Renewal of Asbestos/Deleading Walk-in Licenses
Mail-in renewal option for Asbestos/Deleading Licenses
Asbestos supervisors, workers and consultants, and Deleader-supervisors and workers, can now renew your DLS licenses by mail.
DLS is now accepting applications BY MAIL for RENEWAL of Asbestos Supervisor, Asbestos Worker, Asbestos Project Monitor, Asbestos Inspector, Asbestos Management Planner, Asbestos Project Designer, Deleader-supervisor, and Deleader-worker licenses. Our office walk-in service will still be available during the regularly posted times listed on our applications and website.
Criteria for mail-in applications for renewal:
Only renewal applications can be processed by mail. Initial (first time) licenses must be processed in person at one of our licensing office locations. Your application must include the following items:
- The correct application form for the license you are renewing; the application must be completely filled out, signed, and dated (provide email address).
- A copy of your current refresher training certificate (and any other refresher training certificates since your last license with The Department of Labor Standards).
- A copy of a government-issued identification (see list of acceptable identification)
- Any other information DLS may reasonably require
- Money order or certified check for the correct amount made payable to: Commonwealth of Mass. (See DLS fee schedule on our website). Please provide separate checks for Lead or Asbestos licenses. No cash, personal or company checks will be accepted.
- For Deleader supervisors and Deleader workers, applicants must include the completed DLS Reporting Physician’s Statement form attached to the application. This form must be completely filled out and signed by a physician. Blood lead level and ZPP results must be within 3 months of the date of application.
- Applications along with payment shall be mailed to Department of Labor Standards, Attention: Licensing Unit, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114.
Please submit your application at least 14 days prior to the expiration of your current license to allow for processing. Incomplete applications or not submitting all required supporting documents will delay the review process and may result in your license being renewed after its expiration date. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address provided on the application.
All applications are available on our website.
If you have any questions, please contact our licensing office at (617) 626-6960
Deleading Contractor Application
Deleading supervisor application
The Deleading Contractor shall ensure that a person who has been licensed as a Deleader-Supervisor is on site and in control of the work on every Class I Deleading Project. All persons who perform the functions of supervisors on Moderate Risk Deleading Projects shall be Licensed as Deleader-Supervisors or Certified as Lead-Safe Renovator-Supervisors Lead-Safe Renovator-Supervisors who carry out supervisory functions on Moderate Risk Deleading Projects shall have received training and be in possession of a current certificate of training issued by a Licensed Training Provider which includes the designation, "Lead-Safe Renovator-Supervisor - Moderate Risk Deleading Option."
All persons who perform as workers on Class 1 Deleading Projects shall be licensed as Deleader-Workers. All persons who carry out the functions of workers on Moderate Risk Deleading projects shall be Licensed as Deleader-Workers, Deleader-Supervisors, or Certified as Lead-Safe Renovator-Supervisors.
Deleading online notification form
Use this online form for notification of a deleading project.
Lead-safe renovation contractor application
Companies or other entities that for a fee perform, or offer to perform, renovation work (as defined in 454 CMR 22.02) must be licensed as Lead-Safe Renovation Contractors or Deleading Contractors or where eligible, be in possession of a Contractor Licensing Waiver, as outlined below. A Lead-Safe Renovation Contractor may also carry out Moderate Risk Deleading Work where an employee or Responsible Person of said Contractor who has been licensed as a Deleader Supervisor or Certified as a Lead-Safe Renovator-Supervisor (Moderate Risk Deleading Option) is used to supervise the work.
Lead-Safe Renovation Contractor Licensing Waiver Application
Only the following entities are eligible for a Contractor Licensing Waiver: (1) persons or entities that carry out renovation work in or on their own property using their own regular employees; or (2) persons or entities that were certified as Certified Firms by the EPA pursuant to 40 CFR 745.89 prior to July 9, 2010.
Lead Training Provider Application
Entities that provide training required for licensure or certification under 454 CMR 22.00 must be licensed pursuant to 454 CMR 22.07 prior to engaging in such work.
Training Provider notification forms
Asbestos and Lead Training Providers are required to submit advance and post notification of Asbestos or Lead training courses. Training Providers should use these forms to submit notification to DLS.
Model written medical monitoring and worker protection program
Model Written Respirator Program
The following sample safety and health programs are intended to provide examples of written programs on various workplace safety and health topics; they are not intended to supersede the requirements in OSHA standards. Employers should consult the applicable OSHA standards for the specific requirements applicable to their workplaces. Employers can use these sample programs as guidance when developing their own customized programs that are tailored to their specific workplaces.
