Main Industries and Occupations at Risk
- Manufacture and use of lead stabilisers in PVC compounding;
- Manufacture of lead-acid storage batteries (accumulators)
- Burning, welding or cutting of lead-coated structures, e.g., shipbreakers and welders;
- Manufacture and use of ammunition, e.g., firing range instructors;
- Manufacture and use of lead-based paints;
- Manufacture of solder;
- Manufacture and use of glazes for porcelain, enamels, tiles;
- Manufacture of alloys.
Medical Examinations
Indications:
- Any exposure to inorganic lead or its compounds
Types of Tests and Frequency of Examinations:
- Pre-placement medical examination: within three months of exposure
- Clinical examination shall include a detailed medical and work history with emphasis on:
- i. past, present and anticipated future exposure to lead;
- ii. renal, haematological, gastrointestinal and nervous system dysfunction;
- iii. current usage of medication with potential nephrotoxic side-effects;
- iv. smoking history.
- Estimation of:
- i. blood lead level (B-Pb)(venous blood in heparinised container);
- ii. haemoglobin level (g/dL).
- Unfit for exposure to inorganic lead:
- i. History of renal, haematological, gastrointestinal and nervous system dysfunction.
- Note: Persons with thalassaemia minor may work with inorganic lead.
- Periodic medical examinations: every 6 months
- Clinical examination shall include a detailed medical and work history with emphasis on the haematological and nervous systems.
- Estimation of:
- i. blood lead level (venous blood in heparinised container)
- For males of all ages and females ≥ 50 yrs:
BTLV for B-Pb : 50 mcg/100 ml Action level for B-Pb : 40 mcg/100 ml
- For females < 50 yrs:
BTLV for B-Pb : 30 mcg/100 ml Action level for B-Pb : 24 mcg/100 ml
- ii. haemoglobin level (g/dL) Normal:95% or more of laboratory minimum with no declining trend
