Safety Guide

Safety Guidelines for Enamelling

Enamelling is a rewarding art, but it involves working with high temperatures, chemicals, and fine glass powders. To ensure a safe creative environment, please follow these essential safety rules.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Respiratory Protection: Always wear a well-fitting dust mask (N95 or P100) when handling dry enamel powders to avoid inhaling glass dust and metal oxides.
  • Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses when sifting enamel and UV-rated kiln goggles when looking into a hot kiln to protect your eyes from "kiln glow" (infrared radiation).
  • Heat Protection: Use professional-grade heat-resistant gloves when handling hot kilns, firing racks, or tools.

2. Workplace Safety

  • Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area. Use an exhaust hood or open windows, especially when firing enamels or using soldering torches and pickling solutions.
  • Cleanliness: Maintain a "wet cleaning" policy. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe surfaces instead of sweeping or blowing dust, which can kick particles into the air.
  • Food and Drink: Never eat, drink, or smoke in your enamelling workspace. Many enamels contain lead or other toxic metal oxides that should not be ingested.

3. Chemical Handling

  • Pickling Solutions: Always use copper or plastic tongs when placing metal in acid pickles. Neutralize acids with baking soda before disposal.
  • Labeling: Keep all chemicals and enamels in containers with clear labels.
  • Waste Disposal: Dispose of used chemicals and contaminated water according to your local environmental regulations.

4. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Before using any new product, familiarize yourself with its chemical composition and specific hazards. You can find the official SDS documents for our products below.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

5. First Aid

  • Burns: In case of minor burns, run cool water over the area for at least 10-20 minutes. Seek medical attention for serious burns.
  • Eye Contact: If enamel dust enters the eyes, flush immediately with clean water for several minutes. Do not rub your eyes.