Lead Safety in Stained Glass

Most stained glass studiosvcontain lead came, an essential and yet potentially hazardous material. Nzilani's founder, Ariana Makau, partnered with Cascade Metals to share a few easy lead safety steps for any size studio (from single artist DIY to a large studio).
Following Nzilani's motto: "Be Safe. Have Fun. Do Excellent Work." this video also includes tips to scale up for specific preservation and larger projects.
Disclaimer: These are general safety tips. Not to be used in lieu of, or as, certification for a lead worker. Each job is specific. Information for your particular project may not be included in this video.
Ariana is not a Site Hygienist, nor a certified trainer. She IS a certified lead worker, President/Principal Conservator of Nzilani Glass Conservation with over 25 years experience in the profession. She is also a Board Member and Health & Safety Chair of the Stained Glass Association of America; plus a Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation.
Nzilani focuses on self-empowerment through information: sharing processes, health and safety procedures and the importance of preserving cultural landscapes and the environment. It's been Ariana's mission to be a bridge between health and safety regulators, folks who work with stained glass and those who appreciate it.
0:40 How to Track Lead in Your System
0:59 PPE (personal protective equipment)
1:14 Removal of old leaded glass windows
1:38 How and where you get exposed to lead
2:13 Soldering and respirators
2:31 Wet verses dry dismantling
2:50 Old lead disposal
3:20 Three Easy tips to start being safe now
3:38 Lead is great! Be Safe and you can continue using it.
website: www.nzilani.com/
instagram: / nzilani_glass
#stainedglass #stainedglasssafety #leadsafety #industrialsafety

[@grampsinsl5232]

Lead doesn't begin to emit vapors until it reaches a temperature that's about 100 degrees hotter than what a soldering iron can produce, so lead vapors are no danger to stained glass workers. Fumes from the flux, though, are very damaging to the lungs and that damage is cumulative over time, so wearing a respirator is a great idea, along with good ventilation.

[@nzilani_glass]

Thanks for your comment. We've worked with environmental hygienists to test and record data for exposure. You are correct for new lead which is relatively inert. It's hard to include information for every scenerio in a short video, but since we are known for preservation work, we wanted to add a catchment for folks doing repiars where they might be soldering old lead joints. To get a nice "beed" you first have to brush down the lead surface which results in disturbing the lead dust (lead oxide) into the environment. You may not breathe it in, but you might get it on your hands and then transfer it over. Better safe than sorry.

[@nicolehawkes6940]

Is the lead dangerous after ithe stain glass is complete. For example if someone were to rub thier hands over a completed stained glass object or window, are they at risk of exposure?

[@nzilani_glass]

Hi! Good question. Yes, a completed stained glass piece still is comprised of the same materials (lead, glass, solder, putty...), therefore you are still exposed to lead IF you touch a window and then put your hands on food, a drink (cup or glass) or put your hands in/on your mouth BEFORE washing your hands. Same goes for someone who smokes after/while building a panel - or picks up a cell phone before washing hands. That said, new lead isn't actively putting lead dust into the environment, so as long as you wash your hands immediately after touching it and BEFORE touching anything else, you are at pretty low risk. Bonus recommendation, if you make a small panel, think about how you carry it and where you are placing it. Don't set it down on a table where you eat or carry it under your arm unwrapped and then not clean that area.

[@nicolehawkes6940]

Thank you so much for your response! I am trying to determine if it would be better to try and find an alternative to lead for stain glass use. Your response was helpful.