Lead

Lead may be a component of building materials in many campus buildings. Materials likely to contain lead include latex and oil-based paints, especially paints manufactured before 1978, as well as radiation shielding materials, plumbing joints, solder, pipe wrap and other materials used as soundproofing. Examples of construction and renovation operations performed that may result in lead exposure include: sanding, scraping, cutting, grinding, welding, demolition, drilling and sandblasting lead-based paint or other lead-based surface coatings.

The University of Michigan-Dearborn has a Lead Management Program to reduce or eliminate exposures to lead based paint dust and debris, to comply with regulatory notification requirements and to outline work procedures for employees that disturb or contact lead-containing materials during the course of their work.

• Employees who may disturb lead-containing material during construction and renovation activities must receive appropriate training, practice safe work procedures in accordance with their training, use the proper equipment, controls & PPE and receive medical surveillance in accordance with the guideline.
• Before any construction, renovation or lead abatement work activities begin, all materials suspected of containing lead must be tested.