Good housekeeping is one of the most important management practices you can implement to reduce exposure to lead. You need to keep all surfaces as free as practicable of accumulated lead dust and do it in a manner that will not increase the risk of lead exposure. A clean range has the added benefit of being more attractive to members and customers.

How you clean the 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 exposures.

There are two methods that should be considered for the routine cleaning of your range. One is wet mopping and the other is using a HEPA vacuum system. Both systems prevent settled lead from becoming stirred up and exposing employees to elevated airborne lead levels. Be aware that if you use a wet mop procedure for range cleaning, the water may need to be managed as a hazardous waste. 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. The HEPA filter may also need to be managed as a hazardous waste. When working on the range the ventilation should be turned on (unless performing work on the ventilation systems or performing other activities where running the ventilation system could create a hazard to the worker).

Good housekeeping involves a regular schedule to remove accumulations of lead dust and debris. The schedule should be adapted to range conditions based on range use and exposure potential. Employees should be trained in the safe performance of housekeeping and maintenance activities. The performance of range maintenance, cleaning or reclaiming activities are tasks that are likely to have the highest airborne lead exposure levels. For this reason, the use of protective clothing during these activities may be a consideration.