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Glass Artist Health & Safety

VENTILATION:

  • With non-production work, there is insufficient off-gassing during kiln operations to create a health hazard.
  • This is assuming you are doing traditional fusing and not doing something crazy!
  • If you are iridizing glass in your kiln - DON’T! There is chlorine gas exposure!
  • You might consider venting to remove excess heat (canopy hood).
  • You need to ensure that there is adequate air flow/air exchange in your studio. Open a window, run a fan.
  • If you sand blast, you need to have a ventilation system/dust collector unless your cabinet is sealed very well.

BASIC SAFETY:

  • No open toe shoes. An old pair of leather shoes are good, steel toes are better.
  • Don’t wear jewelry when operating tools with moving parts (rings, necklaces, dangling earrings).
  • Always wear safety glasses! Safety glasses should meet ANSI Z87.1. Face shields are even better!
  • Be careful using compressed air, especially when disconnecting or connecting. Don’t use compressed air to blow down your studio.

Avoid Burns:

  • Wear appropriate gloves
  • Kevlar is best
  • Wear reflective clothing
  • Make sure you are not wearing sweaty clothes near radiant heat - steam burns!
  • Wearing flame retardant clothing
  • You can buy FR clothing, but natural wool (at least 15 oz) is very effective flame retardant clothing and is a lot cheaper!
  • Do not wear synthetic fabrics when working near an ignition source! This include Polar Fleece.

Electrocution:

  • Many kilns operate at 240 volts
  • That is a hell of a shock and can kill!
  • ALWAYS disconnect the kiln before placing a piece of metal inside (raking) or working inside the kiln
  • Disconnect the kiln before working on any electrical parts

 

Bead Maker Safety  Internet Resources:

 

Bloodborne Pathogens:

  • Where there is glass, there will be blood!
  • Never clean up someone else’s blood before decontamination!
  • Dilute Clorox (10%) and pour over blood, then clean up
  • Prevent Infections. Clean cut thoroughly. Apply an antibiotic ointment. Cover with a Band Aid. Make sure your tetanus booster is up to date.
  • All glass studios should have: Band Aids, sterile gauze, adhesive tape, disinfecting solution, antibiotic ointment, dilute Chlorox.

Ergonomics:

  • The study of how people interface with their workplace
  • Design your workspace so that everything is within easy reach
  • Your worktable should be at elbow height
  • Provide good seating
  • Make sure there is adequate light for the task
  • Avoid handling materials above 30 lbs. in weight
  • Avoid awkward positions
  • Avoid repetitive motion
  • There are a lot of things you can do to make your studio more “ergonomically friendly”

Rollers carry the entire weight of glass when using
the wet belt sander


 
A pulley and counterweight system to help lift the heavy lid of a kiln

(thanks Rebecca!)

Musculoskeletal Disorders:

  • Strains and Sprains - Can result from acute injuries or be chronic in nature.

Cumulative Trauma Disorders:

  • The body has great recuperative powers, but when recovery time is inadequate and high repetition is combined with forceful and awkward positions, CTDs can develop.
  • Tendonitis/Tenosynovitis - Inflammation of the tendon or tendon sheath causing inflammation and pain
  • Epicondylitis - Tennis elbow
  • Carpel Tunnel Syndrome - Swelling in wrist that entraps the nerve
Ergonomics Internet Resources: