The Importance of Proper Ventilation

by Lisa Daigle

Proper ventilation is necessary in all studios using a bench burner, (or torch). Even if you are outside in a sheltered area, it is important to ensure that the airflow in your work area is carrying the mixed gasses away from you and your torch.

To do this, make sure the air flow, or fresh air intake, originates from behind you. You will also need to provide an exit air flow away from your work area. Combining the two air flows will provide a good way to remove these gasses that are produced while you are working. It is also important not to use an exhaust system in an area where fossil fuel heating systems are situated. Your ventilation system has the possibility of pulling exhaust from those systems into your work area which can be potentially dangerous. Your work area should be located in a segregated space.

There are many schools of thought on how much cubic feel of air you need to move. For inside closed spaces, a system moving 600 square feet per minute is good. Outside, this is harder to measure. Each Lampworker needs to set up their bench so that their torch is positioned to exhaust away from any obstructions such as walls or partitions. You will still need to bring in air from behind you, in the direction of your torch flame. You can also incorporate a fan under your work area to blow away from your table to create a good draft.There are many schools of thought on how much cubic feel of air you need to move. For inside closed spaces, a system moving 600 square feet per minute is good. Outside, this is harder to measure. Each Lampworker needs to set up their bench so that their torch is positioned to exhaust away from any obstructions such as walls or partitions. You will still need to bring in air from behind you, in the direction of your torch flame. You can also incorporate a fan under your work area to blow away from your table to create a good draft.

The most important thing to remember is, fresh air is needed to enter the studio and an equal amount of exhaust air is needed to leave the work area.