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TeqNote Lead Counterweights 

Getting the Lead Out

Most stage rigging counterweights are either pig-iron (cast steel) or flame cut steel, however, there are

older installations where LEAD counterweights are installed. If your counterweights are LEAD, then

you should seriously consider replacing them with plate steel. Lead is very toxic and when you handle

it, lead gets on your skin and clothes, and can eventually transfer into your bloodstream through various

mechanisms. Using gloves can help reduce the exposure, however, lead is soft and it rubs-off onto

everything you touch, so it gets on the outside of the gloves, then transfers to your skin when you handle

the gloves. Non-porous gloves are recommended (leather work gloves are porous), however, non-

porous gloves tend to tear easily when doing the type of work that is required when loading a

counterweight arbor.

Lead is a neurotoxin, reproductive toxin, hematologic (blood) toxin, may cause cancer based on animal

data, and can pose other significant health hazards if the material is not safely handled. Personal

Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves should be worn when handling lead weights or lead-

contaminated items. Thoroughly wash hands, arms, and face after handling lead. Do not eat, drink, or

smoke in or around areas where lead is handled or stored. Transport and store lead in secondary

containers to minimize the spreading of lead dust. Health problems from exposure to lead can include

profound developmental and neurological impairment in children. Lead poisoning has been linked to

mental retardation, poor academic performance, and social problems.

Your school or city will usually have a lead abatement policy (much like an asbestos abatement policy),

so find out about who handles that and have them survey the situation. It may be necessary to have the

arbors, weight deck, and the general area around and below the weight deck all cleaned to reduce the

lead residue to acceptable levels.

References:

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Environmental Health and Safety Department Notes:

ehs.whoi.edu/ehs/occsafety/leadweightsafety.pdfhttp://ehs.whoi.edu/ehs/occsafety/leadweightsafety.pdf  

Argonne National Laboratory Safety Topic:

http://www.aps.anl.gov/Safety_and_Training/Notices/aps_safey_notice_lead.pdf  

CDC - Lead: Information for Employers - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic:

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/lead/EmployerInfo.html 

Lead Fact Sheet: The Environmental Information Association:

http://www.eia-usa.org/fact-sheets/lead-fact-sheet/  

Lead-Related Links:

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/olppp/Pages/Links.aspx