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OSHA Reports Battery Plant Workers Exposed to Unsafe Lead Levels

Lead Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	11/21/2023
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	OSHA Reports Battery Plant Workers Exposed to Unsafe Lead Levels
Introduction	EMSL Analytical provides industrial hygiene and environmental testing services for lead and other regulated substances to protect workers and to help companies and institutions comply with health and safety regulations.
Cinnaminson, New Jersey, November 21, 2023 The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced that a federal workplace safety investigation found a battery manufacturer exposed employees to unsafe levels of lead. Their determination was based on personal air monitoring of workers and lead accumulation on respirators and counters in areas where workers took lunch breaks. Two repeat citations were issued to the company after inspections opened in May of 2023 found the business failed to have engineering and work practice controls in place to reduce exposures to lead and did not prevent lead from accumulating on surfaces. OSHA also issued two serious citations after finding the business exposed employees to lead levels in concentrations greater than permissible and the agency learned the company did not ensure employees’ respirators were cleaned and disinfected. “In this case, OSHA has proposed penalties of over $160,000 against the battery manufacturer,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Unfortunately, there are a number of industries where workers could be exposed to lead due to exposure to fumes or dust. Elevated blood lead levels can cause permanent health issues and OSHA’s lead standard requires employers to minimize worker exposure. At EMSL, our network of laboratories offer comprehensive industrial hygiene and environmental testing for lead and other heavy metals. We also provide sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and even a full range of personal protective equipment (PPE). These resources not only protect workers, they also help to keep companies in regulatory compliance to avoid costly penalties.” Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about lead exposure risks in the work environment that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/9Xcns9ZY_bo To learn more about lead testing and monitoring resources or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. About EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.