Last summer OSHA announced a national emphasis program (NEP) designed to get the lead out. Literally. The program, which applies to all workplaces under OSHA's jurisdiction including general industry, construction and others, is aimed at reducing occupational lead exposure, one of the leading causes of workplace illnesses.
Lead, of course, is found in industrial paints because of its characteristic to resist corrosion. Industries that are particularly high at risk include: construction work involving such tasks as welding, cutting, brazing and blasting on lead paint surfaces; most smelter operations; secondary lead smelters where lead is recovered from batteries; radiator repair shops; and firing ranges.