Glassblowing Safety Notices:
Respirator Fit Test Requirement
Your course requires a half-mask particulate
respirator - using colour & cold glass work. This is NOT a
dust or N95 mask but a respirator with cartridges. Respirators are available at
most hardware stores & the campus bookstore, approx. $40 plus tax.
Additional filters, approx. $20. New legislation requires that anyone wearing a
respirator must be fit-tested. A fit test is a pass/fail method which measures
a face-piece-to-face seal. More details for fit tests on site.
For more information, please watch the videos
below:
Silica Exposure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCcON72KcMA
3M Respirator Fit Kit Test Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syj_zeNtLGI
Course Note:
Your
work will need to cool overnight and will be available for pick up
between 10:00 am - 12:00 noon on Sunday morning. You will require a box
to transport your work home. If you are unavailable to pick your work
up, please have someone pick it up for you the next day. The college
will not ship the pieces.
Mandatory Studio Safety Practices
Your health and safety is our priority. Our
studio environments can have a number of objects, tools and chemicals that
require personal protective equipment (PPE) or other consideration for your
well-being. All persons (including faculty, staff and students) are asked to
observe the following while in the shops and studios:
- Wear sturdy and appropriate shoes such as
sneakers, closed leather shoes or work boots open-toed shoes, flip-flops or
high heels are not allowed
- No long, dangling clothing or accessories
(scarves, flowing sleeves, chains, long necklaces, etc.)
- Long hair must be tied back
- No bare skin if exposure to chemicals or
tools/machinery is likely
- Appropriate PPE is mandatory when operating
tools and equipment within the studios.
- Please consult with the faculty or studio
technician to determine the appropriate PPE required for specific machines and
studio processes.
Fit tests are required for courses requiring a
respirator as noted on your material list. Arrangements will be made on-site. As
these are mandatory safety practices, we will follow up directly with students
who may have oversighted the above. Individuals may be asked to address any
concerns before continuing to work in the studio. Be sure to buy appropriate,
good-quality safety articles and equipment, i.e. safety boots, protective
eyewear, hearing protection, work gloves, x-acto knives, etc. - ask your
supplier for advice.
