Icon has written to 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 proposing 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 directly affect the sector’s ability to care for and preserve important 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 the UK’s heritage.
A key concern is the potential disproportionate impact on women, as the proposed measures could limit their ability to work in certain roles. While such changes may be appropriate in some areas of the construction sector, they do not translate easily, or safely, to conservation environments.
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 the Full Response
You can read Icon's full response to the consultation below.
