Norton Rose Fulbright LLP
06/29/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/29/2022 16:46
US OSHA initiates rulemaking to revise occupational lead exposure standards
On June 28, 2022, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to revise its standards for occupational exposure to lead.
OSHA claims that recent medical research shows adverse health effects can occur in adults at lower blood lead levels than recognized currently in the medical removal levels specified in OSHA's lead standards.
The ANPRM solicits public comment on revising the existing OSHA lead standards for general industry and construction to lower the trigger levels for medical removal and surveillance and thus prevent hazardous health effects.
In particular, OSHA seeks comments on the following:
- Blood lead level triggering medical removal protection
- Medical surveillance triggers
- Frequency of blood lead monitoring
- Permissible exposure limits revision
- Use of personal protective equipment, housekeeping, hygiene and training
- Current employer practices concerning workplace lead exposure