Model written medical monitoring and worker protection program
The following sample safety and health programs are intended to provide examples of written programs on various workplace safety and health topics; they are not intended to supersede the requirements in OSHA standards. Employers should consult the applicable OSHA standards for the specific requirements applicable to their workplaces. Employers can use these sample programs as guidance when developing their own customized programs that are tailored to their specific workplaces.
LEAD MEDICAL MONITORING PROGRAM
AND WORKER PROTECTION
FOR
[insert name of company]
Applicability
The requirements of 29 CFR 1926.62, 29 CFR 1910.134 and 454 CMR 22.00 shall apply to the personal protection and medical monitoring of employees.
[insert name of company] shall maintain as records the results of all personal exposure monitoring, respirator fit testing, medical examinations and blood lead testing conducted pursuant to 29 CFR 1926.62(a),(f),(j) and 454 CMR 22.09 as a condition of licensure.
The frequency of blood monitoring of employees shall be governed by 454 CMR 22.09(5)(a) and 29 CFR 1926.62(j).
Respiratory requirements
See [insert company name] respirator protection program
Personal protective equipment
[insert name of company] shall ensure that employees, inspectors and other persons involved in deleading work are provided with protective clothing and other personal protective equipment which meets the requirements of relevant OSHA standards, including 29 CFR 1926.62(g). Additionally, the following specific requirements must be met:
- [insert name of company] shall provide employees with protective clothing and equipment without cost
- protective clothing shall provide sufficient coverage and be sufficiently impermeable to lead, caustic paste, chemical solvents and other contaminants to prevent contamination of underlying garments or body surfaces.
- where dust-generating methods are used, [insert name of company] shall provide a minimum of 2 changes of protective clothing during an 8-hour day.
- where caustic paste is used to remove lead paint, the [insert name of company] shall provide and ensure the use of: full body coveralls impervious to caustic substances; gloves impervious to caustic substances; glove extenders; appropriate boot or shoe covers; and where caustic past is to be applied at or above face level, face shields.
[insert any other PPE that is used or required for use on your job sites-hardhats, steel toe boots, fall restraints, goggles or faceshields.]
Medical surveillance
[name of company] shall provide for two levels of medical surveillance:
- Initial medical surveillance shall be provided for any employee who is exposed at or above 30 ug/m 3 for at least one day per year
- Full medical surveillance shall be provided for (1) any
employee who is exposed at or above 30 ug/m 3 for more than 30 days per year; (2) all potentially exposed employees where the concentration of lead in the air is not known but {name of company] has reason to believe employees will be exposed at or above the action level of 30 ug/m 3 for more than 30 days per year. Since exposures at lead abatement sites can potentially be above 30 ug/m 3 [name of company] requires all workers to participate in the full medical surveillance program.
The initial medical surveillance consists of testing the blood lead level and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) level.
Full medical surveillance consists of:
- Checking blood lead levels every 2 months for the first 6 months, and quarterly thereafter
- Monitoring work history, symptoms and performing a physical examination to assess:
- work practices
- personal hygiene habits
- symptoms of lead or other poisons,
- signs of adverse health effect
- Documentation of the medical surveillance program
- Assessing blood lead level and any effects of lead exposure when the employee was hired or placed in the current assignment
- Monitoring changes with time to observe any trends in blood lead or ZPP levels, even if they are within acceptable limits, as a sign of excessive exposure
- Assessing on the job sources of lead vs. other sources of lead (i.e. at home)
Medical examinations
Frequency
[name of company] shall ensure that employees are provided with medical examinations and consultations in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.62(j)(1) and (3) and 454 CMR 22.09(5)(a) through (g). Medical examinations will be provided by [insert name of health care provider] and shall be performed:
- as soon as possible, upon notification by an employee either that the employee has developed signs or symptoms commonly associated with lead intoxication; that the employee desires medical advise concerning the effects of current or past exposure to lead on the employee's ability to procreate a health child; that the employee is pregnant, or that the employee has demonstrated difficulty in breathing during a respirator fit test or during use, OR
- immediately following medical removal specified by 454 CMR 22.09(5)(b) or as medically appropriate as determined by a physician
- prior to engaging in lead abatement work
- annually for any employee who engages in lead abatement work and is exposed at or above the action level of 30 ug/m 3
Elements of medical examination
- detailed work history and a medical history with particular attention to past lead exposure, personal habits and hygiene, and past or present gastrointestinal, hematological, renal, cardiovascular, reproductive and neurological problems
- thorough physical examination, with particular attention to teeth, gums, hematological, gastrointestinal, renal, cardiovascular, reproductive, neurological and pulmonary systems
- blood pressure measurement
- blood sample and analysis which determines
- blood lead level
- hemoglobin and hematocrit determinations, red cell indices, and examination of peripheral smear morphology
- zinc protoporphyrin
- blood urea nitrogen
- serum creatinine
- routine urinalysis with microscopic examination
- any laboratory or other test relevant to lead exposure which the examining physician deems necessary by sound medical practices
All medical examinations shall be performed by or under the direction of a physician.
