Since the 1800’s, lead was used as a major ingredient in paint. It was used as a drying agent, as colouring (tinters) and to protect iron from rusting. Most Australian Houses built before 1970 contain lead paint.
Some types of paint before 1970 contained up to 50 per cent lead. Lead paints made before 1970 were used on exterior and interior surfaces. Many buildings may have lead-based paint covered by more recently applied paint.
Lead paint becomes dangerous when it peels or chalks or breaks off the substrate. Large paint flakes can be eaten by children or pets. Also, fine lead dust particles can be breathed in or can contaminate the house and its contents.
Testing for lead in paint is vital to protect the workers, occupants and any person or animal that has contact with a property. Do it yourself kits are available at the Master Painters Association.
Stay aware
The person most at risk is the person removing lead-based paints or removing and working on substrates that have lead paint applied. Not only are painters and decorators dealing with lead paint substrates, but carpenters when removing old weatherboards or windows, electricians when cutting through substrates that contain lead paint when rewiring older homes and plasterers when removing old painted plasterboard. These are just a few examples that all trades people need to be informed when dealing with lead paint.
Once lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause some serious health issues such as headaches, tiredness, constipation, nausea, stomach pains as well as kidney, nerve and brain damage.
Tradespeople need to protect themselves and their clients. Certain duties apply to employers if the work is defined as a lead process and additional duties apply if the lead process is a lead-risk job.
It is important that all trades people adhere to the Australian Standard – Guide to Lead Paint Management AS 4361. The Master Painters Association only refers qualified lead accredited contractors who have completed the Apply Lead Paint and Asbestos Management course to consumers who may have lead paint present.