Setting up a work area

When I first started the metalsmithing/silversmithing course in September I was astonished by how many hazards there were associated with the jewellery business.

Our teachers were very adamant about safety and the workshop.

I had already taken a few night school courses and that had never come up in conversation.

One of our teacher's father was a pathologist and said that jewellers' lungs were some of the worse he'd seen!

I didn't see it mentioned up above but one area in particular that I am very cautious about now is polishing. I always wear a respirator. Most polishing compound is very toxic! I wear a full respirator at all times when I'm polishign. Its uncomfortable to wear but considering I'd like to maintain my health it's worth wearing! I also have started wearing it when I trim my slabs as I use Pella Oil. I've essentially incorporated it into my cabbing as well.

We were also highly encouraged to always wear a N95 mask for when we were at our bench sawing, filing. I guess the silver particles aren't the best to inhale either.

Needless to say there are a lot of hazards associated with doing this type of work. I find that being overly precautious is a bother but gives me some piece of mind as well.

I'm in the process of trying to figure out how to properly vent my studio for soldering and polishing so that I can contain some of the harmful fumes, vapours etc. Not the easiest or cheapest thing to accomplish. Right now I'm thinking about installing an oven vent above my soldering desk and have it vented outside.

Anyways, just thought I'd share what we were being taught.

Jenn