Metallic lead and its compounds are materials known to be hazardous to human health and the environment.  Lead alloys and their compounds have been used as projectiles for millennia, but more recently, their use in sporting applications has come under increasing regulatory scrutiny.  However, not all lead alloys pose equivalent risk to health and the environment.  Regardless, as a consequence of pressure from environmental groups and some commercial interests, the ECHA is considering a blanket ban on lead in shot, bullets and fishing weights.  The European Shooting Association’s representative body (FITSAC) are cognizant that such a ban would seriously impact the practice of their sport – range-based clay pigeon shooting, wherein there are minimal SHE risks posed by the use of lead.

In determining appropriate SHE regulation it is essential that they be risk based.

Blake International has undertaken numerous HAZOP assessments of contaminated sites and developed a comprehensive and sustainable risk-based environmental strategy for shooting range management.  It has utilised its expertise in heavy metals management and remediation to educate the client and its membership, via proceedings papers and symposium presentations.

Further, Blake has undertaken formal submissions to the US-EPA Risk Management Group, UK-Defra’s Committee on Chemicals Safety and has collaborated with FITSAC’s ECHA submission as to the hazards associated with the use of lead projectile materials and their management – and the related viability of their alternatives.   It has represented several interested parties in formal presentations to regulatory bodies both for and against lead and its sport shooting substitutes, and in doing so educated regulators to frame appropriate and informed assessments of risk in relation to the use of projectile materials.

Blake’s clients have been enabled to better protect their sport, and enable sustainable use of ranges with minimal negative impact on human health, safety and the environment.   Further, it has empowered regulators to make better and scientifically informed risk-based decisions for the benefit of all concerned.