Exposure to lead-based paint can cause lead poisoning which can be a serious illness. If a building was built in the 1980s or earlier, it is best to presume that it has been painted with lead-based paint. You should take precautions to protect yourself and others when removing the paint.
Guidelines for the management of lead-based paint
We have produced guidance with the Ministry of Health and the Health Promotion Agency on safely managing and removing lead-based paint.
Guidelines for the management of lead-based paint provides recommended working practises for working with lead-based paint. It also gives information about lead poisoning and the impact of lead-based materials in the environment.
Also see: Workplace exposure standards and biological exposure indices
While this guidance has not been updated to reflect current work health and safety legislation (the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and regulations), it may still contain relevant information and practices to keep workers and others healthy and safe.
Please read this guidance in conjunction with all relevant industry standards that apply to you as a PCBU. This guidance will be progressively reviewed and either updated, replaced with other guidance, or revoked.
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