Enamel Safety, Kiln Safety and Instructions

Enamel Safety
     Vitreous enamels are ground glass particles. Chemicals are used in the creation of the glass to give them color, most enamels contain some heavy metals. These substances can build up over time in your system, increasing the risk of some health issues. To prevent any health issues, use common sense and follow the following:
• ALWAYS wear your face mask around the enamels. This includes when you are using the flex shaft with enamels.
     o Why? Without the mask, you can inhale the particles. This allows the chemicals to get into your blood stream.
• ALWAYS wash your hand thoroughly before and after enamelling. Also wash your hands if you are working on other projects while enamelling.
     o Why? Washing your hands before and after each enamelling session will prevent the particles from traveling to your work area. Washing after working on other projects prevents contamination of the enamels with filings or other dust.
• ALWAYS seal any cuts or punctures with liquid bandage or a Band-Aid, and wear latex gloves when handling the powder until the cut has healed.
     o Why? To prevent the particles from getting in your cut.
• NEVER eat or drink where you are enamelling.
     o Why? To keep the particles from entering your body. Make sure to keep all food and beverages on the center table, and wash your hands before and after consuming them. (This is a good practice for all areas of jewelry- you don’t really want polishing compound, filings or any of that other stuff in you either!)

Kiln Safety and Instructions:

• Turn kiln on to High.
• These kilns are not computer controlled- they will not stop at a specific temperature.
• DO NOT leave the kilns unattended.
• When the kiln gets to 1400, turn the knob to Low.
• Even on Low, keep an eye on the temperature of the kiln. Do NOT leave the kiln unattended.
• The kiln has exposed heating coils on the interior. Make sure that the firing fork does not touch the exposed coils. It will short out the kiln.
• When you are finished enamelling or you need to leave the enamel area, turn the kiln off.
• The sides and top of the kiln will be hot. Make sure that all flammable or meltable materials are removed from the top and away from the sides of the kiln prior to turning on.