The employee may consult another doctor for a second opinion, to review initial results, or conduct an examination and laboratory testing.
Information provided to physician
The following information shall be provided to the physician conducting a medical examination or consultation pursuant to 454 CMR 22.09:
- a copy of 454 CMR 22.09 Worker Protection and Medical Monitoring Requirements; 454 CMR 22.11 Work Practices and Other Requirements for Renovation Work; 454 CMR 22.12, Work Practices and Other Requirements for Deleading Projects
- a description of the employee's duties as they relate to lead exposure or other harmful substances
- the employee's exposure level or anticipated exposure level to lead and/or any other toxic substances
- a description of any personal protective equipment used or to be used
- prior blood level determinations
- all prior written medical opinions in [name of company]'s possession or control
Employer's instructions to physicians
For any examination conducted for employees of [name of company ], the examining or consulting physician shall be instructed to:
- not reveal to the employer, either in a written statement of medical findings or in any other means of communication, any findings, including laboratory results, or diagnoses unrelated to the employee's occupational exposure to lead or ability to engage in deleading work
- advise the employee of any medical condition, occupational or non-occupational, which dictates further medical examination or treatment
- provide the employee with a clear warning of the reproductive hazards caused bye exposure to lead.
Medical opinion
Within 2 working days after receipt of such records [name of company] shall obtain and furnish to the employee a copy of a written medical opinion from the physician which contains the following information:
- physician's opinion as to whether the employee has any detected medical condition which would place his/her health at increased risk of material impairment from exposure to lead
- any recommended special protective measures to be provided to the employee, or limitations to be placed upon the employee's activities which concern potential lead exposure
- any recommended limitation on the employee's use of respirators
Within 2 working days after receipt of the report of the employee's blood lead level, [name of company] shall furnish the employee with a copy thereof.
Blood lead level/ZPP monitoring
Frequency of testing
- All employees of [name of company] who conduct deleading work shall receive blood lead and ZPP monitoring every 2 months during the first 6 months following licensure or certification, and at least quarterly thereafter.
- Employees of [name of company] who conduct lead safe renovating work shall receive blood lead and ZPP monitoring every two months during the first 6 months and every 6 months thereafter.
- Any employee with a blood lead level at or above 25 ug/dl shall be tested at least every two months until 2 consecutive blood lead analyses indicate blood lead levels are below 25ug/dl
- When an employee is removed from deleading work, he/she shall receive blood lead and ZPP testing at least monthly during the period of medical removal.
Medical removal
Any employee whose blood lead levels is above 50ug/dl shall not be permitted to engage in deleading work. Such person shall immediately be removed from any lead exposure when the result of any single test of his/her blood lead level is at or above 50 ug/dl. In order to confirm the accuracy of the laboratory results, a second blood test shall be taken within two weeks.
Any employee medically removed from deleading work may return to his/her former job status when two consecutive blood sampling results indicate that the blood lead level is at or below 40 ug/dl
Blood lead testing laboratories
Blood lead samples shall be analyzed by the Department of Labor Standards, Occupational Hygiene Program, or by laboratories approved by OSHA-CDC for blood lead analyses within 7 calendar days. The blood lead testing laboratory shall report the results of all blood lead analyses to [insert name of company] and to the Department of Labor Standards.
Recordkeeping
name of company] shall retain the following employee information for at least 30 years after the employee leaves the job:
- name, social security number, and job description
- copy of physician's medical opinion
- results of medical examinations and blood lead testing
- results of air monitoring done for that employee and representative values provided to the physician
- results of all respirator fit testing
- any employee complaints related to lead exposure
[Name of company] will ensure that the physician keeps the following records:
- copy of medical examination results including the medical and work history provided by the employee
- description of the lab procedures, and a copy of any standards or references that the lab uses to interpret test results
- copy of all biological monitoring results
Model written respirator program
The following sample safety and health programs are intended to provide examples of written programs on various workplace safety and health topics; they are not intended to supersede the requirements in OSHA standards. Employers should consult the applicable OSHA standards for the specific requirements applicable to their workplaces. Employers can use these sample programs as guidance when developing their own customized programs that are tailored to their specific workplaces.
