-- Simple first aid items. Start with common items
such as adhesive bandages, burn ointments, and aspirin or a
similar painkiller. You may never need them, but it's good
to have them handy in case you do.
-- Two kinds of safety glasses. You'll need one
pair of clear safety glasses for grinding and cold working glass
and a second pair of shaded glasses for looking into the kiln.
The shaded glasses should be made to block infrared (IR)
radiation. Glasses for lampworking are not sufficient.
-- Two kinds of gloves. The first pair of
gloves should be made for withstanding heat. Welding gloves will
work for most applications. The second should be made of
latex or rubber and should be used for dealing with chemicals.
-- A respirator or mask. Get the kind of
mask or respirator that's rated for the kinds of work you do.
Paper masks will work for some applications, but a mask like the
3M P100 (under US $10) is best.
-- A fire extinguisher. Pick one that's
rated "ABC" for fires of any type, from electrical to paper.
Keep it near the kiln, inspect it regularly, and know how to use
it. You'll probably never need it, but you'll be eternally
grateful if you do.
