Lesson 1: What is Lead?

This lesson will introduce the physical and chemical properties of lead and its use in ancient times and the industrial era. The lesson will describe lead and the various types of lead, provide a historical evolution of lead as used in ancient times and the industrial era, explain the physical and chemical properties of lead, and summarize OSHA regulations relating to lead exposure in various industries.

Lesson 2: Lead – A Health Hazard

This lesson provides an overview of the adverse health effects associated with lead exposure and resulting in adverse health effects. The lesson will focus on explaining the various routes of exposure to lead, discussing factors affecting lead absorption in the body, describing the biological fate of lead in the human body, and making clear the harmful effects of lead exposure on various organs and systems of the human body.

Lesson 3: Lead Exposure in the Construction Industry

This lesson will explain what lead is, why it is such a serious threat, and the steps employers must take to keep employees safe. The lesson will provide in-depth details about the uses of lead and the activities that pose a significant risk of lead exposure for workers in the construction industry. The lesson will also explain and define the permissible exposure limits (PEL) and action level (AL) as specified in OSHA’s Lead Standard for the construction industry; and explain how blood lead level is an important indicator of the risk of developing lead-related diseases.

Lesson 4: Exposure Assessment

This lesson will cover the purpose and scope of the initial exposure assessment of lead when work begins on a new project or worksite, and the frequency of ongoing testing when further monitoring and control measures are needed. The lesson will discuss the procedure for conducting initial exposure assessments, explain the provision of providing interim protections to employees during the initial exposure assessment, explain how and when employees must be notified of the monitoring results, and discuss the recordkeeping requirements for employee exposure assessments.

Lesson 5: Medical Surveillance

This lesson will summarize medical surveillance programs, medical removal provisions, and medical removal protection benefits at a worksite where workers are exposed to lead. The lesson will explain the elements of a comprehensive medical surveillance program, summarize the conditions under which employers must make a medical examination or consultation immediately available to employees, define chelating agents and their use in terms of lead exposure, and discuss the purpose of medical removal protections and the benefits to which an employee is entitled in case of removal.

Lesson 6: Exposure Controls

This lesson will discuss the engineering controls, administrative controls, housekeeping practices, and protective clothing and equipment (PPE) that can help keep workers safe on the job to minimize the impact of lead exposure on employee health. The lesson will identify the six types of engineering controls that can be implemented at a construction worksite to minimize worker exposure to lead, explain the common types of administrative controls used to minimize worker lead exposure, summarize the housekeeping and hygiene practices employers should implement on any worksite with a lead exposure hazard, and discuss the conditions under which OSHA requires the use of a respirator.

Final Examination