The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has extended the deadline for its consultation on proposed changes to the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002.
The consultation, which opened on 30 March 2026, seeks views on proposals to significantly lower blood-lead action and suspension levels for general employees, young people, and women of reproductive capacity.
The extension provides additional time for organisations and individuals across the conservation and heritage sector to consider the potential implications of the proposals and submit their responses.
Continued Concern for Conservation Practice
Icon remains concerned about the practical impact these proposed changes could have on conservation-restoration work, particularly in areas where lead-based materials are integral to the preservation of historic objects and buildings. This includes disciplines such as stained-glass conservation, historic metals, architectural conservation, and decorative surfaces, where suitable alternatives to lead simply do not exist.
Opportunity to Respond
We strongly encourage conservators, heritage professionals, employers, educators, and others working with historic materials to take advantage of the extended consultation period and share their views with HSE.
Sector responses will be essential in ensuring that any future regulations are proportionate, evidence-based, and informed by specialist conservation expertise.
If you would like to discuss the consultation further, please contact [email protected].
For guidance, members can also read Icon’s official consultation response alongside the consultation documents before preparing their own submissions.
The consultation is now open until 23:59 on 7 June 2026. Responses can be submitted directly via the HSE consultation website.