How Should Loose Lead Particles Be Removed from Protective Clothing

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Brushing or Shaking Clothing

Don’t brush or shake lead-contaminated clothing. It sends particles back into the air and onto nearby surfaces. Even outdoors, wind can push dust toward vehicles and pedestrians.

Using Compressed Air

Compressed air atomizes dust and drives it deeper into fabric fibers. It also blasts contamination across the room, exactly what you’re trying to prevent.

Cross-Contamination in Changing Areas

Dropping dirty coveralls on a bench, walking boots across clean areas, or storing used PPE with lunches and personal items spreads contamination. Keep dirty and clean zones clearly separated with signage and physical barriers.

Safe Methods for Removing Loose Lead Particles

Use of HEPA-Filtered Vacuums

Primary method: vacuum loose lead dust from PPE with a HEPA vacuum for lead contamination removal.

• Before doffing: While still in the contaminated zone, slowly vacuum from top to bottom, paying attention to shoulders, chest, sleeves, cuffs, knees, and closures.
  
  
• Technique: Use a soft brush attachment. Move slowly so the HEPA unit can capture particles at the source.
  
  
• After vacuuming: Proceed to carefully remove garments to avoid creating airflow that can kick up dust.
  
  

Wet Wiping Techniques

For seams and hard-to-reach areas, follow vacuuming with wet wiping:

• Use disposable wipes or dedicated cloths dampened (not dripping) with an appropriate cleaner.
  
  
• Wipe in one direction, folding the cloth to a clean surface with each pass.
  
  
• Discard wipes into a labeled bag with other contaminated waste.
  
  

Designated Decontamination Areas

Set up a decon line with clear “dirty,” “transition,” and “clean” zones:

• Dirty Zone: HEPA vacuuming and wet wipe stations.
  
  
• Transition Zone: Bagging of PPE, glove removal, hand/face cleaning.
  
  
• Clean Zone: Fresh PPE storage, hydration, and breaks, no contaminated items allowed.

Provide hand-washing (not just sanitizer) before anyone enters the clean zone.

Proper Handling of Contaminated PPE

Storage and Transport of Used Protective Clothing

Place decontaminated (but still used) clothing into thick, sealable bags or containers. Label them clearly (e.g., “Lead-contaminated clothing”). Keep bags upright in a rigid tote during transport to avoid punctures and spills.

On-Site vs. Off-Site Laundering Protocols

• On-site: If you have controlled laundry capabilities, keep laundering equipment dedicated to contaminated textiles. Never wash lead-contaminated clothing with household laundry.
  
  
• Off-site: Use a professional service that handles hazardous textiles. Provide labels and instructions so handlers know the material is contaminated. Workers should never take contaminated PPE home.
  
  

Labeling and Disposal Guidelines

Anything that can’t be safely laundered, heavily contaminated disposable coveralls, wipes, and filters, should go into properly labeled bags or drums per local rules. Keep a simple chain-of-custody log for pickups to support your lead hazard control and recordkeeping.

Workplace Controls and Best Practices

Setting Up Hygiene Stations

Create a hygiene station at the edge of the work area with:

• HEPA vacuum, wet wipes, and disposal containers
  
  
• Sticky mats or boot wash to limit lead dust control issues at exits
  
  
• Hand-washing with warm water and soap
  
  
• Changeout storage: separate bins for clean and dirty items

This station reduces PPE contamination and prevents dust from migrating.

Training Workers on PPE Decontamination

Short, focused training builds safer habits:

• Why lead exposure prevention matters
  
  
• Lead safety procedures for vacuuming and wet wiping
  
  
• How to bag, label, and store used garments
  
  
• Where to stand and how to move through the decon line

Use simple checklists posted at the station so every step is second nature.

Routine Inspections and Compliance Monitoring

Assign a competent person to inspect the decon area daily:

• Is the HEPA filtration unit working and maintained?
  
  
• Are wipes, bags, and labels stocked?
  
  
• Are workers actually vacuuming PPE before doffing?
  
  
• Are workplace decontamination zones clear and respected?

Regular checks keep your industrial hygiene practices consistent and effective.

Final Thoughts on Lead Particle Removal

Why Ongoing Safety Protocols Matter

Lead controls fail when shortcuts become normal. Using a HEPA vacuum every time, wet wiping when needed, and keeping strong hygiene practices reduces exposure and protects families and communities. Consistency is the difference between lead hazard control and accidental contamination.

Creating a Lead-Safe Work Culture

Make safety easy and visible. Stock the right tools, keep zones clear, and model the process, leaders go through the decon steps first. When crews see a clean, organized setup and straightforward steps, safe clothing handling becomes part of the routine, not a chore.

Straight-to-the-Point Summary (use on page near the top)

• Do: HEPA-vacuum PPE top to bottom → wet wipe trouble spots → bag and label for laundering/disposal → wash hands before entering clean areas.
  
  
• Don’t: don’t brush or shake lead-contaminated clothing, don’t use compressed air, don’t take contaminated garments home, don’t mix with household laundry.

Creating a Lead-Safe Work Culture

Make safety easy and visible. Stock the right tools, keep zones clear, and model the process, leaders go through the decon steps first. When crews see a clean, organized setup and straightforward steps, safe clothing handling becomes part of the routine, not a chore. If you’d like help setting up a compliant decon process or reviewing your site plan, contact Anthony’s Abatement for a quick, no-pressure consultation.

If you'd like help setting up a compliant decon process or reviewing your site plan, contact Anthony's Abatement for a quick, no-pressure consultation.