How To Blow Glass

Glass blowing entails the use of excessive heat. And wherever heat is present, danger is also sure to follow if you do not practice safety measures.

Glass blowing safety is something that most glass art newbies overlook. They only want to learn about glass blowing basics and the necessary equipment but glass blowing safety is the last thing on their minds.

Since glass blowing necessitates the use of extreme heat and can fill your working environment with harmful fumes, it is important that you choose a work area that will minimize the possibility of explosions. You should do your glass blowing in relatively safe areas like your garage or other similar places. Inspect your work area and get rid of flammable chemicals or materials like motors that can cause heat-triggered explosions. Make sure that your workspace has great ventilation. Windows or exhaust fans are workplace musts.

Never use bottled propane if you work indoors. Use outdoor tanks and make sure that propane tanks are tied to stable surfaces like walls so as to prevent them from falling over which could cause tank regulators to fall off.

Make sure that you always have a working fire extinguisher within reach, as well as a complete first aid kit ? you?ll never know just how much damage an infected wound can do.

Always use protective eyewear, specifically those that are made from didymium, since they are especially built to filter the yellow glare from flames and hot glass.

Also, do not forget minor details such as your work clothes and your hair. Yes, your hair. If you are one of those guys who have rock star frustrations or if you are simply a long-haired woman, be sure to tie your hair back securely. It would be better to tie it back in a bun.

You can check out The Glass Blowing Bible for more glass blowing safety information.