WarmGlass.com

I was attempting to sift some powder onto a sheet of glass, when I lifted the sheet to pat off the excess, a whole cloud of glass poofed into the air. I underestimated how much would stick on the glass. The amount that went airborne looked fairly significant. I was wearing a respirator, of course, but now I worry about a fine layer of dangerous glass powder sitting over most everything in my studio--a room in my home-- just waiting to be stirred up. I wiped down most of the surfaces with a wet rag. Any advice on making sure I de-dust the studio?

And any advice moving forward? Do those of you who work with powders do so outside? Have ventilation installed? Any advice wold be appreciated. I'd like to work with powders, but not if its gonna be the death of me!

Glass dust is not especially dangerous. It is considered to be a nuisance dust by OSHA. Glass dust is not silica, it is a non-crystalline silicate and does not cause silicosis. See my web site for more information. Use your ShopVac to clean up the mess.

http://www.gregorieglass.com Click on Glass Artist Health and Safety

Thanks so much for the response! I feel a lot better about it now.

I'm glad Greg was albe to reassure you that the dust is not dangerous.
But it does let you know that a different method of removing excess powdered glass is required. One method is this one:
http://glasstips.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01 ... crisp.html

I think KeKe Cribbs uses a similar vacuum pen in what I think she calls "hot printing." She sifts powder onto a marver and then draws in it with the pen. The gaffer rolls the bubble over the design. The old Bullseye Connections video shows the process--I've seen a few other artists employ it as well...

Greg Rawls wrote:Glass dust is not especially dangerous. It is considered to be a nuisance dust by OSHA. Glass dust is not silica, it is a non-crystalline silicate and does not cause silicosis. See my web site for more information. Use your ShopVac to clean up the mess.

http://www.gregorieglass.com Click on Glass Artist Health and Safety

Could you provide the direct link? I perused the entire Heath & Safety section, and I'm not finding anything that talks about glass dust. I'm sure I'm just missing it.

Dana

http://www.gregorieglass.com/Health_Saf ... mical.html

Scroll down to "Ground Glass." Reading the entire section on Chemicals will give you a good understanding of chemical health hazards facing glass artists.

JestersBaubles wrote:

Greg Rawls wrote:Glass dust is not especially dangerous. It is considered to be a nuisance dust by OSHA. Glass dust is not silica, it is a non-crystalline silicate and does not cause silicosis. See my web site for more information. Use your ShopVac to clean up the mess.

http://www.gregorieglass.com Click on Glass Artist Health and Safety

Could you provide the direct link? I perused the entire Heath & Safety section, and I'm not finding anything that talks about glass dust. I'm sure I'm just missing it.

Dana

Thanks, I wasn't categorizing dust as chemical

Dana