Health in Lapidary

Workshop Safety

This article is designed to enlighten the lapidary community to the potential for health risk when working with some of the materials of the trade. Many of us have been doing this for so long we have become complacent with how we do certain tasks. I am putting forth this newsletter as a gentle reminder, what we should know and to ensure that all newcomers are aware of these potential hazards. In all major industries, the government has established a standard for health and safety. Usually overseen by OSHA or MOSHA, it is up to the individual manufacturer to comply and enforce the guidelines. Many lapidarists are unaware of the potential health risks associated with this industry. Unfortunately, rocks do not come with warning labels and no specific guidelines have been established for our safety. It is my goal to compile a list of materials, which could pose some type of health risk, either by working the material or in the final stages of manufacturing our products. I have worked for a major chemical corporation for over 35 years, during which time, I have been taught what materials I work with are dangerous, how to handle spills, environmental issues, and the use of personal protective equipment. I believe I can use this training to evaluate our processes and materials to formulate a comprehensive and useful guide to enjoy what we do, more safely. By all means, this does not make me an expert. As with any guideline, adherence to State and Federal laws must be followed, as well as, common sense practiced.

Personal Protective Equipment or PPE

During our daily routines exposure to many different types of health risks attack our bodies in subtle ways. The big one in the news today is second hand smoke. However, other more deadly and less easily detected ones lurk in the shadows. Ultraviolet rays, carbon monoxide, and viruses to name a few. It would seem impractical to wear a mask as we completed our daily tasks, as well as somewhat unfashionable. Most of us enjoy the surroundings of an office, which allows for the air to be filtered, being shaded from the effects of the sun and sanitizers to minimize the risk of transferring diseases. Therefore, we should attempt to assimilate these practices into our chosen pastime or second career.

How many of us wear a dust mask when working on cutting stones? The first response I hear is, “Well it’s wet so there isn’t any dust. Why would I need one?” Exactly, it is wet and prolonged exposure to water vapor is introduced into the lungs, carrying with it, microscopic particles of the material you are working and the risk of pneumonia. Not too much of a risk? Think about the material; malachite, for example, this is a copper based mineral. The health risk is then elevated from just having water content, to water with an accumulative toxin, which over a period of time can cause unwanted health issues. Azurite, Malachite, and Turquoise are copper base ores, and some of the most frequently used in the hobby.

There four areas of major concern; respiratory, sight, hearing, and hand safety. There are ways to minimize the risk to our health through proper engineering of the workspace, the availability on hand for the proper safety equipment and the knowledge when the equipment is needed.

Hand Safety:

Rough rock has a tendency to have sharp edges, especially obsidian. A thick leather palm glove is best when handling most rocks to be sawn or when removing slabs from the drying bin. When washing obsidian be exceptionally careful of points where the saw stopped and the slab fell from the host rock. There is a reason why ancient civilizations used obsidian for cutting tools.
Use Dop sticks to polish your stones. Your hand can easily slip while holding a stone and receive a nasty cut or burn from the grinding wheel. If you really cannot adapt to the Dop stick method, then prepare for your fair share of wheel cuts and abrasions. When using pickle baths or etching acids, make sure you wear some type of rubber glove to reduce the risk of contact with the skin. Remember a clean workstation, free of clutter and scrap material is the first step to performing the task safely!

Protective Eye Ware:

It doesn’t take much to damage the eye sufficiently that it will not recover. Safety glasses should be worn when using any saw or grinder. Small chips will often pop up and out from the blade. If you are trimming a cab design, these chips will often strike the face and possibly the eye. It is suggested to use a face shield in conjunction with safety glasses for the added protection for the face. If you use acids or caustic type cleaners it is best to combine each of the above with the use of goggles as well. I know this appears to be overkill, however in my line of work, these practices have saved my eyes more than once, certainly a small price to pay for a lifetime of sight.

Hearing Protection:

Now you say aren’t you going just a bit far? I won’t be able to hear the phone or my kids. This may be so, but you are exposed to higher than normal decibels while grinding. Prolonged exposure to decibels higher than 90 decibels can produce permanent hearing loss. You don’t become used to the noise, this is a warning you are loosing your hearing. Disposable ear plugs, which can be bough at nearly any pharmacy or home supply store, are very inexpensive, easy to use, and worth there weight in gold. Simply buy the economy package and keep them right on the workbench in a sealed jar.

Respiratory Protection

What about ventilation? Does this mean, if we open a door or window, we’re covered? Many of us use some type of repair adhesive in the process to correct minor flaws and setting stones. The warning labels clearly state to use in a, “well ventilated area.” Window fans blowing outward or exhaust fans with open windows or doors are the more prudent way to go.
Respirators come in a variety of types, each for a specific function. Certainly it would not be prudent to purchase a full-face respirator when a partial respirator, fitted with the proper cartridges would do as well. In most cases a dust mask, like many contractors use, will suffice when cutting or grinding stones. However, I would advise each of you to see what type of chemicals you use in your specific area of interest and purchase a cartridge respirator with a supply of cartridges suited for the chemicals you are using!
Another way to make your shop well ventilated would be to design an exhaust system directly adjacent to the area where the harmful chemicals are to be used. To accomplish this your local home improvement center can recommend which exhaust system would best suit your need.

That just about sums up the basics of PPE and creating a safe workshop, be sure to look for more articles on tips of the trade and minor maintenance of shop equipment in the upcoming newsletters.

Materials of Concern:

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