The
following information is provided to enhance your awareness of the
health risks for the glass beadmaker. By providing this
information I hope to help you enjoy the art of flameworking,
while reducing your risk of injury. I hope you will not be
discouraged, but instead use this information to increase your
knowledge of this wonderful art form. Respect your equipment, and
you will be both safe, and comfortable while you
CREATE.
Eye
Protection: It is absolutely
necessary to wear either Didymium, AV or Aura lenses while working
at the torch! We work with an oxygen/propane mix torch. Adding
oxygen to propane makes our flame hotter, cleaner, and more
efficient, thus making it easier to work the glass. At the same
time the addition of oxygen creates ultraviolet, and infrared
rays. When the glass is introduced into the flame the torch gives
off sodium flare. Sodium flare, ultraviolet and infrared rays are
potentially damaging to the eye. Didymium lenses provide
approximately 85% protection, AV and Aura lenses provide
approximately 95% protection. There are now more choices than ever
for adequate eye protection please check with your distributor for
the best choice for you, and the type of glass you work with.
Ventilation: It is
important to use adequate ventilation while working on the torch.
Propane has an odorant added to assist in leak detection, which
some people are quite sensitive to. When brought to working and
molten temperatures, the glass can give off a number of fumes, and
gasses. The long-term affects of these fumes are at present
unknown. More importantly, whenever fuel such as
propane is burned, carbon monoxide gas is formed, and the
percentage of room oxygen is greatly reduced. Symptoms of carbon
monoxide poisoning include headaches, impaired vision, dizziness,
mental fatigue, confusion, and nausea. A good exhaust system, such
as a commercial grade, kitchen hood fan placed above your
workstation is suggested. If this is not possible, creating cross
ventilation with two windows, or a door, and window, will help.
Placing a fan in each opening, one blowing in, one blowing outside
is even better. Be sure to ventilate your studio for 1/2 an hour
after turning of your torch. Be sure to purchase a carbon monoxide
tester for your studio, and check for any problems. Only testers
with a UL standard of 2034, or IAS 696, should be used. If you
notice a metallic smell, or taste in your mouth, leave the studio,
take a break, get some fresh air while you ventilate the room.
Oxygen deprivation (Hypoxia) can have Long-term effects on the
vascular and respiratory system.
Respiratory
Hazards: Fuming metals and use
of reduction frit, (glass containing metal oxides), create risk of
heavy metal poisoning, (It is far better to use only 24 Karat gold
and pure silver when fuming). It is important therefore to
wear a respirator while working with these techniques.
Additionally, working with enamel, glass, and reduction powder
creates fine glass particles, which can enter our respiratory
system. It is possible to purchase filters for both dust, and
fumes, for use in respirators. When cleaning your beads and
mandrels do so in water to avoid creating clay dust. Clean
your studio regularly, and use a wet rag to clean all dusty areas
to protect your lungs from dust particles.
Oxygen/Propane
tank, regulator, and torch use:
Carefully follow all instructions that come with your regulators
and torch. Make sure you understand how to safely use all of your
equipment. Ask your welding supply company's representative as
many questions as necessary for you to feel comfortable and safe,
they are there to help you, and enjoy finding out about what
flameworkers do.
Please be sure to
secure your gas tanks in your studio. The suggested way to do this
is by chaining the tanks to a cart or the wall. Oxygen is a
pressurized gas, creating a great risk to the user who is not
aware of safe handling procedures. An oxygen tank that is not
chained can fall and have its valve stem sheared off upon impact.
If this happens, the possibly 2000 pounds of pressure in the tank
will be released so quickly that the tank shoots like a rocket
through anything in its path.
Always open the on/off
knob, or valve on your oxygen tank all the way. This stops the
pressure from building up in the tank. Never move oxygen tanks without the cap that
covers the on/off knob. If it is necessary to transfer
propane/oxygen tanks yourself, never leave them in a vehicle for
prolonged periods of time. Propane is a liquid fuel. The risk with
liquid fuel is created by a leak in the gas flow, and the danger
of fire. Always open the on/off knob or valve on your propane tank
just one or two turns, this enables you to turn off the flow of
gas quickly. Better yet, purchase a set of quick disconnects, this
allows you to immediately disconnect and stop the flow of
gas.
Be sure to check both oxygen,
and propane tanks for leaks. This is most easily done with a spray
bottle filled with soapy water. Spray on all fittings, at the
torch, tank, and regulator. A leak from a propane tank can as it
builds up, create an explosion that can be set off by something as
simple as turning on a light. An oderant made from onions is
added to propane to protect you from this, if you notice a
sulfur like smell you are smelling the oderant, and could have a
leak.
