Case Study: Proactive Lead Exposure Mitigation: A Case Study in Indoor Shooting Ranges

Our subject, a renowned indoor shooting club, prides itself on offering a high-quality and distinctive experience for both members and the public. The facility is divided into two separate ranges: a larger public range and a more exclusive, smaller range for club members. With a wide array of semi-automatic firearms and exceptional safety measures, each visit is designed to be a memorable one, regardless of the occasion. As a member of respected shooting and conservation associations, the club brings unrivalled expertise to its operations.
 
However, an unfortunate incident involving high levels of lead in the blood of some staff members necessitated a thorough assessment of industrial lead exposure within the club. A medical intervention brought potential hazards associated with lead dust generated within the facility to light, raising critical concerns about staff safety and health. This case study provides an in-depth account of our visit to the indoor shooting range and our investigation into potential lead exposure among the staff.
 
Indoor shooting ranges pose a unique occupational health risk due to the potential exposure to lead. When a gun is fired, lead dust and fumes are released from the bullet and primer. These particles can be inhaled or ingested by range workers, leading to an increased blood lead level. In addition to inhalation and ingestion, lead particles can be absorbed through the skin or be carried home on clothing, potentially exposing family members.
 
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause a wide range of health issues, even at low levels of exposure. In adults, exposure can lead to neurological issues, hypertension, renal impairment, immunotoxicity, and reproductive toxicity.

Guidance Documents

 
There are several resources available to aid in the management of lead exposure risks at indoor shooting ranges. The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a technical manual on lead exposure in indoor shooting ranges. These manual outlines lead exposure limits, control measures, and recommendations for medical monitoring.
 
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has also produced a range of publications on lead safety, including a guide specifically targeted towards preventing lead exposure at indoor shooting ranges.
 
In the United Kingdom, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides comprehensive guidance on the control of lead at work, detailing risk assessment, control measures, and health surveillance requirements.
 
By following these guidance documents, implementing comprehensive health and safety policies, and conducting regular risk assessments, shooting ranges can protect their workers and customers from lead exposure. Nevertheless, it's important to note that while these guidelines are valuable, each shooting range is unique, and mitigating risks may require specific, tailored solutions.
 

Methodology

 
Our multi-faceted investigation incorporated several techniques to assess lead exposure and contamination within the shooting range. Each technique was selected for its specific ability to examine a particular aspect of lead exposure and accumulation within the range environment.
The first of these methodologies was the NIOSH 7300. This method involves the evaluation of lead dust in the air, which is a significant concern in shooting ranges due to the lead particles released when a firearm is discharged. Air samples were collected at numerous locations throughout the shooting ranges and analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) techniques. The NIOSH 7300 helped us quantify the airborne lead levels that workers and patrons could potentially inhale.
In addition to air sampling, we used the OSHA ID-125G method to evaluate potential hand contamination with lead. This surface wipe sampling technique allowed us to assess the presence of lead on hands, which could lead to lead ingestion. Hands of range personnel were swabbed both before and after a work shift, then analysed for lead content to identify any significant increase in lead levels during work hours.

To identify areas where lead might have accumulated over time, we conducted X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spot checks. XRF is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. This tool provided us with instant, on-site results, and helped us map the areas of highest lead concentration.

Understanding the airflow patterns within the range was a crucial part of our investigation. Poor ventilation can cause lead dust to accumulate in certain areas, leading to an increased risk of exposure. To study these patterns, we carried out numerous smoke tests. Smoke testing involved releasing smoke within the range and observing its movement. This method provided visual evidence of air circulation patterns, helping us identify pockets of air with limited circulation which might increase exposure risk.

Through the comprehensive use of these methodologies, we were able to thoroughly evaluate the risk of lead exposure within the shooting range and provide recommendations for risk mitigation. Each method, in its way, contributed to the understanding of the lead exposure scenario, providing valuable insights for improvement and control.

Findings

Air monitoring results suggested that Range Officers were likely exposed to lead levels exceeding the Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) during Saturday shifts, the longest exposure times. During Monday to Sunday shifts, the majority of employees' personal exposure levels were significant, as they were above 50% of the WEL.

Hand samples indicated high levels of lead for three of the employees and moderate levels for the remaining sample, indicating the necessity to improve employee hygiene practices.

The surface sampling within the lobbies and reception area indicated that surfaces like door handles and furniture are likely to contain high levels of lead dust. Therefore, regular cleaning is necessary to prevent contamination.

Our findings suggest a formal health surveillance program is necessary, as recommended in the CLAW regulations. The employees need to consult an occupational healthcare professional if there are any health concerns.

Recommendations

An immediate review of the ventilation system in the Public shooting range, particularly between bays 1-6, is necessary. This area, where the public and employees stand, should be ensured to have effective air dispersal and replacement to properly manage airborne contaminants.
To reduce lead exposure, we recommend immediate implementation of job rotation, limiting employees' working hours on the Public Shooting Range to a maximum of 3 hours per shift.
It is critical to ensure that personal hygiene instructions in the range are being followed consistently. Employees need to understand the importance of thorough hand washing before breaks to avoid ingesting lead. Furthermore, cleaning materials such as soaps and sanitizers should always be in stock and readily accessible for employees.

NIOSH research shows that washing hands with soap and water does not completely remove lead from the skin's surface. We recommend the use of lead decontamination wipes alongside soap and water for routine hand washing.

Maintaining a suitable health surveillance program for personnel regularly involved in working with lead is recommended. As part of this program, blood lead tests should be conducted every three months for personnel at significant risk of lead exposure.

The LEV systems should be thoroughly examined and tested according to COSHH Regulation 9. A minimum clearance time of 5 minutes should pass before anyone enters the range area past the shooting line. All parts of the ventilation systems should be sealed to prevent escape of contaminated fumes, and maintenance and filter replacement should be carried out in a way that prevents the spread of contamination. Filter cleaning should not be performed on site.

These recommendations, if implemented immediately and maintained routinely, would significantly reduce the risk of lead exposure in the shooting range, creating a safer working environment for all.
 

Value Delivered

 
Our comprehensive investigation and the implementation of our recommendations delivered significant value to our customers in multiple key areas.

By following our recommendations, the shooting range was able to drastically reduce workplace exposure limits to below 10% of WEL. This considerable reduction in lead exposure limits not only enhances the safety and health of the staff and patrons, but also aligns the shooting range with industry best practices and regulatory standards.

Our suggested control measures, including ventilation system modifications, job rotation, and personal hygiene practices, were proven effective. These enhancements not only reduced airborne contaminants but also improved overall workplace hygiene.

Crucially, the implementation of our recommendations led to a marked improvement in health outcomes for employees. Medical investigations confirmed the elimination of lead from the blood of employees, effectively resolving a significant health concern.

By establishing a robust health surveillance program, including regular blood tests, the shooting range can now proactively monitor and manage the health risk associated with lead exposure, ensuring the long-term well-being of its employees.

Collectively, these improvements have transformed the shooting range into a safer environment for both employees and patrons. This not only supports the reputation of the facility but also assures patrons that they are frequenting a range where safety and health are paramount.

In conclusion, our services have enabled the shooting range to drastically reduce lead exposure, effectively eliminate lead from the blood of employees, and establish practices that will ensure the continued safety and health of all who use the facility. Our partnership has fostered a safer, healthier environment and demonstrated a clear commitment to prioritizing health and safety.