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Send suggestions to: Steve Richard with the heading TIPS

• Because of the very nature of the medium, there are certain risks and dangers associated with the activity of making stained glass. These risks may include lacerations, burns, power tool injuries and the handling and inhalation of potentially hazardous materials, including lead and acids. Following certain safety procedures and avoiding carelessness will help reduce that risk. However, accidents WILL happen.

• Let’s face it, some days are better than others for all of us. If you are angry, distracted or cannot concentrate fully on the task at hand…stop! As with driving a car, a lack of concentration is a major cause of accidental injury. If you find that you getting frustrated by the glass breaking where it shouldn’t (and believe me, it WILL!)…stop! The tendency to grip the pliers more tightly is directly proportional to the amount of frustration you may feel. Come back to it when you are more relaxed and can get a better “grip” on things (no pun intended).

• Keep your work board and bench clean. Use a soft-bristled bench brush—regularly—to sweep away glass slivers and shards. Don’t use your hands to wipe off your work bench–you will be sorry if you do.

• Good ventilation is a must! Both soldering and patina application produce toxic fumes.

• Keep your hands away from your mouth and face while working. Wash your hands thoroughly with a pumiced hand soap every time you stop work. Then follow up with soap and water and scrub underneath your fingernails with a nail brush.

• Always have a complete first aid kit available and an extra box or two of sterile tape/band-aids. Working with glass—at some point—you WILL cut yourself. No need to let it make you nervous, but be prepared…don’t let it make you angry or frustrated.

• Cover all open cuts and scratches with sterile tape/band-aids. Broken skin will absorb lead, whereas healthy skin will not.

• If you are on aspirin therapy or are taking prescription blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Plavix, ask your doctor if you should be working with stained glass. When taking these medications, even a tiny cut can bleed excessively. Better to be safe than sorry.

Kathi Bell

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