Glassblowing Safety Notice
In accordance with our glass studio health and safety protocols, you are required to have your own personal blow pipe mouthpiece, which can be purchased from the Red Door Store on campus. Bent Brass Swivel Kit includes: 1/4 inch 90 Deg, Silicone Blow Hose 1/4†and Mouthpiece.
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 at 11:00 am on Saturday 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.
