Hi, I have just had a request from a regular customer to look at a machine repair for them. The machine is almost identical to those we normally work on, however, it is used to cut lead, not the usual common metals or wood that we are used to dealing with. My guy is going to “service” the machine. This will involve cleaning down checking for wear and lubrication. Customer has the machine specific info on site that we need. We have a lot of competence on this type of equipment, for other cutting tasks, just not lead! I have just got copies of INDG305, L132, I have INDG136, L5, hsg97, hsg53 and a few others from the HSE website. I was just after a 2nd opinion on my initial thoughts and to try and fast track my desk based assessment prior to the visit. We can’t attend the site prior to the visit, the guy going is part of our RA team (trained) anyway and is trained on the machines and dynamic RA so as long as he is made aware of the enhanced risks etc. with the lead, I’m not overly concerned about him not using the PPE etc. as he is instructed. I will also give him a TBT on my research and go through the SSW with him before he goes, and provide him with indg305. He also has the IOSH managing safely qualification so he has a good grasp of the H&S requirements and is unlikely to deviate. Above the normal PPE we use, which is FFP3 masks, latex type gloves, hearing protection, eye protection etc., I was going to provide disposable coveralls. Provide a suitable vacuum cleaner for cleaning down, almost certainly hired, so will get hire co to provide suitable, I was thinking about same level of filters as for ACM’s? Customer to dispose of all lead contaminated waste at their premises according to their procedures. We will have full use of the customers welfare facilities whilst on site, however, he will also have with him the usual barrier cream, hand cleaner, sanitising gel, and wipes that we normally carry. I haven’t yet looked at the WEL’s but, we are looking at about max 4 hours work at a machine once every 6 months, max, probably annually, so I don’t believe that there will be that much of a level of build up. There will be no use of compressed air, blowing things etc. may be the use of brushing, however, lead swarf is heavy so I don’t anticipate it becoming airborne like low mass materials such as wood dust etc. RPE will be used anyway if required. I will request a copy of the customers RA & MS for their normal usage first. It is really the exposure to the lead which is my major concern and where my lack of experience lies. Any suggestions please? I am hoping to reduce the cost implication of my time in preparing this, in the current climate we are a small company and I am trying to keep it going whilst complying with H&S requirements and trying to look after my staff. Thanks, Paul

Thanks Bob, I have had the customers info late today. They do legally work with the lead they are a large blue chip organisation. We carry the wipes as a just in case, the last time they were used was about 2 months ago, when two of us were out and had to change the spare wheel on the van as we had a puncture, better than driving with dirty hands, because, neither of us put on the gloves that were also in the van! Doh! Paul