The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 52 No 2 July 2013

Studio
Cleaning a kiln shelf
Sharp edges on a fired piece
Cuts
Fired glazes can have very sharp edges due to the irregular surface qualities of the clay underneath or
from cracked ware. It is not uncommon to get cut when unloading a kiln and not notice it until seeing
blood on the kiln shelves. The safe way to unload a glaze kiln is with a pair of gloves. Not only do they
protect the hands from any residual heat but the gloves also prevent glaze cuts on the hands.
Potters should protect their eyes from sharp pieces of kiln wash or glaze drips on the shelves by
wearing goggles and gloves. Glaze debris can be razor sharp and fly about the room when hit with a
chisel.
Ceramics Studio Eye Protection
Working with clay is not an inherently dangerous endeavour, however the pottery studio contains a
few potentially hazardous situations that can easily be avoided by using the proper safety equipment. A
careful understanding of the principles involved in the making and firing of pots will reveal several areas
where eye protection is essential. Fortunately, special filter glasses and filtered face shields have been
developed for use in major manufacturing areas such as foundries, steel mills, glass production, metal
fabrication, and casting industries.
Infrared/Ultraviolet Eye Protection (IR and UV)
In the past 'glassblowers' ailment' was a common problem amongst people who worked with hot glass.
After years of unprotected high duration exposure, the cumulative effect caused cataracts to develop in
their eyes. Today, the cause of glassblowers' cataracts and the methods to prevent such damage have
made this condition a historical curiosity'
Infrared radiation cannot be seen as it is composed of wavelengths that are longer than visible light.
Ultraviolet radiation is also invisible, consisting of wavelengths shorter than visi ble light. Both types are
part of the electromagnetic spectrum with visible light being just one part of the entire spectrum. The
insidious characteristics of cumulative damage and the invisibility of exposure were two factors that led
the glassblowers into trouble over time. Simply stated, by using the proper glasses potters can avoid
potential long-term risk to their eyes.
THE 10URNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS JULY 2013 87