Closeup of a copper cable

17 December 2024

Tradespeople, recyclers and telecommunications technicians are being warned of the risks of working with lead-lined data transmission cables.

The SafeWork SA warning comes after two workers returned blood tests containing elevated lead levels, possibly associated to their work removing copper communication cables insulated in lead from underground manholes and cutting them into smaller lengths for easier processing.

Telecommunications cables traditionally consist of a copper material housed within a protective lead sheath to aid in the transmission of data signals.

Workers engaged to pull the lead-sheathed cables from manholes can be exposed to airborne lead dust, particularly when working in enclosed, poorly ventilated environments.

Workers who handle or cut the cables so they can be easily transported and recyclers can also be exposed.

Lead can be absorbed into the body by handling lead with exposed skin. Contaminated clothing, tools and equipment are risk factors that can increase the likelihood of lead being transferred to vehicle, homes or other vehicles.

In adults, long- term exposure to low levels of lead through inhalation, ingestion, or absorption, may be associated with:

  • weakness in fingers, wrists, and ankles
  • headaches
  • fatigue
  • small increase in blood pressure
  • anaemia (low iron in blood)
  • damaged nerve and renal function.

At high levels of exposure, lead can severely damage brain and kidney function and cause death.

In pregnant women, high levels of lead exposure can cause decreased birth weight or miscarriage, while it can damage the organs responsible for sperm production in men.

Lead exposure must be controlled by consulting with workers and following a risk management process, including:

  • identification of lead, of which testing may be required to identify it’s presence
  • assessing the risks associated with the activities involving lead and deciding on suitable controls (in accordance with the hierarchy of controls)
  • implementing controls and providing adequate information, instruction, training and supervision to workers (while regularly monitoring and reviewing controls).

General controls to reduce worker exposure to lead can include:

  • utilising automated or mechanical systems for cutting cables instead of using hand-held devices
  • wet spraying the cabling as it exits the manhole to reduce airborne lead dust
  • cordoning off an area for decontamination in which contaminated clothing is removed and appropriately cleaned or disposed of
  • good personal hygiene such as:
    - washing hands, face, and exposed skin after working with lead
    - washing hands before eating, drinking, or smoking
    - not eating, smoking, or drinking in the lead risk work area
  • use of PPE (disposable coveralls, gloves, and respiration equipment).

Attribute to SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell:

Despite lead being phased out in a lot of its former applications, it still remains in old products which may present health risks if not appropriately managed.

Business owners must identify if lead presents in any form in their workplaces to ensure workers and others’ exposure to it is eliminated, or if not, minimised.

The implementation of effective controls will prevent lead-related health problems

Attribute to CEPU Branch Secretary John Adley:

Lead exposure can cause significant health risks but these risks seem not to be widely recognised by workers or employers.

Lead is prevalent in the electrical, communication and plumbing industries meaning many workers are, potentially, unknowingly exposed to significant health risks.

It is up to all of us to educate workers and employers about the dangers of working with and around lead.

All work involving lead must be done in compliance with the SA Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 - Part 2 Division 3 - Lead Risk Work

Further links:

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