Table 1 and Table 2 provide a summary of high lead air sample results by industry to help employers evaluate their potential for lead exposure. Table 1 provides the most recent, 5-year lead exposure profile for industry sectors (2-digit NAICS) derived from OSHA inspections where air sampling for lead was conducted by Compliance Safety and Health Officers. Table 2 provides the same data for the industry group level (4-digit NAICS) to provide a more detailed look at the type of work activity where potential for lead exposure exists. Employers can use these Tables to assess if they fall into an industry category identified with high lead exposure.
It is important to note that these exposure data were derived from inspections in states where federal OSHA operates and does not include any data from the current 21 State-plan states covering private industry. These Tables represent only industries where OSHA conducted an inspection involving lead sampling, submitted the samples to the Salt Lake Technical Center Laboratory, and results were equal to or greater than the Permissible Exposure Level (PEL) of 50 μg/m3. This data does not include lead sample results that were less than the PEL. However, air samples results below this level could also confirm workplace lead exposure and potential hazardous conditions. Therefore, not all industry groups with lead exposure are necessarily identified in these Tables.
The Tables show by industry sector and industry group the number of companies where a personal sample for airborne lead concentration was greater than 50 μg/m3, the number of samples where this level was exceeded during the time sampled, and the number of samples that exceeded the PEL after adjusting the samples to an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) where any unsampled time is calculated as zero exposure to lead.
Table 1 shows that lead exposure occurs in most industry sectors falling under OSHA jurisdiction. The top industry sectors where lead exposure occurs are manufacturing, construction, and arts, entertainment, and recreation. The latter industry sector is primarily the result of lead exposure in firing ranges. Firing ranges can also be found in various industry sectors including Other Services, Public Administration, Retail Trade, and Educational Services. Note that Mining and Agriculture are not listed as OSHA has no or limited jurisdiction over these industry sectors.
Table 2 drills down into subcategories of the industry sectors. For example, the construction industry sector has 10 subcategories (4-digit NAICS) of which 8 have been identified with high lead exposure. Manufacturing has by far the largest number of subcategories (86) of which 24 have been identified with high lead exposure.
These Tables provide employers and workers with exposure information for identifying lead hazards at their worksite. Employers should continue to rely on overall safety and health evaluations, including exposure assessment, to identify and fix hazards in their workplace. If lead is present at the jobsite the employer should conduct an exposure assessment to determine if they are in compliance with OSHA’s lead standards.
Small and medium size businesses needing assistance in evaluating lead exposure or any other safety and health issue at their workplace, can utilize OSHA’s free consultative services. Please see OSHA’s On-Site Consultation website for more information on this service.
