Jewelry & Metal Arts

Clear the bench after every sessionLeave the surface completely clear — no tools, scraps or personal items — so the next maker can start straight away.

Sweep the surface and bench pinUse the bench brush to sweep all filings and clippings into the bench tray. Never brush onto the floor.

Wipe out the pull-out drawerEmpty metal dust and scraps from the catch drawer and wipe it clean with a dry cloth before you leave.

Return all tools to their hooksFiles, pliers and cutters go back on designated hooks. Bench blocks return to the shelf.

Check the floorSweep any dropped pieces — small metal fragments are a hazard for everyone in the studio.

No off button — the pedal IS the switchThese tools have no power button. The foot pedal controls all power. Treat it as a live switch at all times.

Connect the pedal only when ready to workPlug in the foot pedal only after your handpiece is fitted and you are seated and ready to begin.

Return the pedal to the locker after every useUnplug and store the foot pedal in its designated locker immediately. Never leave it on the floor.

Hang the handpiece above the benchAfter each use, hang the handpiece on its hook above the bench — keeps cords clear and the surface free for others.

Wear eye protection at all timesFlying debris from burrs and bits is a serious hazard. Safety glasses on whenever the tool is running.

Check ventilation before lighting the torchConfirm the fume extractor is on and drawing properly. Never solder without active ventilation running.

Ignite safely — torch pointing away from your bodyDirect the tip away from yourself and others before striking. Never use matches to light the torch.

Hot metal looks exactly like cold metalAlways assume freshly soldered metal is hot. Use cross-locking tweezers or quench in water before handling bare-handed.

Extinguish the torch whenever you step awayStepping away for any reason — even briefly — means the torch goes off completely.

Cool, clean and clear before you leaveQuench work, rinse flux residue, wipe the soldering pad and brick, and return all tools to their tray.

Confirm the correct programme before firingCheck the schedule is set for your material. Never override or interrupt a programme already running.

Wear heat-resistant gloves and eye protectionKiln gloves and shaded glasses are required when opening the kiln or handling work directly out of it.

Never reach into a hot kiln without proper toolsUse kiln tongs or loading forks. Keep face and body clear of the door when opening — heat escapes rapidly.

Place hot work on the cooling shelf onlyFreshly fired pieces go on the designated cooling shelf — never on the bench, floor, or near flammables.

Log your firing and sign outRecord your name, material, programme and end time in the kiln logbook after every use.

Wear nitrile gloves and eye protectionPickle solution is acidic. Gloves and safety glasses are mandatory before handling the pot or any work from it.

Never put steel into the pickle potSteel tools contaminate the solution and will copper-plate your work. Use only copper or plastic tongs.

Rinse work thoroughly after picklingRemove all acid residue with a full water rinse before returning work to the bench or continuing to solder.

Keep the lid on when not in useReplace the pot lid immediately after adding or removing work — reduces fumes and prevents splash accidents.

Skin contact — rinse immediately and notify staffFlush affected skin with running water right away. Do not attempt to neutralise alone — find a staff member.

Keep fingers clear of the blade lineNever place fingers within the marked safety zone. Use the hold-down guide to position your material.

One operator at a timeNo one else should reach near the blade while the shear is in use. Bystanders should stay behind the marked floor line.

Support both sides of long sheet metalWide or long stock can drop suddenly after cutting — use the outfeed support or ask a helper to catch falling pieces.

Gloves are recommended when handling cut sheetCut edges can be razor-sharp. Cut-resistant gloves are recommended before edges are filed or finished.

Clear metal offcuts from the area right awayPut metal pieces directly into the scrap bin — loose offcuts on the floor are a hazard for everyone.