SPAB Warns HSE Lead CLAW Proposals are ‘Exceptionally Challenging’

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) has commented that new proposals to limit exposure to lead will prove “exceptionally challenging” in practice for craftspeople.

SPAB comments: “The proposed changes include broad-brushed exposure limits that are well-intentioned but could have substantial impacts on craft leadworkers and the conservation sector.”

CLAW – Stricter Limits

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has an open consultation until 24 May 2026 on updating the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW).

The proposals are to impose stricter limits of lead exposure, bringing down the threshold levels of lead in blood that trigger withdrawal from working with lead.

The Lead Contractors Association has also expressed its concern about the effect the proposals could have on the leadwork industry of “unintended and far-reaching consequences”.

Concerns range from further reducing the numbers of skilled leadworkers entering the industry, pushing up costs, and to delays to conservation and heritage projects.

SPAB comments: “We seek to ensure that any changes to CLAW are proportionate, supported by appropriate evidence, and will protect but not unduly constrain leadworking practitioners working in building conservation.”

The organisation is advocating a framework approach that imposes incremental limits. It says, “A proportionate, risk-based framework would be far preferable than broad-brush controls. This would encourage reasonable, practical changes to reduce lead exposure while allowing practitioners to make informed decisions and not unduly constrain conservation work.

“It may not be possible to remove all risks from working with lead, but if less disruptive opportunities exist to create safer working environments, we feel that these should be exhausted before resorting to more limiting controls.”

The HSE CLAW consultation remains open to responses until 24 May 2026.

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