Model written respirator program
The following sample safety and health programs are intended to provide examples of written programs on various workplace safety and health topics; they are not intended to supersede the requirements in OSHA standards. Employers should consult the applicable OSHA standards for the specific requirements applicable to their workplaces. Employers can use these sample programs as guidance when developing their own customized programs that are tailored to their specific workplaces.
Written respirator program for deleading/lead-safe renovator-contractors
Please read and fill out completely.
In order to comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, OSHA 20 CFR 1926.62 and DLWD 454 CMR 22.00, the following written respirator program has been established for [insert company name]. The written program will be available for review at [insert address/location].
1) Purpose
[insert company name] has determined that its employees could be exposed to respiratory hazards during routine operations. These hazards include lead dust. The purpose of this program is to ensure that all employees are protected from exposure to these respiratory hazards.
The work processes requiring respirator use at [insert company name] are outlined below in the Scope and Application section of this program.
2) Scope and application
Employees participating in the respiratory protection program do so at no cost to them. The expense associated with training, medical evaluations and respiratory protection equipment will be paid by the company.
The following respirators will be used for the processes below:
|
Respirator type |
Job description/process |
|
Half-face or full-face air purifying respirator with HEPA filter (N100 or P100 filter) |
Where lead containing coatings/paint is present or suspected:
|
|
Loose-fitting hood PAPR with HEPA filter (N100 or P100 filter) |
Where lead containing coatings/paint is present or suspected
|
|
Supplied air respirator or abrasive blasting hood respirator operated in positive pressure mode |
Where lead containing coatings/paint is present:
|
3) Responsibilities
Program administrator
The program administrator for [insert company name] is [insert program administrator name]. The program administrator is responsible for administering the respiratory protection program, including the following duties:
- identifying work areas, processes or tasks that require workers to rear respirators
- selection of respiratory protection options
- monitoring respirator use to ensure that respirators are used in accordance with their certifications
- arranging for and/or conducting training
- ensuring proper storage and maintenance of respirator
- conducting or arranging for qualitative fit testing
- administering the medical surveillance program
- maintaining records required by the program
- evaluating the program
- updating the written program as needed
Supervisors
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that the respiratory protection program is implemented in their particular areas. In addition to being knowledgeable about the program requirements for their own protection, supervisors must also ensure that the program is understood and followed by the employees under their charge. Duties of the supervisor include:
- ensuring that employees under their supervision (including new hires) have received appropriate training, fit testing, and annual medical evaluation
- ensuring the availability of respirators
- being aware of tasks requiring the use of respiratory protection
- enforcing the proper use of respiratory protection when necessary
- ensuring that respirators are properly cleaned, maintained, and stored according to the respiratory protection plan
- ensuring that respirators fit well and do not cause discomfort
- continually monitoring work areas and operations to identify respiratory hazards
- coordinating with the program administrator on how to address respiratory hazards or other concerns regarding the program
Employees
Each employee is responsible for wearing a respirator when and where required and in the manner in which they were trained. Employees must also:
- care for and maintain their respirators as instructed, and store them in a clean sanitary location
- inform their supervisor if the respirator no longer fits well, and request a new one that fits properly
- inform their supervisor or the program administrator of any respiratory hazards that they feel are not adequately addressed in the workplace and of any other concerns that they have regarding the program
4) Respirator selection
The program administrator will select respirators to be used on site, based on the hazard to which workers are exposed and in accordance with all OSHA and state standards. The program administrator will conduct a hazard evaluation for each operation, work process, or work area where airborne contaminants may be present in routine operations or during an emergency. The hazard evaluation will include:
- Identification and development of a list of hazardous substances used in the work process
- Review the work processes to determine where potential exposures to these hazardous substances may occur. This review shall be conducted by surveying the work site, reviewing process records, and talking with employees and supervisors.
- Exposure assessment to quantify potential hazardous exposures. The assessment will be done by using an exposure history from NIOSH or OSHA, or will be done by air testing.
The program administrator will revise and update the hazard assessment as needed (i.e. change in work process, new procedure). If an employee feels that respiratory protection is needed during a particular activity, they are to contact their supervisor or the program administrator. If it is determined that respiratory protection is necessary, all other elements of this program will be in effect for those tasks and this program will be updated accordingly.
5) Medical evaluation
Employees are not permitted to wear respirators until a physician or other licensed healthcare professional (PLHCP) has determined that they are medically able to do so. Any employee refusing the medical evaluation will not be allowed to work in an area requiring respirator use.
A licensed physician or other licensed healthcare professional at [insert name of clinic conducting medical evaluation] will provide the medical evaluations.