Never allow grease, oil, or
any flammable or combustible materials to come into contact with
your torch, hose, or tanks. Be certain to install Flashback arrestors with check valves
to your regulators and hose, at the tank. Flashback arrestors stop
a possible reverse flow of gas, or flame, by allowing the gas to
flow in one direction only, and quenching a flame if present.
Secure your torch
to your workstation, and be sure to set your regulators to the
correct setting for your use, a common formula is approximately
twice the pressure in oxygen as propane. For instance, for Minor
Bench Burners, Mini CC's, Bobcat's, Lynx’s and other small
torches, propane 5, oxygen 10, for larger torches, propane 10,
oxygen 20. At the end of each workday turn off your tanks, and
release the pressure out of the hose by opening the valves at the
torch.
Cuts and
burns: Minor cuts and burns are
almost unavoidable when working with glass and fire. However, a
little common sense will go a long way, and keep you from getting
seriously injured. Cuts are more easily avoided if you remember
that the end of glass rods, and edges of glass strips are sharp.
Be sure not to ever wipe off the surface of your workstation with
your hand, and do not walk around your studio with bare feet. Keep
your workstation, and studio floor as clean as possible. This is
particularly important if you have small children or animals.
Serious burns can be
completely avoided by working safely. Do not work when you are
tired! You will never do your best work, and you are more likely
to injure yourself. Always place your glass rods on a rest, if you
are right handed keep your glass on the right side, if left handed
on the left side. This is so you will not be tempted to reach over
the flame. Point the hot ends of the glass rods away from you so
that you never forget which end is hot, and pick up the hot end.
Always cut hot glass stringers and canes from the rod handles in
front of the torch, over your table, away from your lap. Do not
touch the ends until you are certain they are cool. Remember that
your paddle, presses, pad, etc will pick up some residual heat
from working the glass.
A rolling chair that
will allow you to move quickly if you drop any hot glass is a
great idea. Some tiny burns from thermal shocking glass are
difficult to avoid, however be sure to introduce the glass into
the flame slowly, and carefully. Either move the end of the glass
rod in and out of the flame quickly until you see the end start to
glow, or put the end of the glass rod into the flame starting at
the very tip, and slowly move it lower as it starts to get warm.
Treat all burns immediately with ice to allow the skin to stop
burning. Aloe vera gel is great for minor burns, as well as
lydicane. Never treat a burn with any product containing oil, this
can continue the burning process. Remember serious cuts and burns require a
doctor's attention.
Dehydration: Flameworking
is very dehydrating. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of
fluids. More than the minimum requirement of eight glasses of
water per day is a good idea. Additionally, you may find your eyes
and, or nasal passages getting dry. A good saline formula eye drop
(free of chemicals), will help keep your eyes comfortable and
hydrated, and may increase your work time. Saline nasal spray is
also available.
Muscle strains
and aches: Working at the torch
for hours on end is not a good idea. Try to take a break every
hour or so. Go outside, get some fresh air, stretch your limbs,
take a walk. Make sure you are comfortable while you work. Try to
sit straight, with your arms relaxed, use arm rests if necessary,
be sure your chair is the correct height for your table. Do not
get into the habit of holding your head at an angle for long
periods of time, try to work with your body as straight as
possible. Be careful to lift things properly, bending your knees,
not your back. Also it is a good idea to try to be aware of
repetitive motion problems, break up your workday, or week so that
you do not get carpal tunnel syndrome. Find out about stretches
and exercises you can do for your neck, shoulders, back, arms and
hands.
Skin
protection: Protect your skin by
wearing sunblock with at least 30 spf protection while working at
the torch, remember the torch gives off UV rays just like the sun.
Glass powders should never be touched with your bare hands so that
you do not get these fine glass particles in your
skin.
Other safety tips: Be sure to have adequate light to avoid
eyestrain. Make sure to have fire proof work surfaces and floor
and up to date fire extinguishers in case of fire. Cheap and easy
fire proofing for tables is galvanized or stainless steel sheet,
ceramic or marble tile, and safety glass. Sheet metal scraps can
be purchased from heating and plumbing supply stores, or scrap
metal companies. Walls and floors can be protected with sheet
metal, wonderboard, and tile. Fireproof blankets can also be used
for floors, and are available from your welding supply store.
In closing please use
this information as a reference only, check with your doctor,
supplier, or other specialist in order to be sure you are safe.
New information about associated health risks to artists is
discovered constantly. I have included all of the information I
know of, I may have missed something. Have fun, be safe, and make
lots of beautiful beads.
Written and compiled by
Kimberley R. Osibin © Copyright February 2001
To contact Kim call 415-259-7626 or
e-mail kim@flameworkedbeads.com
