Fs101, I would say that the LEV should be "lead compatible", thus perhaps no requirement for RPE, if not then yes RPE for definite. What does CLAW say, I don't have a copy of the ACoP handy, but, I suspect it will have something to say. Female staff, are they of "child bearing age"? Delicate Q I realise, but I'm not one for mincing words, lets get to the facts then tidy them up later! How much cutting for how long every day for how many days. What is the cleaning regime in the workshop? Are the female staff always present? etc. As usual from me, more Q's then A's!

I just searched for CLAW and this is one of them. Have a look, it is nearly Friday. http://clawville.wordpress.com/

Have a read of the approved code of practice http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l132.pdf Cutting lead with power tools generates airborne lead. Also there will be a lot of lead debris on the floor, workbench etc. Therefore, without good hygiene there is considerable scope for ingesting lead. The ACOP will tell you what control measures are needed. Bob - this is a product which has lead sheet sandwiched between plywood, or a plywood which has lead sheet on one side. Excellent and useful stuff for X-ray applications.