All examinations and questionnaires are to remain confidential between the employee and the physician.
Medical evaluation procedures are as follows:
- The medical evaluation will be conducted using the questionnaire provided in Appendix C of the OSHA Respirator Standard. The program administrator will provide a copy of this questionnaire to all employees requiring medical evaluations.
- Follow up medical exam will be granted to employees as required by the standard, and/or as deemed necessary by the physician.
- All employees will be granted the opportunity to speak with the physician/PLHCP about their medical evaluation if they so request.
- The physician will be provided with a copy of this respirator program, a copy of the Respiratory Protection Standard, the list of hazardous substances by work area, and for each employee requiring evaluation: 1)their work area or job title; 2) proposed respirator type and weight; 3) length of time required to wear respirator; 4) expected physical work load (light, moderate, heavy); 5) potential temperature and humidity extremes, and 6)any additional protective clothing required.
- Any employee required for medical reasons to wear a positive pressure air purifying respirator, or who requests one, will be provided with a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR).
- After an employee has received medical clearance to wear a respirator, additional medical evaluations will be provided under the following circumstances:
- The employee reports signs and/or symptoms relating to their ability to use a respirator, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pains, or wheezing
- The examining physician or supervisor informs the program administrator that the employee needs to be reevaluated
- Information from this program, including observations made during fit testing and program evaluation, indicates a need for reevaluation
- A change occurs in workplace conditions that may result in an increased physiological burden on the employee
6) Fit testing
Fit testing is required for employees wearing tight fitting half face or full face air purifying respirators (APRs) or PAPRs. Employees will be fit tested:
- Prior to being allowed to wear any respirator with a tight fitting facepiece
- Annually
- When there are changes in the employee's physical condition that could affect respirator fit (e.g. significant change in body weight, facial scarring, dental conditions, etc.)
Employees will be fit tested with the make, model and size of respirator that they will actually wear. Employees will be provided with several models and sizes of respirators so they may find an optimal fit. Fit testing of PAPRs will be conducted in the negative pressure mode.
The program administrator will conduct fit tests following the OSHA approved protocol in appendix B of the OSHA Respirator Standard.
7) Respirator use
Employees will use their respirators under conditions specified by this program, and in accordance with the training they receive on the use of each particular model. In addition, the respirator shall not be used in a manner for which it is not certified by NIOSH or by its manufacturer.
All employees shall conduct user seal checks each time that they put on their respirator. Employees shall use either the positive and negative pressure check (depending on which test works best for them) specified in Appendix B-1 of the OSHA Respirator Standard.
Employees shall be permitted to leave the work area to maintain their respirator for the following reasons: 1) to clean their respirator if it is impeding their ability to work, 2) change filters or cartridges, 3) replace parts, 4) to inspect the respirator if it stops functioning as intended. Employees should notify their supervisor before leaving the area.
Employees are not permitted to wear tight-fitting respirators if they have any condition, such as facial hair, facial scars, or missing dentures, that prevents them from achieving a proper seal. Employees are not permitted to wear jewelry, headphones, or any other articles that may interfere with the face-to-facepiece seal.
Respirator malfunction
For any malfunction of an air-purifying respirator (e.g. such as breakthrough, facepiece leakage, or improperly working valve), the respirator wearer should inform his/her supervisor that the respirator no longer functions as intended, and go to the designated safe area to maintain the respirator. The supervisor must ensure that the employee receives the needed parts to repair the respirator, or is provided with a new respirator.
8) Air quality for supplied air respirators and abrasive-blasting hoods
*For supplied air respirators connected to compressed air cylinders, only grade D breathing air shall be used in the cylinders.
- For supplied air respirators connected to a compressor pump, the compressor must be designed to provide clean breathing air, including but not limited to: flow rate must be adequate to provide enough air to each air line; oil filter; carbon monoxide detector if the compressor is oil lubricated; pull fresh air supply from a clean area outside the workzone. Air line couplings used to provide breathing air must be incompatible with couplings and and outlets for non-respirable compressed air used to power pneumatic equipment. Nitrogen can never be used to blow out air lines used for breathing air.
9) Cleaning, maintenance, change schedules, and storage
Cleaning
Respirators are to be regularly cleaned and disinfected at the designated respirator cleaning station located [indicate location]. The company will supply cleaning supplies and allow an adequate amount of time to perform respirator cleaning and disinfection. Respirators issued for exclusive use of an employee shall be cleaned as often as necessary to maintain them in a sanitary and properly functioning condition.
*Atmosphere supplying and emergency use respirators are to be cleaned and disinfected after each use.
