Just some additional regarding eye protection.
According to a short review in Art Hazards News (Vol 21 No1
1998) of a study into “Occupational exposure to optical radiation
and the ocular health status of glassblowers” by Oriowo O.M.,
Chou B.R. Cullen A.P. & Robinson B.E. there is an editors note
that didymiun lenses are insufficient for glass blowers. It is
preferable to use infrared or welding goggles shade 1.7-3. May
be worth following up… V.O.