LEAD HAZARD SAFETY TRAINING Lead Hazard Safety Training

LEAD HAZARD SAFETY TRAINING Lead Hazard Safety Training. Rev A, Effective 06/27/07 1

We got LEAD ! Astrophysics uses the metal LEAD in the manufacture and assembly of its Xray Imaging System. 2

CAUTION: LEAD AHEAD! The Federal Government and the State of California has identified LEAD as a hazardous material. 3

What is LEAD? LEAD – Is a heavy, bluish-gray metal – Its also a potent neurotoxin that can damage nervous connections (especially in young children) and cause blood and brain disorders. 4

Is LEAD really that bad? • Lead has no known biological role in the body. • Lead’s toxicity comes from its ability to mimic other biologically important metals such as calcium, iron, and zinc. • When lead replaces these metals in your body, critical proteins and molecules becomes dysfunctional. Critical organs can become impaired. 5

In other words… When lead gets in your body, your body gets confused, it starts using lead where it should be using calcium, iron, and zinc. When that happens you are in TROUBLE! 6

OK, so what is the big deal? You brain uses CALCIUM to think (actually its your nerves that uses calcium) Your blood uses IRON to carry oxygen. You entire body uses ZINC, especially your eyes, your brain, and your intestines. 7

LEAD POISONING SYMPTONS In Adults: – Pregnancy – Memory or – Fatigue Concentration Complications, – Headaches Including Problems Miscarriage, – Joint Pain – Irritability Preterm Delivery – Muscle Ache – Sleeplessness And Stillbirth – Poor Appetite – Constipation – Impotency – Cataracts – High blood – Decreased fertility pressure – Nerve from damage to Disorders – Digestive prostate and – Nervousness problems testis 8

More Wonderful News! The effects of lead can accumulate over time through a series of low level doses 9

In other words…. THE LEAD DOESN’T JUST GO AWAY (unless medically treated). IT JUST HANGS AROUND IN YOUR BODY. 10

Lead Poisoning is determined through a blood test. An unsafe level is 10 mcg/d. L* or higher *10 micrograms of lead per deciliter 11

How could lead get in my body? You could inhale it (lead dust). You could swallow it (lead dust). You could absorb it through your skin. 12

Where could this lead come from? You can be exposed to lead from cutting and drilling leaded frame parts. From inhaling lead solder fumes. And also from touching unpainted lead with bare skin. 13

Better Safe than Sorry… • LEAD Poisoning is not a problem at • To Avoid ANY Problems Please observe the following precautions… 14

What should I do ? • Do NOT cut, file, or drill into lead pieces EXCEPT when trained, authorized, and instructed to do so by your supervisor. • • Always wear a protective mask. Always wear protective gloves. Always wear protective eye wear Always work only in designated areas. 15

CLEAN UP When you are through… • CLEAN UP. • Properly dispose of all lead waste. • Use a HEPA equipped vacuum cleaner to clean up lead cuttings, filings, and scrap. • Do NOT use compressed air to blow the area clean. 16

AFTERWARDS • WASH YOUR HANDS !!! 17

Handling LEAD Never handle raw (unpainted) LEAD with your bare hands. • Raw LEAD has a relatively high vapor pressure. • Some LEAD vapor may absorb through your skin, if touched. • At Astrophysics, ALL LEAD parts are painted with a vapor proof paint. Painted LEAD is safe to touch. For extra safety, WEAR GLOVES anyways when handling lead parts. 18

Follow Common Sense • Do NOT eat or drink around LEAD work areas. • And DON’T carry LEAD to where you and others eat and drink. • Properly dispose of all lead waste. • Federal law PROHIBITS throwing lead into the trash. 19

Also… • OBSERVE the LEAD Work Area and LEAD Storage Area Designation Signs. Do NOT loiter in these areas. • Avoid inhaling solder fumes. Use a vent fan. • If you work with LEAD and you think that you are pregnant, notify your supervisor. 20

Listen to Astrobear 0 ALWAYS Wear gloves when handling raw lead. Wear a dust mask when cutting, drilling, or filing lead. Wear eye protection when cutting, drilling or filing lead. Wash your hands! 21