[Jewelry making - Article 01427] - Re: [Orchid] General safety in the workshop Info?

[R . E . Rourke]

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    first acetylene rises, propane stays low to the ground..the real
    hazard here is propane..but with regular leak testsing ( put up a
    checklist for your staff and have them do it at least
    weekly..overkill ..perhaps but, good practice) all crises can be
    abated.Check your tank valves and insure that there is no rust around
    the threads or any part of the assembly. Every time anyone leaves
    their bench, make it policy to turn off all lines, acetylene,
    propane, O2, or god forbid, hydrogen. 

    .If you are truly worried about safety consider the water
    torch..nothing could be safer, but without electricity you have no
    torch.. 

    a flashback arrestor is wise for a school as far as liability goes,
    check valves, are far cheaper and just as reinforcing as the
    flashback arrestor.(using both are overkill).Pressure is another
    factor in the flashback arrestor/check valve weigh-in...without x
    pressure most flashback arrestors won't work and are more suited for
    natural/city gas, or large externally chained- to- the- building
    propane tanks with a line running into the studio.Have it installed
    by your gas company or propane supplier... 

    have a seperate/clearly delineated soldering space with individual
    workstations so each person controls / is responsible for their own
    torch and tank set-up, ( this can be a long countertop with supports
    at each space to mount a torch hanger,and attach a receptacle for
    storing goggles, and strikers- (although i much prefer the torchmate
    for lighting the torch ) individual acetylene tanks with regulators
    and hose assemblies( the shorter the hose the better in school
    set-ups..a ten foot hose is enough to trip on if someone is careless,
    and a six footer is plenty to allow flexibility and still stay tidy
    under each person's space) and a larger shared O2 tank firmly bolted
    to the wall.Don't allow any student to be in the building alone and
    using soldering equipment..it's far too much of a liability.remember
    to put waivers of liability in the registration packets. consult a
    lawyer, or insurance agent if necessary ( lawyer first- don't tip off
    your insurer-particularly if they don't know about the
    school/studio..)You may want to contact Barbara Joiner at the John
    C.Campbell Folkschool, their set up for soldering is quite efficient
    and can accomodate six or eight on relatively small wall.. Have an
    emergency plan. Have fire extinguishers ( although with an explosion
    it's basically a moot point, none-the-less have extingusihers up to
    date and clearly visible..a sprinkler system is a good capital
    improvement to use in future grant planning, if you can't afford one
    right from the start.Have a telephone in the next room from the
    soldering stations clearly marked and set to speed dial the fire
    department should the need arise..if you are rural, have an easily
    operated pump with enough hose to basically throw in a stream, or
    reservoir and use while waiting for the fire dept if the building
    goes. know what puts out what..water accelerates some fires, dry
    things like baking soda stop flux fires in their tracks, but get the
    osha handbook and do your own research rather than i write it all out
    for you..safety is not something to lightly approach.particularly if
    you are taking money from students, and have a residence in proximity
    to the studio..read your local fire code..you may be dumbfounded when
    you realize the requirements you have to meet..and what about
    handicapped, or otherwise motion impaired students..what is your plan
    of removing them from a dangerous situation?...If you need more to
    think about write me off Orchid..I will be glad to discuss Industrial
    health education with you.
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