Many fishermen enjoy making their own tackle.  Using a personal melting pot, a fisherman can cast his/her own jigs, sinkers, and lures.  Not only is this practice a hobby, it is also a money saver in the long run.   For most of these hobbyists, the main ingredient used in the melting pot is lead.

BE SAFE:

  • If you’re pregnant, stay away from the work area and refrain from casting your own tackle.
  • Never let children in your work area.
  • Keep your work area clean.
  • Have proper ventilation in your work area.
  • Do not eat, drink, chew gum, or smoke while handling lead.
  • Use gloves & safety glasses.
  • Wear a dust mask with special filters for lead.
  • Wear leather shoes, a long sleeve shirt, and pants to protect against lead splatters and burns.
  • Never let water or moisture come into contact with molten lead.
  • Carefully clean surfaces after completing your molds.
  • Do not sweep dry floors.  Use a shop-vac with a HEPA filter to vacuum floors.
  • Always wash your hands after handling lead.
  • Shower and wash hair after smelting or casting.

When cleaning your work area surfaces and washing your hands, be sure to use soap specifically formulated to remove lead!  Be sure to use CLEAN-ALL® HEAVY METALS HAND & BODY SOAP!

Click here for more details on lead safety for fishermen, care of the Illinois Department of Public Health

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