UK Construction Journal - Issue 1 - April 2026 - Flipbook - Page 81
environmental impact of building materials - and is an A+
or A rated material. Lead’s low melting point means that it
has a lower CO2 carbon footprint from that of other metals
used in roofing. If you were offered a construction product,
that was 100% recycled, that was 100% recyclable, had
a 50-year installed warranty and the waste produced by
the manufacturing process was also recycled, you would,
wouldn’t you?
Women of childbearing capacity - reduce the current
suspension level of 30μg/dl to 10μg/dl in October 2026,
then reduce further to 5μg/dl in October 2028. (There
would be a similar reduction in the action levels - from
25μg/dl to 5μg/dl, then 2μg/dl).
Why It Matters
The review could have implications across the supply chain —
from contractors who install and work with lead sheet, to the
manufacturers and suppliers who provide it.
Why are Lead Codes Important?
Each code has been specifically classified for different
purposes. The most important reason for this is that for lead
to function at the highest standard it is known for, it must be
installed correctly. If the incorrect code is used, rather than
outlasting the building it is put on, the lead could be made
vulnerable to influences that will make it deteriorate extremely
rapidly.
Implementation of the proposed blood-lead limits, as set,
may result in increased compliance costs for contractors,
changes to work practices, or restrictions on eligibility to
undertake lead work.
How to Contribute
HSE is inviting input from industry stakeholders as part of its
review. All stakeholders are encouraged to take part.
What can Happen If I choose the wrong Lead Code?
Incorrect Installation When installing lead flashing, it is more
than likely it will need to be folded and worked into place.
If the wrong code is used, this process could very possibly
cause the lead to split and crack. In the best-case scenario,
where you spot this damage, the lead will become unusable,
and you will have wasted money. However, worst case,
if the damage is not found, and the incorrect installation is
completed you will have exposed your building to water
ingress and the mould, mildew and rot that goes along with it
on the buildup of the roof.
Through the LCA
The LCA are supporting the industry through the review and
welcomes you to share your comments, evidence, or feedback
with them so they can represent the sector’s collective position
in a formal response. They can send you a questionnaire to fill
out and all responses can be anonymised.
Your insights will help ensure that any new measures are
practical, evidence-based, and proportionate to real industry
operations
.
If you have any questions or need further assistance,
please do not hesitate to contact info@leadsheet.co.uk
or call 01622 872432
Lead Sheet Specification
Lead sheet for all purposes should conform to BS EN 12588
Rolled Lead Sheet for Building Purposes. This specifies
thickness and chemical composition to produce a consistent
microstructure that provides the required resistance to creep
and thermal fatigue. BS EN 12588 identifies a range of six
thicknesses defined in millimetres. The specified thickness
should not vary by more than ±5% throughout the sheet. For
easy identification, these thicknesses have code numbers: 3,
4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Thus the substance of lead sheet is specified
by its BS code number or, alternatively, by its thickness in
millimetres. The standard range of thicknesses uses and
maximum recommended sizes are shown in Tables 2 and
3. This Code of Practice only applies to fitting of the Rolled
Lead Sheet manufactured to BS EN 12588. If you are using
any other type of lead sheet, please refer to the individual
manufacturer for guidance on the installation or bay sizing.
Note - Situations may arise whereby the thickness of
lead sheet will need to be increased to cope with thermal
movement, exposure, and longevity.
Proposed Revision of CLAW Regulations – Lead in Blood
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is currently reviewing
lead exposure limits, with a particular focus on reducing
permissible blood lead levels. The proposals include
significant reductions as follows:
Lowering the current suspension level of 60 μg /dl to 30 μg
/dl by October 2026, and further to 15 μg /dl by October
2028. There would be a similar reduction in the action levels
- from 50μg/dl to 20μg/dl, then 10μg/dl.
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