The following procedure is to be used when cleaning and disinfecting respirators:
- Disassemble respirator, removing any filters, canisters, or cartridges.
- Wash the facepiece and associated parts in a mild detergent with warm water.
- Rinse completely in clean warm water.
- Wipe the respirator with disinfectant wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol) to kill germs.
- Air dry in a clean area.
- Reassemble the respirator and replace any defective parts.
- Place in a clean, dry plastic bag or other air-tight container.
The program administrator will ensure an adequate supply of appropriate cleaning and disinfection material at the cleaning station. If supplies are low, employees should contact their supervisor, who will inform the program administrator.
Maintenance
Respirators are to be properly maintained at all times in order to ensure that they function properly and adequately protect the employee. Maintenance involves a thorough visual inspection for cleanliness and defects. Worn or deteriorated parts will be replaced prior to use. No components will be replaced or repairs made beyond those recommended by the manufacturer.
*Repairs to regulators or alarms of atmosphere supplying respirators will be conducted by the manufacturer. Arrangements for repairs will be made by the program administrator.
The following checklist will be used when inspecting respirators:
- Facepiece:
- Cracks, tears, holes
- Facemask distortion
- Cracked or loose lenses/faceshield
- Headstrap
- Breaks or tears
- Broken buckles
- Valves
- Residue or dirt
- Cracks or tears in valve material
- Filters/cartridges
- Approval designation
- Gaskets
- Cracks or dents in housing
- Proper cartridge for hazard
- Air supply systems
- Breathing air quality/grade
- Condition of supply hoses
- Hose connections
- Settings on regulators and valves
Employees are permitted to leave their work area to perform limited maintenance on their respirator in a designated area that is free of respirator hazards. Situations when this is permitted include to wash their face and respirator facepiece to prevent any eye or skin irritation, to replace the filter, cartridge or canister, and if they detect vapor or gas breakthrough or leakage in the facepiece, or if they detect any other damage to the respirator or its components.
Change schedules
Lead-safe renovators:
Employees wearing respirators with HEPA/P100 filters shall change the filters on their respirators periodically to ensure the continued effectiveness of the respirators. Replace filters if breathing gets difficult, if the filter seems clogged, or if the filter gets damaged by water.
Deleading contractors:
Deleading contractors may be exposed to higher amounts of Lead Dust because they are disturbing larger amounts of lead paint. Replace HEPA/P100 filters more frequently. Replace filters if breathing gets difficult, if the filter seems clogged, or if the filter gets damaged by water.
Bridge deleaders
Bridge deleaders are exposed to higher amounts of lead dust than residential lead paint deleaders. Replace the respirator filters at the end of each shift.
Storage
Respirators must be stored in a clean, dry area, and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Each employee will clean and inspect their own air purifying respirator in accordance with the provisions of this program and will store their respirator in a manner that protects it from damage and contamination with lead dust.
Defective respirators
Respirators that are defective or have defective parts shall be taken out of service immediately. If, during an inspection, an employee discovers a defect in a respirator, he/she is to bring the defect to the attention of the supervisor. Supervisors will give all defective respirators to the program administrator, who will decide whether to:
- temporarily take the respirator out of service until it can be repaired
- perform a simple fix on the spot, such as replacing a headstrap
- dispose of the respirator due to an irreparable problem or defect
Only replacement parts from the manufacturer of the respirator will be used. There will be no interchanging of parts from different respirator manufacturers.
Training
The program administrator will provide training to respirator users and their supervisors on the contents of the Respiratory Protection Program and their responsibilities under it, and on the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard. Workers will be trained prior to using a respirator in the workplace. Supervisors will also be trained prior to using a respirator in the workplace, or prior to supervising employees that must wear respirators.
The training course will cover the following topics:
- The [insert company name] Respiratory Protection Program
- The OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard
- Respiratory hazards encountered at [insert company name] and their health effects
- Proper selection and use of respirators
- Limitations of respirators
- Respirator donning
- Seal checks before each use
- Fit testing
- Emergency use procedures
- Maintenance, cleaning and storage
- Medical signs and symptoms limiting the effective use of respirators
Employees will be retrained annually, or earlier as needed (for example: if they change work procedures and need to use a different respirator). Employees must demonstrate their understanding of the topics covered in the training through hands-on exercises and a written test. Respirator training will be documented by the program administrator and the documentation will include the type, model, and size of respirator for which each employee has been trained and fit tested.
10) Program evaluation
The program administrator will conduct periodic evaluations of the workplace to ensure that the provisions of this program are being implemented. The evaluations will include regular consultations with employees who use respirators and their supervisors, site inspections, air monitoring and a review of records.
