Icon has written to Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross and MPs following concerns over the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)’s current consultation on proposed changes to safe lead‑in‑blood levels under the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW).
Proposed Changes and Sector Impact
The HSE is consulting on proposals for a significant reduction in the blood lead suspension levels permitted for lead workers. While intended to strengthen health and safety protections, these changes are expected to have a considerable impact on professionals conserving the nation’s stained glass, where lead is essential and no viable alternatives exist.
Within heritage conservation, the implications are particularly acute. Lead remains a fundamental material in the conservation of historic stained glass, meaning these proposals could negatively impact the care and preservation of Britain's rich cultural heritage.
Icon's Position
Icon fully supports the continued focus on improving health and safety standards. However, we are concerned that the proposals, as they currently stand, risk having serious and unintended consequences for conservation-restoration professionals and for the long-term care of Britain's heritage.
A key concern is the potential disproportionate impact on women, as the proposed measures would limit their ability to work in certain conservation-restoration roles.
Whilst we acknowledge the importance of ensuring safe practice when working with lead, and support the revision of lead levels across the construction and heritage sectors, it is vital that final proposals account for our cultural heritage, and are informed by real‑world professional practice.
Join the Discussion
Individuals are invited to join the Icon Stained Glass Group’s Glass Half Full session on Friday 24 April, where this month’s discussion will focus on the consultation and its implications for the sector.
Read Icon's letter to Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross
You can read Icon's full letter to the Heritage Minister below.
