Lead Paint Sampling & Analysis

The responsibility of minimising lead exposure falls to employers and management teams for commercial environments and workplaces. In domestic settings, it is the responsibility of the homeowner or landlord in rented properties to take the necessary steps to minimise hazards and exposure to lead.

Lead paint was originally used in paint for colour or its properties that increased durability. Lead paint also creates a specific finish that was popular before the 1960s.

The phase out of lead paint usage began in the mid-1960’s, however houses built prior to this will not have been checked for lead paint and if you are living in a property in built prior to 1960 as your home may contain lead paint.

Lead paint can also be found in historic buildings, as historic buildings were allowed to use paint until the 1980s. Lead paint was commonly used to paint skirting boards, doors, door frames, stairs, window frames, wooden flooring, pipes and more. It is worth noting that lead was also sometimes used to plaster walls.

• Anaemia
• Nervous system issues
• Kidney issues
• Possible infertility

In the early 2000s, The Control of Lead at Work Regulations (2002) were passed, this legislation is also known as CLAW and L132 (third edition). It is the responsibility of the Health and Safety Executive sets out the Approved Code of Practice and all guidance regarding The Control of Lead at Work Regulations. 

Those carry out lead paint sampling and analysis must follow the working with lead guidelines. This includes carefully controlling the risk of exposure to workers, clients, homeowners, and members of the public.