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Old 2015-08-27, 10:55am
Talonst Talonst is offline
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Join Date: Sep 11, 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JimW View Post
So there. From the people who evaluate hazards for a living.
It turns out you don't really need massive CFM, high velocity, multiple room air changes, loud fans, etc, etc.

I am in no way advocating doing away with ventilation safety. Especially if you work in a closed room or basement.
What I am saying is that, according to NOISH (experts) glass beadmaking releases no health hazards into the air.
Torch combustion products, from an Alpha or Minor is very minimal and an open window should do nicely.
Contradictory statements aren't they?

Active ventilation is MANDATORY while working with a torch. Combustion products rise in the air, propane will collect on the floor. To have a safe atmosphere toxins have to be removed at least as fast as they pollute the air - an open window or door may not be enough. Remember that problems occur from cumulative exposure - a little day after day. And what if there was a propane leak from a break in a line or a bad connection or fitting? Good ventilation might save the day. So it's not just about what's being released from the glass as you work it in the flame.

People have died from fuming metals without enough ventilation. If you're using silver glasses you're fuming to some extent, so those metals are in the air probably close to your face in the turbulent mix of air and heat generated from putting the glass and mandrel in the torch flame.

Bead release, fiber blankets and frits all create dust - don't want to breathe any of that stuff either.

To downplay the hazards of lampworking and the importance of active ventilation is dangerous. Better to have a large fan and too much air flow than not enough. Whether it's loud or not has to do with where you put the fan and how the system is designed.
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