Environmental Regulations for casting Wargames figures?

[keithgell]

I know this sounds mad, but If I wanted to set up a small business casting wargames figures from a shed, would I need to get permission from the environmental people?

[FramFramson]

Only if individuals in your neck of the wood require permission from "the environmental people" (sounds like a villain in a horror game scenario) to run ordinary power tools or a simple vacuum pump.

Which is to say probably not, unless you're casting figures out of plutonium. Generally I wouldn't worry unless your business happens to become large enough that you actually have to hire and pay additional employees to help.

Now, your own PERSONAL safety, that's another question entirely.

[fastolfrus]

You might need to check on fire regulations.
Also check your house insurance isn't invalidated.

But don't tell them your name and address when you ask.

(Visions of Captain Mainwaring there "Don't tell them Pike")

[Johnnytodd]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO,

you just need to operate under the principal of "Its easier to ask for forgiveness than permission"

Just cast them and then worry about the regualtions!

[6milPhil]

..."Its easier to ask for forgiveness than permission"

A principle I wholeheartedly agree with.

[Cory]

This is going to depend on where you are located, what you are using to cast, and how much you are casting.

If there is any lead you may indeed have some severe ramifications. In the US there are no statute of limitations on many enviromental damages and fines so it is definetly not better to ask forgiveness. I have seen six and seven figure damages and fines for avoiding a few thousand or even just a few hundred dollars worth of precautions.

In addition to federal and state regulations most leases prevent the use of hazardous materials and in many places there are mandatory disclosures in the event a property is sold.

In short, if a future inhabitant of the property complains about their kid's learning disabilities and the neighbor says "no wonder they're damaged the last person filled the place with lead" how comfortable are testifying in your defense while a jury looks at the drooling child.

[Zafarelli]

Which is to say probably not, unless you're casting figures out of plutonium.

... in which case you probably are visited by other governmental organizations than just the environmental people

[SBRPearce]

1. I would stick to tin - the first person to start drooling otherwise would be you, from the vapors caused by melting masses of lead.

2. You are more likely to get anxious scrutiny from your tax advisor or insurance underwriter, especially if you're setting up the casting as a separate business entity.

3. Check your local ordnances to see what they have to say about running a business on your home premises. Depending on your local government, they may take 2 attitudes: the proscriptive and the descriptive. Proscriptive says "primary residences can't be used for a business purpose" or words to that effect. Descriptive details the conditions they want to avoid when they say that: "You may not operate any activity that causes noise, fumes, traffic problems, etc, etc". It's far easier to satisfy a descriptive ordnance in most cases.

Practically, your supplies will be delivered by FedEx or the equivalent. You ship by the same method. A well-run casting operation of "hobby scale" is probably far less disruptive than a neighbor who fixes cars in the driveway, or owns a large moody dog, or has a woodworking shop with power tools in his shed. Just keep the blood-curdling screams and maniacal laughter (as you plot world domination) to a minimum, I think.