The use of stained glass safety gear is something we all understand is important, but unfortunately, it tends to be overlooked. We've all come across those YouTube videos where experts effortlessly score, break glass, foil, and solder without any safety gear. However, using safety gear is a personal choice that ensures your protection. That's why this article is specifically geared (no pun intended) for those who are just new or somewhat new in working with stained glass.
Eye protection
There are various options for eye and face protection, but ultimately, the decision is up to you.
Some people like to use simple shatter-resistant safety glasses, while others opt for goggles and face shields. It's important to choose the right type to avoid any injuries. First and foremost, you need to shield your eyes from glass fragments. Additionally, you should avoid restricting your peripheral vision, as it can result in accidents like cuts, burns, or knocking glass or equipment onto the floor.
Gloves: Cloth, Kevlar, and Puncture Resistant
Let's discuss gloves specifically designed for handling glass. In the following section, we will also cover different types of gloves suitable for handling chemicals such as patina and glass gleaners.
It's crucial to avoid handling glass without gloves to prevent cuts. With different types of gloves to choose from, every glass enthusiast can pick the ones that suit their needs. It is important to note that no glove is necessarily cut or puncture proof. Keep in mind that cut resistant gloves are ideal for sharp objects, but what about punctures?
Cloth Gloves:
These gloves are crafted using materials such as wool and cotton to shield your hands from rough surfaces and minor scrapes. They also provide some defense against slight temperature variations. Nevertheless, cloth gloves are not effective in preventing cuts or puncture wounds, and they offer limited protection against chemicals or liquids coming into contact with your hands. This type glove can be useful but not recommended.
Kevlar:
Kevlar gloves are awesome protective gear made from a super strong synthetic fiber called Kevlar. They're designed to keep glass artists safe from cuts, scrapes, and heat. Not only are these gloves lightweight, but they also provide flexibility and comfort. Just remember, even though they are resistant to cuts, those pesky sharp glass shards can still poke through and give you a nasty puncture wound on your fingers and hands.
Puncture resistant
This glove is designed to safeguard the hands of wearers against sharp objects, needles, thorns, and other potentially harmful materials.
While it may be cut if subjected to a sharp knife, it remains resilient against the sharp edges of stained glass and can prevent punctures from glass shards. Many glass artists who work with glass find this glove to be their preferred choice for protection.
Grinder Safety:
When it comes to using a stained glass grinder, safety should always be your top priority. Make sure to follow the necessary safety measures to keep yourself protected throughout the task.
Wearing rubber gloves while grinding is a matter of personal preference. For me, I prefer not to wear gloves as I want to feel the amount of pressure when the glass touches the grinder bit. However, there are downsides to not wearing gloves. The most significant ones include the risk of cuts and the possibility of ruining your manicure if your fingernails meet the grinder bit.
Keep your grinder sponge wet to prevent glass dust. Avoiding grinder dust in your eyes and lungs is essential. In the glass community, it has been widely accepted that breathing in the dust generated during glass grinding can be harmful. However, there has been some disagreement regarding this belief in recent times. Personally, I think it's a good idea to keep your sponge moist to avoid glass dust, and be sure not to breathe in any glass particles.
A common tool used in glass grinding is the Grinder’s Mate. You can choose to use this tool to assist in grinding however, I prefer not to but the choice is yours.
Ensure you wear your eye protection while using coarse grinder bits as they can cause tiny glass pieces to fly in all directions. Safety first!
Flux, Patina, and Glass Cleaners
Flux, Patina, and Glass Cleaners consist of chemical ingredients that may pose a risk to your skin. Let's delve into the types of gloves needed while working with these substances.
Latex:
Latex gloves, which are crafted from natural rubber, are widely used by healthcare professionals. These gloves offer excellent tactile sensitivity, making them perfect for tasks that demand precision. Nevertheless, individuals with latex allergies should avoid using them, as they can lead to skin irritation and other allergic reactions.
Vinyl:
Vinyl gloves are widely preferred in healthcare settings. These gloves are crafted from a synthetic material known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and provide a more relaxed fit in comparison to nitrile gloves. Although they may not be as long-lasting as nitrile gloves, they serve as a cost-effective alternative for low-risk situations.
Nitrile:
Nitrile gloves are crafted from a synthetic rubber material that offers durability against punctures, tears, and chemicals. Healthcare professionals favor these gloves for their top-notch protection against blood-borne pathogens and contaminants. Plus, nitrile gloves are free of latex, making them a safe choice for those with latex allergies.
Soldering, Smoke, and Ventilation:
The soldering process involves the use of various metals, and it's important to note that the fumes produced can be harmful to our health. These fumes tend to rise vertically, making it possible for them to enter our bodies through the nose and mouth when we breathe.
Prolonged exposure to these fumes can lead to discomfort and various health issues, including asthma, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Therefore, it is crucial to address the potential harm caused by soldering fumes. Glass hobbyists and artist choose either to ignore or utilize these pieces of equipment. Again, the choice is yours, as something is better than nothing. Here are a few considerations:
Another option is the use of a fume extractor. A reliable fume extraction system is easy to set up and use.
Fume Extractors
For those looking to create their own extraction fans, a popular recommendation is often a desktop fan priced between $15 and $25,
equipped with an activated charcoal impregnated filter. This choice is favored by hobbyists due to its affordable price, compact size, and quiet operation.
A bit more expensive are the fume extractor fans
When it comes to a low-end fume fan extractor, the most commonly used configuration includes an axial fan that draws air through an activated carbon filter. However, there are notable distinctions.
The fan and housing in this setup are larger, providing better support for air induction and offering a greater surface area. As a result, it becomes more efficient in capturing and retaining pollutants.
Guide to safety equipment during a stained glass project.
Make sure to wear protective gear while working on stained glass, as it's important for your safety. The only exception might be when you're foiling.
Scoring, Cutting & Breaking Glass
Safety glasses or face shield
Cut resistant gloves or cut and puncture resistant gloves
Grinding
Safety glasses or Face Shield
Cut Resistant Gloves (optional)
Grinder’s Mate tool
Keep grinder bit wet at all times. If you see glass dust coming from your bit, reposition your grinder sponge to make sure it is in contact with the water from your grinder’s water reservoir
Check you water level in your grinder reservoir
If dust is still present at minimum, wear a facemask
Foiling
No safety gear is needed unless you feel the need to wear some.
Flux and Soldering
Safety Glasses or Face Shield
Rubber or Nitrile gloves to apply and clean flux after soldering
Use a ventilation system for the solder smoke
Patina and Glass
Rubber or Nitrile gloves when adding any patina and wiping off excess on your glass piece.
This article contains a lot of information, but don't worry, the process is actually quite simple once you start implementing it. I really hope this article proves useful to you. If you found it helpful, please show your support by giving it a "Like" and sharing it with other glass artist enthusiasts.
Press on Friends!!!
Side Note:
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