Safety Around the Studio

As with any hands-on craft, working with glass carries some inherent risks. With the growing popularity of lampworking and other glass techniques, it’s important to understand the potential hazards so you can work safely and confidently.

The information below is designed to help you enjoy your glassworking experience while increasing your awareness and reducing exposure to common risks. These guidelines have been compiled and reviewed by experienced lampworkers to reflect best practices in studio safety.

Please note:
This is not an exhaustive list of all possible hazards associated with lampworking. Other risks may exist depending on your specific tools, materials, or setup.

Proper eye protection is essential when working with glass, especially during lampworking, for two key reasons:

1. Protection from flying glass fragments:
   When glass is introduced directly into a flame, it can sometimes shatter unexpectedly. Wearing safety goggles or glasses with side shields helps protect your eyes from flying shards.

2. Protection from harmful light exposure:
   The process of melting glass emits potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. Long-term exposure can damage your eyes, even if no fragments are involved.

For many years, the standard in the industry has been didymium glasses, which not only block UV and IR rays but also filter out the intense yellow-orange glare produced by molten glass—helping reduce eye strain and improve visibility.

In recent years, a variety of other protective lenses have become available, some of which offer enhanced protection beyond traditional didymium. The best type of eyewear for you depends on the nature of your glasswork. For example:

• Beadmaking produces relatively low levels of radiation.

• Working with borosilicate tubing emits significantly more.

• Melting fused quartz involves the highest levels of radiant energy.

Additionally, individual sensitivity to glare and brightness varies, so what works for one person may not be ideal for another.

Please protect your eyes.
Consult with your optometrist or a knowledgeable safety supplier to determine the right type of eyewear for your needs.

These can be avoided with common sense and care. The most common minor burns occur when someone picks up the end of a glass rod or tube, forgetting that it is hot. A simple system, such as always laying the hot end of a rod away from you, can help you remember which end to grab.
Arrange your work area so that you never have to reach in front of your torch to get a tool or piece of glass. Choose your work clothes carefully, avoiding synthetic fibers, long loose sleeves, and shirts with open pockets or pants with folded cuffs.
Burns can be treated with ice, aloe vera sap, cold cider vinegar, or a variety of home remedies. Treat your injuries with respect; serious cuts or burns may require professional medical attention.

Remember the glass school is an industrial art space so it is best to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

For glassblowing and flameworking classes, we ask all participants to wear all-cotton clothing and sneakers. Please avoid wearing synthetic materials or loose fitted attire as these items can be flammable. It is best that long hair be tied back.

For fused glass and stained-glass classes, please wear whatever is comfortable for you.

We recommend that all visitors avoid wearing open-toe sandals or high heels in the studio.