CASTING SAFETY ALWAYS use the following safety gear

CASTING SAFETY

ALWAYS use the following safety gear: 1. High Temperature Gloves – Welding gloves work pretty well and they have a large gauntlet that helps to protect your lower arm if you should happen to spill any molten metal. 2. Safety Goggles or Glasses – You only have one pair of eyes, take care of them. Metal can splash from time to time and molten metal in the eye is something you really want to avoid. Full-face shields that protect the entire face are always available for use in the shop for extra proection. 3. “Dust/Particle” Masks – Sanding/working with cuttlefish bone and investment produces dust that you should keep out of your lungs. To protect yourself, you should wear a least a dust/particulate filter mask when casting with your metal. 4. Long sleeves, pants and closed toe footgear while casting. Try to wear natural fibers such as cotton or wool. Synthetics can melt if splashed, so you not only get a burn from the metal, but your clothing can also end up fused to your skin. 5. Always remember to work in a well-ventilated area when casting… be under the ventilation hood in our shop!

6. When casting with investment or plaster, the mold must be completely dry! They can be air dried or the process can be hastened by using sunlight, a lamp, or a oven or kiln set on low. THEY MUST BE DRY! Even A small amount of moisture will be instantly turned to steam as the molten metal makes contact with the mold, and this steam will press outward against the molten metal, preventing it from assuming the shape of the mold. In some cases, it may also cause the hot metal to ‘spit’ out of the cavity, which can be dangerous. 7. Adhere to all torch safety guidelines. 8. When using the kiln, wear a leather apron, use leather gloves, eye protection, and of course, long pants and closed-toe footwear! 9. Have all your supplies ready, and within close proximity. . Never walk oaround with hot objests/materials. 10. When melting metal, be very aware of the proximity of others, and make sure that everyone in the room is aware that you are melting metal.