkCover (2008) which are:
In more detail:
Lead exposure in the workplace can be prevented by minimizing the amount of lead with which the workers come in contact. All employers in lead industries must provide an exposure control plan to minimize the exposure of their employees to lead (WorkSafe BC 2006). Furthermore, signs must be posted in work areas containing hazardous material in order to warn the workers of potential hazards. In addition, the workers should always wear safety equipment and make sure the equipment is safe and in good condition. Exposure to dust and fume system collection also should be limited in the workplace (DHS 2010). It is also essential for employers to provide training and information to work safety with lead in all conditions whether it is an emergency or not (HSE UK 2009). Also, employers are required to monitor air quality in order to determine the level of lead exposure in the workplace. If air quality in the workplace contains lead above 30 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3), employers must provide a medical examination, including a blood-lead test every six months (permissible workplace exposure is below 50 µg/m3). If the employee has a high blood-lead level, the employer must transfer the employee to work in an area where they are not exposed to lead, and guarantee the employee the same benefits as their regular job (DHS 2010). References - see Lead Poisoning in IndonesiaDISCLAIMER: The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Australian Government, and the Australian Government does not accept responsibility for any information or advice contained herein. |
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