Guidelines for the Management of Lead-Based Paint
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Published in November 2008 by the
Ministry of Health, PO Box 5013, Wellington, New Zealand
and the Department of Labour, PO Box 3705, Wellington, New Zealand
ISBN 978-0-478-19281-0 (print)
ISBN 978-0-478-19282-7 (online)
This document is available on the Ministry of Health's website:
http://www.moh.govt.nz
FOREWORD
The use of lead-based paints on New Zealand buildings, a practice common until the 1980s, has left a legacy of problems for those involved in repainting and redecorating. Stripping off any paint containing lead can create a serious health hazard, not only for the person doing the job but for the building's occupants and neighbours - and particularly children.
Despite controls on other sources of lead contamination, such as petrol and food, lead in paint is still a significant public health and occupational health issue. It is for this reason that the production of the 1995 guideline, and an accompanying pamphlet, was jointly commissioned by the Occupational Safety and Health Service (now the Department of Labour) and the Public Health Commission. These guidelines update the 1995 guidelines.
The pamphlet, Repainting Lead-Based Paint, contains everything the 'do-it-yourselfer' needs to know about doing the job safely.
This guideline, as well as dealing with safe working practices, contains comprehensive information on the health hazards of lead, the statutory responsibilities of the parties involved, health and environmental surveillance, and sampling and analysis techniques.
It is intended for three groups:
- painting contractors
- property owners and managers
- safety and health practitioners.
The guideline has been developed specifically for the New Zealand situation, having regard to financial considerations, operational practicality and legal requirements. It outlines an effective management system, supported by basic analytical tools and common sense.