The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to employers, following the prosecution of a company in Scotland after two workers were taken to hospital suffering from acute lead poisoning.

The incident occurred during the summer of 2008, when two employees engaged to strip old paintwork and sand down surfaces were exposed to lead.

The subsequent HSE investigation found that Perthshire company Blairish Restorations Limited had failed to identify that lead paint was present during a renovation project at Findynate House on the Findynate Estate in Strathtay.

Blairish Reproductions Limited also failed to ensure that suitable precautions were taken while the old paintwork was being sanded down and removed.

The workers consequently inhaled and ingested lead dust over several months – and also transferred the dust to their homes via their contaminated overalls, potentially exposing their families to the dust.

On Tuesday (16/03/10) at Perth Sheriff Court, Blairish Restorations Limited – based at Aberfeldy Business Park in Aberfeldy – pleaded guilty to offences under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £10,000.

After the hearing, HSE Inspector, Gary Stimpson, said that exposure to lead could result in ‘significant and debilitating symptoms’ – including anaemia, nausea and constipation, or even nerve, brain or kidney damage.

‘There may be a view that lead is an historic problem, which was dealt with a long time ago. This prosecution shows that this is not the case,’ said Mr Stimpson.

‘Those involved in renovating old buildings need to be particularly vigilant – once dust or fume is generated from operations such as sanding or paint burning, it easily enters the body

through normal breathing or swallowing, where it accumulates causing debilitating

symptoms.

‘This case is important as it reminds primary contractors of their responsibility and duty of care to others working on the site – even if they are not directly employed by them,’ he added.

© 5r1 Limited 2010