11) Record keeping
A written copy of this program and the OSHA standard is kept in the following location and is available to all employees who wish to review it: [indicate where kept]
Training records are kept: [indicate where kept]
Medical clearance records are kept: [indicate where kept]
Fit test records are kept: [indicate where kept]
Model Written Medical Monitoring and Worker Protection Program
NOTE: The following sample safety and health programs are intended to provide examples of written programs on various workplace safety and health topics; they are not intended to supersede the requirements in OSHA standards. Employers should consult the applicable OSHA standards for the specific requirements applicable to their workplaces. Employers can use these sample programs as guidance when developing their own customized programs that are tailored to their specific workplaces.
LEAD MEDICAL MONITORING PROGRAM
AND WORKER PROTECTION
FOR
[insert name of company]
Applicability
The requirements of 29 CFR 1926.62, 29 CFR 1910.134 and 454 CMR 22.00 shall apply to the personal protection and medical monitoring of employees.
[ insert name of company] shall maintain as records the results of all personal exposure monitoring, respirator fit testing, medical examinations and blood lead testing conducted pursuant to 29 CFR 1926.62(a),(f),(j) and 454 CMR 22.09 as a condition of licensure.
The frequency of blood monitoring of employees shall be governed by 454 CMR 22.09(5)(a) and 29 CFR 1926.62(j).
Respiratory Requirements
See [insert company name] respirator protection program
Personal Protective Equipment
[insert name of company] shall ensure that employees, inspectors and other persons involved in deleading work are provided with protective clothing and other personal protective equipment which meets the requirements of relevant OSHA standards, including 29 CFR 1926.62(g). Additionally, the following specific requirements must be met:
- [insert name of company] shall provide employees with protective clothing and equipment without cost
- protective clothing shall provide sufficient coverage and be sufficiently impermeable to lead, caustic paste, chemical solvents and other contaminants to prevent contamination of underlying garments or body surfaces.
- where dust-generating methods are used, [insert name of company] shall provide a minimum of two changes of protective clothing during an 8-hour day.
- where caustic paste is used to remove lead paint, the [insert name of company] shall provide and ensure the use of: full body coveralls impervious to caustic substances; gloves impervious to caustic substances; glove extenders; appropriate boot or shoe covers; and where caustic past is to be applied at or above face level, face shields.
[insert any other PPE that is used or required for use on your job sites-hardhats, steel toe boots, fall restraints, goggles or faceshields.]
Medical Surveillance
[name of company] shall provide for two levels of medical surveillance:
- Initial Medical Surveillance shall be provided for any employee who is exposed at or above 30 ug/m 3 for at least one day per year
- Full Medical Surveillance shall be provided for (1) any employee who is exposed at or above 30 ug/m 3 for more than 30 days per year; (2) all potentially exposed employees where the concentration of lead in the air is not known but {name of company] has reason to believe employees will be exposed at or above the action level of 30 ug/m 3 for more than 30 days per year. Since exposures at lead abatement sites can potentially be above 30 ug/m 3 [name of company] requires all workers to participate in the full medical surveillance program.
The initial medical surveillance consists of testing the blood lead level and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) level.
Full medical surveillance consists of:
- Checking blood lead levels every 2 months for the first 6 months, and quarterly thereafter
- Monitoring work history, symptoms and performing a physical examination to assess:
- work practices
- personal hygiene habits
- symptoms of lead or other poisons,
- signs of adverse health effect
- Documentation of the medical surveillance program
- Assessing blood lead level and any effects of lead exposure when the employee was hired or placed in the current assignment
- Monitoring changes with time to observe any trends in blood lead or ZPP levels, even if they are within acceptable limits, as a sign of excessive exposure
- Assessing on the job sources of lead vs. other sources of lead (i.e. at home)
Medical Examinations
Frequency
[name of company] shall ensure that employees are provided with medical examinations and consultations in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.62(j)(1) and (3) and 454 CMR 22.09(5)(a) through (g). Medical examinations will be provided by [insert name of health care provider] and shall be performed:
- as soon as possible, upon notification by an employee either that the employee has developed signs or symptoms commonly associated with lead intoxication; that the employee desires medical advise concerning the effects of current or past exposure to lead on the employee's ability to procreate a health child; that the employee is pregnant, or that the employee has demonstrated difficulty in breathing during a respirator fit test or during use, OR
- immediately following medical removal specified by 454 CMR 22.09(5)(b) or as medically appropriate as determined by a physician
- prior to engaging in lead abatement work
- annually for any employee who engages in lead abatement work and is exposed at or above the action level of 30 ug/m 3
Elements of Medical Examination
- detailed work history and a medical history with particular attention to past lead exposure, personal habits and hygiene, and past or present gastrointestinal, hematological, renal, cardiovascular, reproductive and neurological problems
- thorough physical examination, with particular attention to teeth, gums, hematological, gastrointestinal, renal, cardiovascular, reproductive, neurological and pulmonary systems
- blood pressure measurement
- blood sample and analysis which determines
- blood lead level
- hemoglobin and hematocrit determinations, red cell indices, and examination of peripheral smear morphology
- zinc protoporphyrin
- blood urea nitrogen
- serum creatinine
- routine urinalysis with microscopic examination
- any laboratory or other test relevant to lead exposure which the examining physician deems necessary by sound medical practices
All medical examinations shall be performed by or under the direction of a physician.
