Ventilation

[LewysLures]

Hey guys,
I have a possible problem with ventilation and have some questions for you. So let me give you some background information. I am a college student at the University of Wisconsin, who started my own bait making company last summer. Over Christmas break I plan to expand into lead melting and make some jigs. Up here in Wisconsin our winters are very cold, currently below zero, so I do not want to pour soft plastics or melt lead in the garage. So I plan on doing it in my workshop downstairs. My workshop has stairs going up into the garage, so my plan was to melt down there and have a bunch of fans try to push the fumes up into and out of the garage. Mind you I have a very good 3M respirator. How can I further better my ventilation in order for me to stay safe and healthy? I understand my fan technique is not ideal but keep in mind I am a poor college student before posting solutions that are super expensive. I appreciate any response! Thanks in advance!(Feel free to look me up and like me on Facebook or Instagram at Lewy's Lures)

[superharmonix]

Others will chime in.  Since you asked, here's my 2 cents:

I strongly suggest and encourage you to never set up in this basement room, other than storing your baits that are finished.  I also strongly want to encourage you to either find a way to get ventilation and heat in your garage, which can be a tough balance, or wait until Spring to get back at it.  The fumes from the plastic begin before you see the "smoke" and the lead fumes are invisible.  ...not worth your health.

[andrewlamberson]

First off, Great Logo!

I live in Minnesota...and I pour both plastic and lead in the garage...weather permitting!

You have 3 big problems working "downstairs":
1. It's rare...but do you have a good evacuation path in a fire?
2. Let's assume you can move enough air out of your work space...do you have enough "make up" air coming in ?
3.There is no inexpensive way to pull enough air out of a below grade work space...I have multiple quotes from heating/ac companies to prove that!

I've settled with working in the garage using a good ice fishing heater and some good fans at the bottom of the garage doors to pull air out...and a side window partially open for refresh air. I WON'T be out there this weekend with the -10 to -18 forecasted! But it was OK today at 7 degrees outside and a balmy 35 in the garage.

I keep a kitchen towel handy to throw over the molds that I'm working with to keep them hot. If you have the power...keep your molds and injector on a electric griddle turned down low to keep them warm.

Good luck!

Andy

[LewysLures]

Thank you both very much! Thanks Andrew Lamberson for the compliment on the logo! Don't forget to like the page! Haha, but that is amazing advice you guys gave me. I will try to figure out a work station out in the garage!

[WALLEYE WACKER]

I use a whole house fan that you would use in a attic. I think it was 40 dollars. My shop is in my basement haven't had any issues. When I go to the doc I always ask for any tests for lead or any other contaminants. Been clean so far.

[Lines]

Andy is correct, in order to have adequate ventilation, you need an exhaust and an inlet source to replace the air.
Does your basement have two windows?

[Lamar]

  I poor in the basement. I took a large ventilation fan like you would use in a commercial kitchen and cut a hole to the outside and a vent cover on the outside. It didn't turn out to bad and is behind the bushes so no one sees it anyways. I turn it on when I'm pouring lead or plastic and wear a respirator for both too.

[LewysLures]

Andy is correct, in order to have adequate ventilation, you need an exhaust and an inlet source to replace the air.
Does your basement have two windows?

No, just a door to the garage.

[Muskygary]

Sounds like your in the same boat as me. I'm thinking I'll wait until I can get outside. Unlike Tom I don't like the cold and won't work in a unheated barn or garage!

[Botanophilia]

WI also, my workshop was my screen porch. I was pouring last winter down to 15-20 degrees in just long pants and a sweatshirt on a sunny day. Door to garage and 3 windows open + respirator. Working in the cold isn't so bad if you don't need to work more than an hour or two. Griddle works well for keeping molds warm, you can preheat them in the oven too. I wouldn't pour inside personally, at least not without serious ventilation. Too many bad things can happen.