It's important to stay safe when you're working with the sharp edges of glass, the hazards of chemicals, and the dangers of lead exposure. We've compiled some safety tips here to keep in mind while you do what you love.

generally...

To minimise the spread of potentially dangerous materials around your living space:

• use a dedicated area away from your living space if possible
  
  
• have a dedicated set of clothing, an apron, and closed footwear for your glass craft
  
  
• shake your protective clothing outside when you're done for the day
  
  
• wash your protective clothing separately from household washing and rinse your washing machine afterward
  
  
• wash your hands thoroughly and dry them on a dedicated towel before eating, drinking, smoking, or using the bathroom
  
  
• keep your work area clean and if you use a vacuum cleaner, ensure it has a HEPA filter so that you don't spread potentially contaminated dust further
  
  

glass

• when carrying glass, position the sheet vertically and by your side to minimise the risk of additional injury if you trip and fall
  
  
• when cutting glass, wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying shards
  
  
• when grinding glass, wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying shards and a face mask to protect your respiratory tract from glass powder
  
  
• don't leave glass pieces overhanging the edge of your cutting area
  
  
• consider using gloves to protect your fingers from sharp edges
  
  
• don't brush a cutting area or your clothing with bare hands to minimise the risk of being cut by glass shards
  
  

chemicals

• when using chemicals, soldering, or wire-brushing, wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from splashes, a face mask to protect your respiratory tract from fumes and dust, and gloves to protect your skin
  
  
• work in a well-ventilated area and use a fan to move fumes away from your workspace
  
  
• don't eat, drink, or smoke while working
  
  
• turn off your soldering iron when it's not being used
  
  
• clean your workspace and wash your hands thoroughly when you're done
  
  

a note about lead

• be particularly mindful of the safety tips above when using lead came or tin-lead solder, as well as when deconstructing and cleaning old and crumbling leadlight panels
  
  
• lead is a toxic substance that is retained in the body and can have serious health effects
  
  
• if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have young children, consider excluding lead from your glass craft
  
  
• if you use lead on a regular basis, consider having periodic blood testing at your GP to measure your exposure
  
  

safety data sheets

We've collected these material safety data sheets from the manufacturers and distributors of the chemicals we supply. Contact us if you need a SDS not listed here and we'll do our best to source it for you.