health precautions

[Emers]

Hello all,
I'm brand new to stained glass and I'm just wondering what kind of health precautions you experts use, if any. For example, when grinding glass I felt a little uncomfortable thinking I might be breathing in tiny shards of glass. I'm typically paranoid about those sorts of things though.. so I just wanted to check in and get a little feedback about what you might use to protect yourself during any of the stained glass processes.
Thanks so much!
Emers 

[shadowrider]

I am surprised no one has replied to this yet. Hopefully you have gotten some helpful info since your post. I just joined the forum today, so this is the first time I've seen it. I've personally been working in glass for over 20 years, so I've seen a lot of changes in what we know to be safe/unsafe procedures, and the tools/equipment available to deal with things.

All studio artists need to set up health and safety protocols for their work environments. These do not need to be complex, costly things. Often, common sense is your best guide. You mentioned grinding glass. Grinders are typically water-fed. This prevents airborne glass particulants such as you were concerned about. Obviously, an occasional splinter can break off and be flung, but that is relatively rare, and why you should have a transparent shield above the grinder, as well as wearing eye protection. A good sturdy shop apron is also worth wearing.

Check out the SGAA Technical Manual for more detailed information, or contact the chair for the safety committee. There are lots of areas in a studio to attend to: ventilation for soldering and kilns, scrap lead recycling, general shop hygiene, adhesives and solvents, etc., etc. Just remember that the first best step is to keep things contained and clean!

[Richard Gross]

That's good advice, Shadowrider. Also, SGAA publishes a book called "SGAA Recommendations for Safety in the Stained Glass Studio." You can find out more about this book and others published by the Stained Glass Association of America by visiting http://www.stainedglass.org/html/SGAApublications.htm or by calling the SGAA Headquarters at 800.438-9581.