The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 exposure values and associated guidance

Overview

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) undertakes a wide range of regulatory functions fundamental to enabling a safe and healthy workplace. We are dedicated to protecting people and places and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives. Our role goes beyond worker protection to include public assurance. We work to ensure people feel safe where they work and protect others who may be affected by such work. 

Great Britain (GB) has one of the best workplace health and safety performances in the world and achieves some of the lowest rates of occupational injury and fatality in Europe.

HSE’s work supports innovation, productivity and economic growth in GB and businesses that adopt effective, proportionate health and safety practices increase productivity and employee engagement. HSE’s strategy - Protecting people and places: HSE strategy 2022 to 2032 also commits HSE to reducing work related ill-health such as the harm to workers and others resulting from exposure to lead.

This consultative document is issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in compliance with its duty to consult under section 50(3) the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and in line with the Consultation principles: guidance  for consulting with stakeholders.

The purpose of this consultation is to seek stakeholder views on proposals and to update, where necessary, the blood lead exposure levels in the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW) and the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and guidance for CLAW. HSE is also taking the opportunity to gather evidence on ‘lead in air’ monitoring.

This consultation is relevant to employers and those directly involved in lead manufacturing and lead-use sectors. It is also relevant to those working in or connected to these areas such as facilities management or construction, specifically contract worker. Different proposals may be more relevant to certain roles than others.

How to submit responses

Responses must be received by 24 May 2026.

The easiest way to submit responses is by using the online survey further below.

You can also:

Respond by email

Download the Word document version of this consultation and email it to – CLAWconsultation@hse.gov.uk.

Respond on paper

Download the Word document version of this consultation and send it to:

Control of Lead at Work blood-exposure levels consultation
Health and Safety Executive
Building 2.2 Redgrave Court
Bootle
Merseyside
L20 7HS

Once the consultation closes

When the consultation has closed, HSE will consider the views expressed to decide how best to take the proposals forward based on an interpretation and analysis of the responses. A summary of HSE’s response to the views expressed by respondents will be published on the consultation webpage.

To take account of the responses received to this consultation HSE may further refine the proposals, and any potential legislative changes are be subject to agreement from the wider Government. Further communications will be issued for interested parties in advance of any regulatory changes coming into force. A summary of responses will be made available on the consultation webpage after the close of the consultation period where it can be viewed.