Dear forum members,
I've been asked to produce a risk assessment for machining blocks of lead in a lathe. I've read through the information on the HSE website. The machining process should take less than a day in total. If the operator wears disposable gloves the exposure wil mainly be from dust, vapour or fume. Is the correct control measure to ensure that the cutting tool as a constant flow of coolant ?
Also that any lead swarm is disposed of as hazardous waste ? Does anyone have any experience of machining lead or a suitable risk assessment ?
Thanks

My experience of turning / milling is a little rusty, but the rule of thumb that has stuck with me is:-The harder the work material, the slower the cutting speed. The softer the work material the faster the recommended cutting speed. With this in mind you are more likely to send chippings / swarf / dust airborne.
Constant flow cutting fluid will definitely suppress / reduce the airborne particulate. I would recommend RPE as a preventative measure as you has suggested and tight fitting machinists gloves (entrapment). Other factors; no hand to mouth activities and suitable local washing facilities and manual handling issues.
As for the biological monitoring, as with health surveillance is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the controls that you have in place. I am not sure if this would be beneficial for the duration of the 1 day task that you propose. If this task was performed on a more frequent basis then monitoring would be required.