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Lesson Plans


Re: kiln help

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
Dianna (dmammone)
Wed, 9 Dec 1998 21:54:06 -0500

The first step for kiln safety would be aa kiln-vent system. Some take the
place of a lid and look like the lid with a big hose on it to vent fumes
outside. They also can be mounted at the bottom to collect the fumes. They
run about $450. but are definitely mandatory. Working without one in a
teaching situation is a health code violation!
Ask your clay wholesaler for information on Enviorn-vent kiln kits. Don't
take no for an answer on this one--Too dangerous. Good luck,

-----Original Message-----
From: GVMS_TMUSKOP.gov
<GVMS_TMUSKOP.gov>
To: artsednet.edu <artsednet.edu>
Date: Wednesday, December 09, 1998 9:02 AM
Subject: kiln help

>I am looking for any insights this experienced group has on the issues
>concerning kiln safety. If you have any stories from personal experience,
news
>health codes, dos and don'ts, etc. please let me know.
>
>Here's my situation: I am a 3rd year middle school art teacher in a small
>district with little money for upgrades. I have a very old kiln which is
not
>in great shape. The inside insulation is cracked and chipped, the element
>holders are broken, exposing the elements, there is no ventilation in the
small
>room which houses the kiln and my sink except for a window and the doorway
into
>my classroom. When the kiln is on, everyone on this floor can smell it,
and
>all my students complain about it. Our janitors leave at about 8:00, so I
am
>forced to begin firing during the day. There is no way I would trust that
kiln
>to shut itself off. For the past couple of years, I have accepted this as
"the
>way that it is" while continually mentioning to my principal that the kiln
>needed to be replaced. I really enjoy having the students working with
clay,
>but I am getting nervous about the fumes and other hazards.
>
>
>If any of you have any first-hand knowledge or recommendations for me, let
>me know. I don't want to just put up with this, then find out I have
cancer
>in 10 years.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>Todd
>
>