We all know that there are several range rules to keep you safe from the potential dangers lurking inside an indoor firing range. There are required safety videos to teach new shooters how to be safe when in the range and there are rules posted in multiple places throughout the range. The one danger that is never talked about or posted on signs is lead exposure. We know the dangers of lead paint and that ingesting it can lead to lead poisoning, but did you know that indoor firing ranges pose a similar threat?
Danger of Lead Dust
Exposure to lead over time is the most common cause of lead poisoning, most often occurring through exposure to lead in the form of dust. Lead dust is very fine and invisible to the naked eye. Because it is so fine, lead dust can easily stick to clothing, shoes and other surfaces. This allows lead to easily be inhaled or ingested. Exposure to lead dust can result in symptoms such as high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, concentration and memory issues, headaches, and abdominal pain in adults.
Lead and Indoor Firing Ranges
Indoor firing ranges are one of the most common places where lead dust exposure poses a threat. As bullets containing lead are fired throughout the day, lead dust accumulates on individuals, surfaces, and in the air. Without a ventilation system that is separate from the HVAC system, lead dust can easily accumulate to high levels in the air, far above the limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter over an 8 hour period. This elevated exposure puts both visitors and employees at risk for lead poisoning.
Protection Measures
Aside from having a separate ventilation system designed for indoor firing ranges, daily cleaning with HEPA vacuums and using wet cleaning methods to clean surfaces will help limit the amount of dust remaining in the building. During cleaning, employees should use proper protective equipment to reduce the exposure to lead. Measures like cleaning changing stations will help prevent lead dust from being tracked throughout the facility or carried home through skin, clothing, and shoes.
Why Hire a Professional Cleaning Company
Professional cleaning companies, like Clear Air Enviro-Services, understand the importance of cleaning surfaces completely. Not only do they have the approved equipment for cleaning, including personal protective equipment, but they have the expertise and knowledge of cleaning standards to help facilities meet OSHA and EPA requirements. The ability to clean all surfaces involved in the indoor firing range and the proper disposal of lead is an added benefit of hiring a professional company, including cleaning your HVAC and ventilation systems. Clear Air Enviro-Services offers customized cleaning services to ensure that your facility is safe for your employees and customers while meeting OSHA and EPA regulations.
Clear Air Enviro-Services cleans privately owned and government run indoor firing range facilities. We can also clean and sanitize the components of your HVAC system that are separate from the gun range, including retail stores and gunsmith shops.
