I always cast standing at a bench or table. I've never worn gloves. I cast several molds at once, using the number of molds to pace my casting and keep all the molds at the right temp without getting bored or overheating them (if a mold starts to throw frosty bullets or balls I add another mold or let it sit out empty a round). I fill the mold, set it down and fill the next one, when I'm back to the first one I knock the sprue plate (which doesn't smear cause its been sitting for a bit), dump the bullets or balls and refill it, set it down and go the the next. An apron isn't a bad idea (don't usually use one casting but always blacksmithing). Jeans and cowboy boots that let lead roll off instead of sticking in the laces. Glasses or some kind of eye protection is very important which you'll appreciate when you find little specks on them after a casting session. I have my melting pot set in a deep dish pizza pan which contains most of the sprues and assorted tools and candle stubs etc that collect and it would contain a serious spill or bottom pour malfunction. When I quit and it's all cool, everything stays in the pan and I just slide it back onto the bench shelf for next time.