Thank you to Cathy Killick and BBC Online News for the Headline
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are in the process of consulting on new limits to lead exposure from studies done by academics which could lead to women not being allowed to work in positions where they repair and conserve Stained Glass Windows.
The plan is to reduce the limits of exposure significantly and as a result women who currently work in the field and have no intention of having children will be excluded from the workforce.
As one of the women who could be affected commented , if she was in the armed forces or the fire brigade, she could make a choice , but because she works with lead she has no choice.
The final decision on lead levels will be made when the HSE has consulted a number of the heritage and craft sectors affected. It’s very difficult , but the winning card will always be Health and I do wonder if the HSE will listen to those about to be excluded from their work.
thenotsomightyom 