Jewellery
making - Health and Safety Guidance
General
safety
Students should wear strong fully enclosed shoes ( no
open toes, sling backs) and no loose clothing i.e. scarf. Mid length and long hair should be tied back
away from the face. To protect clothing
it is recommended that students being their own apron or tabard.
No
talking
Whilst students are using electrical equipment or soldering
they should not talk to or be spoken to by other students so that they can
fully concentrate on their task and not become distracted.
Goggles
All students should
wear goggles when using the pillar drill, polishing machine, gas torch and
cleaning pickle.
Masks
When polishing and filing silver and other materials,
some dust will be created and students should wear protective masks during this
activity.
Precious
metal clay
Is clay that binds minute silver particles to form clay
using an organic binder. When fired or
torched as the binder is burnt away there is for a short while a mild odour and
smoke from the burn off. Students who
have allergies/ asthma are advised to wear a face mask or leave the room if
this is making them uncomfortable. Tests
and research demonstrate that to date there has been no serious allergic
reactions.
Varnish
some beads will be varnished and as this gives off fumes, masks must be worn
whilst working with this media.
Aprons
These are recommended as protection when soldering and working with the kiln. An afforable suggestion is and old leather coat cut up and the back converted into an apron
Gloves
Students should wear protective gloves when removing
their silver from the pickle and those who have allergies may prefer to wear their
own latex or rubber gloves when washing their jewellery.
Drinks
No drinks should be placed near the electrical equipment
or anywhere else where they could be a hazard.