Which action helps prevent exposure when working with lead-painted surfaces?

Which action helps prevent exposure when working with lead-painted surfaces?

• A. Cut with a chisel rather than a torch
• B. Use a torch
• C. Sand with no ventilation
• D. Use a grinder

Answer: (A)

Minimize lead exposure by avoiding heat and dust generation. Lead paint releases dangerous fumes when heated and creates fine dust when scraped, sanded, or ground. Cutting with a chisel is a controlled, mechanical way to remove material without burning it or creating large amounts of dust, especially when paired with good containment or dust collection. The torch would vaporize lead and produce fumes, while sanding without ventilation or using a grinder would generate hazardous lead dust that can be inhaled. So, using a chisel to cut away paint helps keep exposure lower.

Minimize lead exposure by avoiding heat and dust generation. Lead paint releases dangerous fumes when heated and creates fine dust when scraped, sanded, or ground. Cutting with a chisel is a controlled, mechanical way to remove material without burning it or creating large amounts of dust, especially when paired with good containment or dust collection. The torch would vaporize lead and produce fumes, while sanding without ventilation or using a grinder would generate hazardous lead dust that can be inhaled. So, using a chisel to cut away paint helps keep exposure lower.