Stained Glass Safety Information
Stained Glass Safety
Stained glass art is beautiful to look at yet there are occupational hazards to be aware of when making it. To ensure stained glass safety be mindful of the potential hazards with the tools and the materials used to create stained glass projects.
Handling Glass
Handling glass, both small and large pieces, should be done with care. Use protective gloves and wear clothing that covers your legs and arms to avoid cuts. There may not be obvious jagged edges yet the shear edges are sharp. When large sheets of stained glass are transported carry the sheet in an upright position with one hand on the top and one on the bottom. Spread fingers to distribute the weight and wear gloves to avoid cuts.
Lead Safety
According to OSHA." Engineering controls, such as ventilation, and good work practices are the preferred methods of minimizing exposures to airborne lead at the worksite. …. Engineering controls are the first line of defense in protecting workers from hazardous exposures". A well ventilated work area will eliminate the majority of airborne particles of lead that will avoid the worker from inhaling them, which could lead to lead poisoning.
Recommended Practices
Don't leave tools, glass, or chemicals lying around and put the hot soldering iron in its holder. Keep items away from family area and out of reach of children. According to the Australian Government, do not "work on the kitchen or dining room table. It is particularly dangerous because these are the very surfaces that you would not want to have contaminated with lead. Set up in a separate work area".
Facts About Equipment
Stained glass is cut and ground with equipment that has sharp surfaces. Use gloves to protect your fingers and half of a clothes pin to push glass against the diamond grinder bit while grinding. Saw blades, when cutting glass or zinc, can catch the material and thrust your hand towards it. Follow manufacturer's directions to use this stained glass equipment safely.
Chemical Hazards
Working with chemicals such as patina, etching creams, finishing compound, and grout or putty can be hazardous. Some of these products contain lead, acid and even arsenic. Read the manufacturers label for the chemicals being used in a stained glass project. Wear disposable rubber gloves when using any chemical to avoid skin irritations.
Protection
It is advised to wear protective eyewear when working with stained glass. (See Resource 1) Consult with your eye care professional for professional advice but, at the least, wear safety glasses or goggles when cutting stained glass, using the grinder, and while soldering. There are also hand soaps to minimize exposure to lead, several choices of gloves to protect hands during different phases of making stained glass, and eye shields for the grinder to protect eyes from glass dust.
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Comments
You sure have covered all the hazards especially the lead that can be bad handling lead then eating food without washing your hands in a definite no no. thanks thumbs up.
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