Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 86-269-1812, Federal Reserve Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio

摘要

In response to a request from the Federal Reserve Bank (SIC-6011) located in Cincinnati, Ohio, an evaluation of airborne lead (7439921) exposures was made during the use of an indoor firing range. The range was used by about 20 bank guards who must qualify quarterly; range officers were rotated to reduce chronic exposures. Lead levels produced by the firing of two specific types of ammunition was also evaluated. The lead level exceeded OSHA permissible exposure limit of 50 micro g/m3. During evaluations the ventilation system at the range was performing poorly. Airflow was erratic and turbulent so that much of the air flowed backwards. The copper coating on the bullets was apparently too thin to do much to stop the lead from entering the atmosphere. The author concludes that a health hazard from over exposure to lead existed at the firing range. The author recommends that the bullet trap exhaust be repaired since no matter how much the air flow is increased in the range, the problem will not be solved until the lead is trapped in the exhaust. Until the ventilation is repaired, jacketed bullets should be used on the range.