When working with stained glass, it's crucial to prioritize safety to prevent injuries and health issues. Here are the precautions you should take:
Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or goggles that protect your eyes from all sides when cutting or grinding glass. Regular reading glasses are insufficient
Skin Protection:
Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect your skin from cuts, scrapes, and hot solder. Steel-toed shoes are recommended when handling heavy or thick glass.
Consider wearing gloves, especially when soldering or using chemicals like patina, to protect your hands. Cotton gardening gloves with cuffs can work well. If you choose not to wear gloves while cutting, be extra cautious.
Ventilation: Ensure you have proper ventilation in your workspace, especially when soldering. An open window and a solder smoke absorber are recommended.
Workspace Management:
Keep your work surface clean to prevent tiny glass pieces from embedding in your skin.
Always place glass far back on the table to prevent accidental cuts.
Use a separate, sturdy bin for glass waste.
Clean your work area with a damp cloth after each session to prevent glass dust from becoming airborne. Avoid using a broom, brush, or rag.
Handling Hot Solder: Be extremely careful when soldering. Those tiny balls of solder are 700 degrees F and stick to your skin like you wouldn’t believe. Never brush away the tiny balls of solder that just dropped on the glass or your workbench.
Chemical Safety:
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid soldering or working with chemicals used in the final steps of finishing your projects.
Never mix chemicals unless explicitly stated as safe on the labels.
Consult your local health inspector for proper disposal procedures for chemicals containing toxic substances.
General Safety Practices:
Never carry or handle glass above your waistline.
Keep children and pets away from your workspace. Children must have adult supervision at all times.
Maintain a well-stocked first aid kit in your workplace.
Don’t work when you’re tired, as mistakes and accidents are more likely to happen.
Additional Tips:
Work on a sturdy table at roughly waist height.
A rubber-backed carpet under your work area can help prevent glass from spreading.
Have a good light source to see well.
Wash your hands after working with stained glass, and don't eat in your workspace.
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