The Occult Bot

The Construction Safety Campaign’s (CSC) annual general meeting has concluded with presentation of some new and alarming evidence on the risks posed by lead and products with lead content. These have prompted a call for a complete ban on lead products and imports by the organisation.

Recent reports of high concentration of lead in older houses causing serious health issues for workers were published in Hazards magazine. Older houses typically have a large concentration of lead in many parts and in components that are used in making the structure. These include windows, water pipes, paint, roofing etc. Moreover, when such buildings are being demolished for reconstruction or the material salvaged, the workers involved in such processes are exposed to dangerous levels of lead.

The findings were based on actual effects caused by demolition work in Liverpool and in a Scottish mansion. In both cases, workers suffered from lead exposure and fell ill as a result. The CSC has now made a call for ensuring that such exposure is avoided and workers given adequate protection when they are required to work in such high-risk environments. This must be ensured in addition to boosting awareness about avoiding lead in new buildings.

An appeal was made to HSE to revise its current lead exposure limits and regulations with these new findings in view. Speaking on this issue, HSE spokespersons confirmed that any proven findings about the inadequacy of current limits imposed by HSE would be given full consideration. However, HSE also stated that current regulations have been designed keeping in view the existing EU norms. The Building Regulations have health and safety implications for organisations throughout England and Wales, it is possible to ensure buildings are managed properly and be sure businesses are compliant with recent changes to building regs by attending the Building Regulations One-Day Legal Update Seminar.

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