Lloyd Occupational Health has HSE Appointed Doctors who carry out HSE Initial Lead Medicals and Periodic Lead Medicals across the UK

The Initial Medical Assessment should be carried out so far as is reasonably practicable before a person starts work for the first time which is likely to result in significant exposure to lead, and in any event not later than 14 working days after first exposure.

The assessment should consist of:
(a) consideration of the employee’s occupational record with particular reference to any earlier exposures to lead, and any previous suspensions;
(b) a clinical assessment including consideration of medical history, clinical conditions, and personal hygiene and intellectual capacity to work with hazardous substances;
(c) measurement of ‘baseline’ blood-lead and haemoglobin.

Periodic medical assessments
These should be carried out and consist of:

(a) measurement of blood-lead concentrations;
(b) at least once a year, a clinical assessment to include:
(i) a review of the employee’s medical records and occupational history;
(ii) a physical examination giving special attention to the symptoms associated with the ill-health effects of lead exposure and of early lead poisoning;
(iii) consideration of whether there are any observable trends or patterns in the employee’s blood-lead level, and how these might relate to work practices, personal hygiene, changes in exposure and any current ill health or recent sickness absence.

The intervals between periodic medical assessments should not exceed 12 months. The HSE Appointed Doctor will decide the frequency of carrying out Periodic Medical Assessments taking into account the employee’s blood-lead concentration remaining at the appropriate level and their clinical assessment.

Working with lead can put your health at risk, causing diseases including headaches, stomach pains and anaemia. Other serious symptoms include kidney damage, nerve and brain damage and infertility.

The Control of Lead at Work regulations require employers to control worker exposure to Lead.

For more information on the risks associated with working with lead please download the HSE guidance ‘Control of Lead at Work’ leaflet.

This guidance is aligned to the Regulations and emphasises that excessive exposure to lead has been a long-recognised health hazard.

The guidance details how to manage the risks associated with working with lead and satisfy the requirements applicable to activities, such as handling, processing, repairing, maintenance, storage, disposal – liable to expose employees and others to metallic lead, its alloys and compounds (including alkyls)

The guidance also details the risks associated with lead when it is a component of another substance or material such as paint.

A further explanatory HSE leaflet called ‘Lead and You’ is also available and can be download ‘here’

This leaflet is aimed at employees and explains how working with lead can affect your health. It tells employees when they are most at risk, how lead gets into your body, what health problems can occur if they absorb too much lead, what employers should do to protect their health and precautions employees should take.