Natural alternatives in the workshop

Hello, I love this site!

I was wondering if there is any books or websites that can help me
make my workshop healthier and more eco friendly. I read Ganoksin’s
article on safety but want to know more. I use an emery wheel all
the time and create so much dust. I use a good face mask with
replacable dual use filters for dust and fumes but the dust gets
everywhere and I’m not always a tidy and clean worker but I’m working
in that. I use a lot of silver and make heavier pieces that require a
lot of soldering and filing etc and I want to know more about metal
dusts and the body and how much is too much. I do use minimal
chemicals. I use easy flow flux paste and for pickle I use one
contaning sodium hydrogensulphate 1kg/kg. Jacks silver blackener
which is hydrochloric acid 100g/L and tellerium dioxide 20g/L. Dialux
rouge and tripoly for polishing and rumble bright for tummbling
jewellery. As an apprentice there were many things I was never taught
about health and safety. My last boss never wore a mask while
polishing therefore we wernt supplied with masks, so I have had to
fend for myself. I’ve been on my own making jewellery for 8 years now
after finishing my apprenticeship and especially now i’m a mum I am
so much more concious about giving my self the best life I can with
my daughter and still be passionate about my jewellery making. I love
making jewellery so much and I feel I need someone to look at my
situation and tell me what I can do to make it better. I am a stress
head but I’m worried. Can someone help me with my passion? I have
nobody to ask. Thanks for your time.

Lauren

acks silver blackener which is hydrochloric acid 100g/L and
tellerium dioxide 20g/L. 

Well, stop using that. Switch to Liver of Sulphur.

For pickle, you can switch to citric acid, which many people on the
list like just fine. Being old fashioned, I’m still using Sparex or
Spa Down.

For every process, just ask yourself, is there a less toxic
alternative?

For processes where the answer is no, capture at the source with
ventilation/suction systems.

Or, just don’t do it.

Elaine
http://www.CreativeTextureTools.com

Lauren,

I was wondering if there is any books or websites that can help me
make my workshop healthier and more eco friendly. 

You might want to visit the ‘green’ webpage at the Revere Academy’s
site:

http://www.revereacademy.com/about/green-jewelry/

And contact Christine Dhein of that institution for her green
newsletter

Lorraine