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A major review of workplace lead exposure limits could reshape how organisations manage hazardous materials across the UK’s built environment, according to environmental service provider, Lucion Group.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a consultation on proposed updates to the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW), marking the first significant review of blood lead exposure thresholds in more than two decades.
According to Lucion, the proposed changes are expected to have wide-reaching implications for organisations responsible for buildings constructed before 1992, when lead paint was banned in the UK, as well as those involved in refurbishment, development and demolition projects.
With around 82 per cent of UK homes built before lead paint was banned, the potential scale of legacy risk across the built environment remains significant. Drawing on its work across construction, healthcare and public sector estates, Lucion says lead is still frequently encountered in older buildings, particularly where historic paint layers remain undisturbed.
As refurbishment, retrofit and demolition activity continues across the UK’s ageing building stock, the likelihood of disturbing legacy lead paint is increasing, bringing renewed focus to how these risks are identified and managed.
While asbestos management is well established across the industry, with an estimated 1.5 million UK buildings still containing asbestos, lead risks are often less visible within compliance strategies despite their widespread presence. Lead is following a similar trajectory to asbestos, moving from an overlooked risk to a growing compliance priority.
The HSE consultation seeks industry feedback on updating exposure limits in line with current scientific understanding, alongside proposed revisions to monitoring practices and guidance.
Adam Norgrove, Specialist hazardous materials testing and inspection Account Manager at Lucion Services Ltd, said: “The HSE’s consultation on updating CLAW regulations represents an important step forward in protecting workers and building occupants from lead exposure.
“At Lucion, we’ve seen a significant increase in clients taking a proactive approach to identifying lead hazards, particularly as part of wider hazardous materials strategies.
“Identifying potential risks earlier in the project lifecycle can help organisations manage compliance more effectively and reduce the likelihood of disruption during works. These proposed regulatory updates will likely raise awareness further, and we’d encourage all companies with pre-1992 buildings to review their current approach to lead management. The consultation period is an excellent opportunity for businesses to understand what’s coming and prepare accordingly.”
Lucion’s specialists report that organisations are increasingly adopting a more integrated approach to hazardous materials management, combining lead and asbestos assessments to improve visibility, reduce disruption and ensure compliance across projects.
The consultation is open until 24 May 2026, providing an opportunity for organisations to review their current processes and ensure they are well-positioned to meet both existing requirements and any future regulatory changes.
