lrh on wed 11 sep 96
Recently, I had an OSHA inspector test the flue gasses and
surrounding air for the purpose of determining the levels of
nasties coming out of my raku kiln during a full cycle of
firing. I do the glaze firing in front of large double doors
inside a room 25'x25'x20'high. There is a 36"x36" exhaust
fan opposite the open doors pulling fresh air past the kiln
during every firing.
During his 2 hour testing, I fired off a load, filled 3
reduction containers with ware, lidded them and whisked them
out of doors for reduction. He had his equipment mounted at
various locations around the kiln and buckets, even moving
his probes within inches of the kiln exhaust.
His analysis was that there were no more toxic materials
detected than one would experience while roasting hot dogs
or marshmallows.
I was very pleased with this news as repeated contact with
even small amounts of toxics can be accumulative. I think
the good cross ventilation and oxidation firing contributed
to the low toxic levels.
I report this to give encouragement to others that with good
ventilation and firing technique, raku dangers can be delt
with.
Loran Hill
Loran Hill
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