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While shooting at the Arms Room recently, I noticed a new sign posted in each shooting bay. It was a memo from management regarding practices to follow to minimize lead exposure in indoor shooting. Some of the items:

- Wear "range clothes" and change back into other clothes after session.
- Don't cast bullets at home.
- Wash hands and face with de-leading soap.

I hadn't given it a lot of thought because the Arms Room has some of the best ventilation I've experienced. Typically at the end of a session I'll wash my hands with the lead-removal soap that they provide and be done with it. Does anyone follow these guidelines more closely? Or is this mostly a pro forma announcement on their part?

I had never heard of the lead removal soap. I am doubtful of it's effeciency, but I guess it can't hurt.

Whether or not it is CYA, I wouldn't hold it against them for trying to protect the health of their customers. I think that their employees should be the most concerned since they are exposed for much longer terms than the average shooter.

It *is* a CYA announcement, but it's good practice.

The level of risk depends on just how much time you spend shooting indoors. Employees of indoor ranges have been known to test high on blood-lead tests, and I suspect these facilities are subject to OSHA guideleines/regulations for lead exposure, much like metal foundries would be...but this is just a guess on my part.

I haven't been to the Arms Room in some time, but I would love to see a picture of the sign if at all possible.

For the most part, as shooters (not cleaning ranges, and working "downrange") good hygene practices and good common sense dictates hand/face washing, after sessions, and good general awareness. Most of the lead in the air in an indoor range comes primarily from the priming compounds in ammunition, and secondarily from the exposed lead on the BASE of most FMJ projectiles. The jury is still out as to whether/how much exposed lead in the form of plain cast bullets or exposed-lead hollowpoint bullets affects air quality.

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cbunt1 wrote:...
I haven't been to the Arms Room in some time, but I would love to see a picture of the sign if at all possible......

Well "sign" might be misleading. It's a typed memo that's in a plastic cover. Still, if I get a chance I'll try to get a picture of it.

Sounds like one or more of their employees tested higher than normal for blood lead level, and they are just casting a wide net to cover everything.

Your average shooter will not get enough lead exposure, even in an indoor range, to cause problems. However, range employees, and those who recycle lead and brass (like we do), do need to be tested and to take those precautions.

And, BTW, yes, there is a lead removing soap called D-Lead. Comes in a shower gel and a hand soap. We use it religiously, even though it tends to be somewhat drying.

Crossfire wrote:...And, BTW, yes, there is a lead removing soap called D-Lead. Comes in a shower gel and a hand soap. ....

Yes, I took the advice of a fellow reloader and bought my D-Lead from a place online that caters to people who do stained glass work. Got a bunch at a good price.