Leadcare

A - How can I protect myself when working with lead?

Follow these simple guidelines to help protect against lead toxicity:

·       Wear protective clothing, work-gloves and safety boots.

·       Wash your hands thoroughly (even when wearing gloves).

·       Do not eat, drink or smoke or vape in the immediate working area.

·       When welding, wear safety goggles and respiratory protective equipment.

·       Sweeping lead storage area, wear a protective mask and spray water to dampen down dust as you sweep.

For more information visit: Frequently asked questions on lead - HSE

B - How do I store lead?

When stored, either in rolls or in plate form, exposure to moisture including damp, condensation and rain, can cause a number of issues - from White staining, to the more troublesome Brown staining. To avoid this:

Stored flat:

·       Stored on raised pallet, eliminating contact with the ground.

·       The storage environment should be clean and dry.

·       Leaving the polyurethane packaging in place, ensure to open up the packing ends to allow airflow and to avoid condensation forming on the rolls.

o   Check the pallets regularly for any signs of condensation.

·       Stacking pallets will result in the deformation of the rolls below.

Stored upright:

·       Stored on raised pallet, eliminating contact with the ground.

·       The environment is to be clean and dry.

·       Check regularly for signs of water ingress

C - The lead is stained, what is it and how do I treat it?

Why are there white stains on my lead?

Although, most stains will be prevented by following the correct storage and installation protocols. Depending on the time of year, it can be difficult to irradicate completely.

White staining on newly laid lead is due to Lead Carbonate salt forming on the leads’ surface. This is caused by the lead becoming wet, either when being transported or when been installed.

How can I remove the salt:

If damp, simply wiping the salt away with a soft cloth and drying the lead will be sufficient. It the salt has dried; the salt can be removed using harsh rubbing with a dry soft cloth. Larger areas of staining may be removed with a mild lead cleaning fluid. More server staining: use a fine wire wool, ensuring to rub in the direction of the panel and ensure all panels are worked in the same way.

Once removed, it is important to apply patination oil to the newly exposed lead. Be careful to apply in the direction of the sheet or you may end up with unsightly rubbing swirls once the oil has dried.

Why are there brown stains on my lead?

Brown stains of Lead Oxide form on the surface of the lead, unfortunately, this type of stain can also eat into the lead sheet. It is unusual for it to affect the performance of the lead sheet; however, it may look unsightly. This staining usually forms because of the lead rolls being stored in damp conditions; capillary action drawing moisture into the roll which then has time to distil and form Lead Oxide. Importantly, this staining is apparent at point of install.

How can I remove the Lead Oxide:

As with Lead Salt, light staining can be wiped off, although, this may leave some surface residue. It is more likely that a lead cleaner may need to be used. Severe staining will eat into the surface of the lead and may need removing with a suitable abrasive fine wool or brush.

Why have I got Brown staining on my lead flashings adjacent to my flat roof?

Referred to as ‘bituminous run off’; a brown stain that runs down the surface of a lead flashing. Thought to be result of newly applied patination oil reacting with the underside of the continuously bonded adjacent bituminous product. From what we know, there is no detriment to the performance of the lead sheet.

Why have I got Red stains and blotches on my lead work?

Described as brown/red, irregular staining that forms post installation. This is Lead Dioxide, thought to be caused be Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions. The reason for the staining is not entirely understood. There is a consensus that the stain may be caused, by NOx emissions from aviation fuel as staining has been found under flight paths. This theory is yet to be proven. No detrimental effect has been recorder to the performance of the