Protecting Workers Exposed to Lead-based Paint Hazards
A Report to Congress
 

DHHS (NIOSH) PUBLICATION NO. 98-112
JANUARY 1997

Appendix B
SUMMARY OF HEALTH AND SAFETY CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS, STATE OF CONNECTICUT

MEDICAL

Contractors awarded bridge maintenance jobs are required to participate in the Connecticut Road Industry Surveillance Project (CRISP), a NIOSH-funded project directed at preventing lead poisoning among construction workers. Each worker must be offered a physical examination and initial BLL test upon entry into the program. The worker's lead exposure is monitored thereafter by measuring the BLL monthly for 4 months; and periodically after that. If the BLL exceeds a threshold (in 1994, 35 µg/dL), brief exams are conducted monthly and at exit from the program. Medical removal protection is specified at BLL thresholds that decrease annually (in 1994 the threshold was 35 µg/dL).

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE

The industrial hygiene protocol incorporated into the Connecticut Department of Transportation contract specifications is comprehensive and detailed. A certified industrial hygienist (CIH) is responsible for the implementation of the industrial hygiene portions of the specification and must certify compliance with the contract requirements on a monthly basis. The detailed requirements of the specification are modeled on the OSHA lead standards, but are modified by experience in the State of Connecticut. The industrial hygiene specification includes requirements for the following:

• Air monitoring
• Wipe sampling of workers and key work site areas
• Provision of protective clothing and equipment
• Provision and maintenance of personal hygiene equipment
• CRISP medical monitoring
• Industrial hygiene intervention by the responsible CIH
• Industrial hygiene intervention by the CRISP CIH
• Medical removal requirements that move downward with time
• Reporting of generated data

If the BLL of any worker on site exceeds 25 µg/dL, a CRISP CIH visits the site and evaluates the factors that might have contributed to the problem. The site visit includes a walk–through inspection and results in verbal and written recommendations for appropriate worksite or health and safety program changes. If the walk–through does not reveal the causes for the elevated BLLs, the industrial hygienist will either arrange for environmental sampling, or if relevant, conduct a review of employee training and work practices.

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