Facilities Check List
Practical, step-by-step guides for the busy FM
August 1999
Sources Of Lead In The Workplace
Workers can be exposed to lead hazards associated with different types of buildings. Whether they are old or new, all buildings have some potential for exposure to lead. For example, old buildings usually contain lead-based paint that is often deteriorated. In addition, lead pipes and solder are used in the plumbing systems, which can result in contaminated dust, soil and water. New buildings can have water supplies and plumbing that use lead piping and solder (including water coolers). Industrial facilities can be contaminated from processes such as smelting, foundries, welding and manufacturing.
Some of the leading causes of lead exposure in the workplace include:
This installment of FM Check List is adapted from BOMI Institute’s Environmental Health and Safety Issues course (www.bomi-edu.org/19092.html), a required course in BOMI Institute’s Facilities Management Administrator (FMA) program.
