The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has formally opened its consultation on proposed changes to the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002.
Launched on 30 March 2026, the consultation seeks views on substantially lowering blood‑lead action and suspension levels for three groups: general employees, young people, and women of reproductive capacity.
Implications for the Conservation Sector
Icon has significant concerns about the feasibility of these proposals within conservation‑restoration settings, where lead‑based materials are intrinsic to the objects and buildings being preserved. In disciplines such as stained‑glass conservation, historic metals, and built heritage, viable alternatives to lead simply do not exist. Even with robust controls and best‑practice mitigation, the proposed thresholds appear unattainable in real‑world conservation practice.
We are also particularly concerned about the disproportionate impact these changes may have on women, potentially limiting their ability to work in certain roles. While the measures may be appropriate for some parts of the construction sector, they do not translate easily - or safely - to conservation environments.
Call for Sector Responses
Given the central role of lead in heritage conservation - from stained glass and decorative surfaces to sculpture, metalwork and architectural features - we strongly encourage practitioners across the sector to respond. Your input will be essential to ensuring that any future regulations remain proportionate, realistic, and informed by specialist expertise. Icon is working closely with sector partners to coordinate our response to this consultation, but we would encourage any member wishing to share their views or get engaged to get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Icon aims to finalise and publish its response on 8 May, allowing time for others in the sector to prepare their submissions ahead of the 24 May deadline.
The consultation is open until 24 May 2026. Full details and the response form are available on the HSE website.