Sunlit Pane · Learn the craft, love the light
Stained Glass Safety Checklist
Pin this above your bench. Run through it before every session.
Before you start
- Safety glasses on: always, even for one quick cut
- Work surface clear, flat, and lit from the front
- Window cracked or fan running for airflow
- Closed-toe shoes; long hair tied back; no loose sleeves
- Phone, snacks, and drinks off the glass bench
Cutting & grinding
- Score away from your body; never re-score the same line
- Snap over a towel or grozing pliers to catch fragments
- Grinder reservoir filled: dry grinding throws glass dust
- Face shield or glasses while grinding; keep fingers off the bit
- Sweep shards with a brush, never bare hands
Foiling & soldering
- Ventilation on: fume extractor or fan pulling smoke away
- N95 or better if flux smoke reaches your face
- Iron parked in its stand every single time you set it down
- Cotton, not synthetic, clothing near the iron
- Never chase a falling iron: let it drop
Lead & clean-up
- No eating, drinking, or vaping at the bench
- Wash hands and forearms with cold water and soap after work
- Wipe the bench with a damp cloth; don't dry-sweep lead dust
- Keep solder, patina, and flux away from kids and pets
- Change or shake out work clothes outside the living space
Keep within reach
- Bandages and tweezers for small cuts and splinters
- Burn gel or a bowl of cool water
- Eye wash or clean saline
- A lidded bin for glass scrap