S.I. No. 219/1988 - European Communities (Protection of Workers) (Exposure To Lead) Regulations, 1988.

1. Current knowledge indicates that large-scale absorption may produce adverse effects in the following systems

— hematopoietic,

— gastro-intestinal,

— central and peripheral nervous,

— renal.

2. The doctor in charge of the medical surveillance of the worker exposed to lead should be familiar with the exposure conditions or circumstances of each worker and to this end should visit periodically the workplace of workers exposed to lead to assess the conditions of exposure of the workers.

3. Clinical assessment of the workers should be carried out in accordance with sound practice: it should include the following measures

— records of the worker's medical and occupational history.

— physical examination and a personal interview with special attention to the associated symptoms of early lead poisoning.

— evaluation of the pulmonary status (for possible use of respiratory protective equipment).

Blood analyses (and, in particular, establishment of the hematocrit level) and urine analysis should be carried out during the first medical examination and then regularly according to the doctor's judgement.

4. In addition to the decisions based on the results of biological monitoring, the examining doctor will establish the cases where exposure or continued exposure to lead is contra-indicated. The most important of these contra-indications are

(i) — congenital abnormalities

— thalassemia,

— G — 6 — PD deficiency;

(ii) — acquired conditions

— anaemia,

— renal deficiencies,

—— hepatic deficiencies.

5. The results of clinical examinations, biological monitoring and the significance of results.

6. The results of lead in air monitoring which relate to the worker's exposure.

7. Any additional information following the workplace visits.

8. Details of any action taken by the Appointed Doctor following the results of medical surveillance.

9. All files shall be in chronological order.

GIVEN under my Official Seal this 1st day of September, 1988.

BERTIE AHERN, T.D.

Minister for Labour.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The purpose of these Regulations is to implement Council Directive 82/605/EEC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to lead and its ionic compounds at work.

The Regulations apply to all work which exposes persons to lead and its ionic compounds in any form that may be ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

The Regulations aim to protect the health of workers by controlling their exposure to an acceptable low level and by monitoring the lead absorption of workers so that where high levels exist workers will be removed from the lead environment.

General hygiene provisions relating to eating, drinking, smoking, washing and cleaning are also covered by the regulations.

10. Lead ammunition manufacture.

11. Manufacture of lead-based or lead-alloy objects.

12. Use of paints, enamels, mastics and colours containing lead.

13. Ceramic and craft pottery industries.

(4)

.

14. Crystal glass industries.

15. Plastic industries using lead additives.

16. Frequent use of lead solder in an enclosed space.

17. Printing work involving the use of lead.

18. Demolition work, especially the processes of scraping off, burning off and flame-cutting executed on materials coated with paint containing lead, as well as the breaking up of plant (e.g. lead furnaces)

(4)

.

19. Use of lead ammunition in an enclosed space.

20. Automobile construction and repair work.

(4)

.

21. Manufacture of leaded steel.

22. Lead tempering of steel.

23. Lead coating.

24. Recovery of lead and metallic residues containing lead.

(4)

In as much as lead is used or is present.

SECOND SCHEDULE

Technical specifications referred to in Regulations 5(3) and 12

S.I. No. 219 of 1988.

EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES (PROTECTION OF WORKERS) (EXPOSURE TO LEAD) REGULATIONS, 1988.

ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS

Regulation