search  current discussion  categories  kilns & firing - bricks 

fiber vs brick

updated mon 30 jun 97

 

Bill Hall on sun 8 jun 97

Could you guys please summarize?

If we were to actually use a kiln that uses RCF, would we be safe if we
used a good resparator? What kind of resparator should we use? How close to
the kiln should the resparator be used?

Or is it just too risky even with a resparator?

WardBurner@aol.com on mon 9 jun 97


In a message dated 6/9/97 2:42:15 AM, Bill wrote:

<
If we were to actually use a kiln that uses RCF, would we be safe if we
used a good resparator? What kind of resparator should we use? How close to
the kiln should the resparator be used?

Or is it just too risky even with a resparator?
>>

This was the point of my Clay Times article. Life is full of risks. Some very
risky things we do (like drive cars) we don't think anything about. Other
things we worry to death about. Only you can determine risk based on what
Monona and I have discussed. I have a 120 cubic foot fiber car kiln. I helped
a friend rebuild his 40 cubic foot fiber kiln yesterday. That should make it
obvious where I stand on the issue. Yesterday when we were building the kiln
we wore long sleeves, a hat, safety glasses and a NIOSH approved respirator.
After we finished, we vacuumed our clothes, skin, and hair before removing
respirators and going home. Loading and unloading my own kiln I do not wear a
respirator. That's my choice (assumption of risk). Remember, opening a bag a
flint poses the same danger (free silica) as tearing out a fiber kiln. Now
this is my opinion, but I feel walking through the studio exposes me to as
much free silica as loading and unloading the kiln. I do not spend every
minute in the studio dressed like I'm in a level 5 biohazard zone. I'm sure
Monona will give you her opinion. Then you need to make your own decision.

Let's keep things in perspective....Remember, sunshine on a beautiful spring
day is a class 1 carcinogen.

Marc Ward
Ward Burner Systems
PO Box 333
Dandridge, TN 37725
USA
423.397.2914 voice
423.397.1253 fax
wardburner@aol.com