The employee may consult another doctor for a second opinion, to review initial results, or conduct an examination and laboratory testing.
Information Provided to Physician
The following information shall be provided to the physician conducting a medical examination or consultation pursuant to 454 CMR 22.09:
- a copy of 454 CMR 22.09 Worker Protection and Medical Monitoring Requirements; 454 CMR 22.11 Work Practices and Other Requirements for Renovation Work; 454 CMR 22.12, Work Practices and Other Requirements for Deleading Projects
- a description of the employee's duties as they relate to lead exposure or other harmful substances
- the employee's exposure level or anticipated exposure level to lead and/or any other toxic substances
- a description of any personal protective equipment used or to be used
- prior blood level determinations
- all prior written medical opinions in [name of company ]'s possession or control
Employer's Instructions to Physicians
For any examination conducted for employees of [name of company ], the examining or consulting physician shall be instructed to:
- not reveal to the employer, either in a written statement of medical findings or in any other means of communication, any findings, including laboratory results, or diagnoses unrelated to the employee's occupational exposure to lead or ability to engage in deleading work
- advise the employee of any medical condition, occupational or non-occupational, which dictates further medical examination or treatment
- provide the employee with a clear warning of the reproductive hazards caused bye exposure to lead.
Medical Opinion
Within 2 working days after receipt of such records [name of company] shall obtain and furnish to the employee a copy of a written medical opinion from the physician which contains the following information:
- physician's opinion as to whether the employee has any detected medical condition which would place his/her health at increased risk of material impairment from exposure to lead
- any recommended special protective measures to be provided to the employee, or limitations to be placed upon the employee's activities which concern potential lead exposure
- any recommended limitation on the employee's use of respirators
Within 2 working days after receipt of the report of the employee's blood lead level, [name of company] shall furnish the employee with a copy thereof.
Blood Lead Level/ZPP Monitoring
Frequency of Testing
- All employees of [name of company] who conduct deleading work shall receive blood lead and ZPP monitoring every two months during the first six months following licensure or certification, and at least quarterly thereafter.
- Employees of [name of company ] who conduct lead safe renovating work shall receive blood lead and ZPP monitoring every two months during the first six months and every six months thereafter.
- Any employee with a blood lead level at or above 25 ug/dl shall be tested at least every two months until 2 consecutive blood lead analyses indicate blood lead levels are below 25ug/dl
- When an employee is removed from deleading work, he/she shall receive blood lead and ZPP testing at least monthly during the period of medical removal.
Medical Removal
Any employee whose blood lead levels is above 50ug/dl shall not be permitted to engage in deleading work. Such person shall immediately be removed from any lead exposure when the result of any single test of his/her blood lead level is at or above 50 ug/dl. In order to confirm the accuracy of the laboratory results, a second blood test shall be taken within two weeks.
Any employee medically removed from deleading work may return to his/her former job status when two consecutive blood sampling results indicate that the blood lead level is at or below 40 ug/dl
Blood Lead Testing Laboratories
Blood lead samples shall be analyzed by the Department of Labor Standards, Occupational Hygiene Program, or by laboratories approved by OSHA-CDC for blood lead analyses within 7 calendar days. The blood lead testing laboratory shall report the results of all blood lead analyses to [insert name of company] and to the Division of Occupational Safety.
Record Keeping
name of company] shall retain the following employee information for at least 30 years after the employee leaves the job:
- name, social security number and job description
- copy of physician's medical opinion
- results of medical examinations and blood lead testing
- results of air monitoring done for that employee and representative values provided to the physician
- results of all respirator fit testing
- any employee complaints related to lead exposure
[name of company] will ensure that the physician keeps the following records:
- copy of medical examination results including the medical and work history provided by the employee
- description of the lab procedures, and a copy of any standards or references that the lab uses to interpret test results
- copy of all biological moni