What is a recommended method to prevent workers from bringing lead dust home?

Changing clothes before leaving the worksite is a recommended method to prevent workers from bringing lead dust home because it effectively minimizes the risk of contamination both to the workers and their families. This practice ensures that any lead particles that may have settled on work clothes are contained and not transferred to personal vehicles, homes, or public spaces.

By utilizing a designated changing area, workers can remove their work clothes and replace them with clean clothing before leaving the job site. This not only reduces the exposure risk for families but also helps maintain a cleaner environment for everyone in the household.

In contrast, working overtime without breaks is not a proactive measure for preventing exposure to lead dust and could actually increase fatigue and the likelihood of accidents. Limiting hand washing would directly increase the risk of transferring lead from the hands to other surfaces or individuals. Wearing the same clothes home exposes family members and others to the hazardous lead dust trapped in the clothing, thereby enhancing the risk of lead poisoning and related health issues.