Ask The Expert: How to Create a Testing Policy for Workers Exposed to Lead

QUESTION

Our company (in Ontario) needs to have our employees tested for lead count. Do you have a written policy on this’

ANSWER

Although testing policies are complex and don’t come in a one-size-fits-all model, what I can do is outline what they should include for both organic and inorganic lead:

*Pre-placement medical testing;

*Periodic testing at frequency to be determined on bases of pre-placement testing and other medical records;

*Testing after acute exposure;

*Exit testing;

*Stipulation of clinical tests to be used for each stage of testing; and

*Stipulation of the criteria/levels calling for the worker’s removal from exposure (or other actions to protect the worker).

If you want to see the clinical details for each of these items, go to the Ontario MOL website and look up the guidelines on Medical Surveillance Programs for lead under the OHS Designated Substances Reg. (Reg 490/09), which by the way, also work outside Ontario.