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Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control
Occupational Health Branch
Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention
Lead Warning Signs and Labels

Occupational lead poisoning prevention program

Lead Warning Labels & Signs

In 2015 and 2016, the Cal/OSHA standards (Title 8 CCR §1532.1, 5198, 5194) changed how employers must notify their employees about lead hazards. Lead work area posters and labels for lead-contaminated clothing and equipment must now include specific language about central nervous system and reproductive health effects of lead. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must also include new language.

The updated standards require employers to:

Put the new warning labels on bags or containers of lead-contaminated clothing or equipment (effective June 1, 2015)
Put up the new warning signs in lead work areas (effective June 1, 2016).
Ask your supplier for Safety Data Sheets that comply with the new hazard communication language.

The Occupational Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (OLPPP) developed signs and warning labels to help employers comply with these new requirements. Employers can print, download, and see tips for using the new signs and labels below.

Free Lead Warning Signs

full length spanish sign hanging in the work area Lead Warning Sign (folded) haning in the lead work area

The lead warning signs are available in English or Spanish. The sign is 11" x 22" and can be posted at its full-size with lead poisoning prevention tips (above left image) or folded to show only the top portion with the new Cal/OSHA-required language (above right image). The folded sign measures at 8 1/2" x 11".

Download lead warning signs

To view, download, or print lead warning signs (PDFs), click on the icons below. Available in English or Spanish and meets Cal/OSHA requirements.

Also available to order for FREE from OLPPP:

professionally printed signs on sturdy recycled paper, 11'' x 22".

Please include the following in your email:

name, company, mailing address, phone, number of signs, and languages preferred (English, Spanish, both).

Tips for posting warning signs

Post warning signs in lead work areas.
Post signs in a visible place, at eye level with good lighting. Don't post signs where they may be hidden by doors or other items.
Don't post other signs that contradict or take away from the meaning of the warning signs.
Use signs that are in language(s) your employees will understand. (Spanish signs are available from OLPPP.)

Free Lead Warning Labels

Sign on plastic bag and a container with lead-contaminated items

Warning labels must be put on bags and containers of lead-contaminated clothing and equipment.

Remember: Label all lead-contaminated clothing or equipment that is sent off-site for cleaning or laundering. Employers must inform the persons who clean or launder these items in writing about the harmful effects of lead exposure.

Download free lead warning labels

To view, download, or print the lead warning labels (11"x8 1/2" or two labels per page, 8 1/2" x 11"; PDFs), click on the icons below. Available in English or Spanish.