Glass Beadmaking Safety Issues

Making glass beads over a torch is more fun than any bead enthusiast can imagine.  Everyone should have the opportunity.

Perhaps renting torch time is a good option if you’re not a serious lampworker or you just want to try making beads before you get totally involved.  There are probably lampworkers in your area who’d be happy to accommodate you on a short term basis.  Once you’ve decided to dive into flamework, though, you’ll have to consider some very important safety precautions.

Your workspace is first, of course.  You’ll need an area that gives you substantial space all around.  Your torch will be firmly secured to your table, so it will be stabilized;  but you won’t want the torch to be directed at any obstacles.  Your flame may project out more than a foot as you’re fine-tuning it, so make sure that your torch table allows substantial space.  Don’t place torches across from one another unless you have at least two table widths between them.

Make sure that you have a functional fire extinguisher within arm’s reach.  Don’t put anything on it, around it, or in the path between you and the extinguisher.  When you’re working with a flame,  you can’t ever be too cautious.

You’ll be using a mixture of propane and oxygen as a fuel source, producing a safety issue that must be carefully considered.  Your propane will likely be contained in a tank of some size, from the standard barbecue to a large 100+lb tank.   Ideally the tank can remain outside and propane can be drawn to the torch through attached hoses.  Otherwise, a small tank can be used, but should not be stored indoors.  Oxygen, too, is potentially harmful if it’s not handled correctly.  An external oxygen tank will offer you the best flame, but more aggravation as well.  Oxygen should also be kept outside.  The two tanks should not be in close proximity to each other, and NEITHER should ever be between you and your exit.

VENTILATE your work area.  When you work with a flame, you produce carbon monoxide.  You must have fans pulling noxious gases out and away from your flame.  With proper ventilation working for you, there shouldn’t be a problem.  This is one of the most crucial safety precautions to heed.

Wear protective eyewear when you’re working.  There are a variety of Rose Didymium glasses available for your best protection.  Your feet should be covered with hard-soled footwear as well.  Small shards of glass are frequently airbound.

All of these points need to be in order before you begin your lampworking experience, so plan ahead.

Above all – Bead Carefully – Always assume that everything around you is hot!