The method of cleaning your range area is very important. Inadequate and/or inappropriate range cleaning procedures can actually create a greater risk of lead exposure. Perhaps the worst thing you can do is clean the range by dry sweeping. Similarly, compressed air can’t be used to clear floors or other surfaces of accumulated lead. Both procedures will stir up lead dust and increase airborne lead levels and hazardous exposures.
The most effective and safe way to clean the range area is using a Legally Certified Explosion Proof HEPA vacuum system. This will prevent settled lead from becoming stirred up and exposing employees to elevated airborne lead levels. If you plan to use a HEPA vacuum system, make sure it is designed to be explosion proof so unburned or spilled gunpowder isn’t accidentally ignited. All Tiger-Vac vacuum cleaner systems designed for shooting range/shot house maintenance are legally certified explosion proof and dust ignition proof.