CHG wants all those who work in our studio to enjoy their experience and to expand and improve their skills. Safety is an important part of this effort. Please respect the staff, equipment and tools. Each user of this studio is responsible for knowing the studio rules.
General
-Only staff, students and authorized renters are allowed on the hot shop floor. Visitors are not permitted in the hot shop area unless authorized by the tech on duty and supplied with eye protection. No unauthorized assistants permitted.
-Watch and give right of way to people who are handling glass. Do not walk between the glory hole and the bench in the work space of other renters. If it is necessary to pass through another renter's space, make the renter aware of your presence with phrases like "behind you".
-Carry pipes and punties with the hot end at downward, at waist level or below.
-Do not touch any surface or pick up any object if you are not aware of its temperature. Many objects look the same when they are hot as when they are cold.
-Drink plenty of water. Working with glass is a physically demanding activity. If you feel dizzy, faint or fatigued (or even too frustrated), get away from the heat, drink some water and take a rest.
-Do not work beyond your capabilities. Be responsible and use good judgment. If attempting a new of unfamiliar technique check with the tech on duty about which equipment to use and how to use it properly.
Attire
-Eye protection must be worn in the hot shop at all times.
-Wear cotton or other natural fibers. Synthetic materials burn rapidly, can melt onto your skin and can catch fire when exposed to heat.
-Sturdy shoes are recommended. No open toed sandals or thin soled shoes permitted.
-Long hair must be tied back in the hot shop and cold shop.
Tools and Equipment
-Tools are to be used only for their intended purpose.
-Renters are responsible for providing their own tools and bench equipment. (Including blowpipes, punities, blocks, hand tools and torch.)
-Renters and students are responsible for using tools and equipment safely and properly. If something breaks or is not working properly, please report it to the tech on duty. If any rental equipment or tool is damaged due to a renter's negligence that renter will be held responsible for the cost of repairs or replacement.
-Equipemnt will be available for rent from Chicago Hot Glass. (Including blowpipes, punities, blocks, hand tools and torch.)
-Blow pipes and punties get very hot. Pick them up at the cool end and with caution. Always cap pipes when immersing them in water.
-Use pipes and punties appropriate to the size of the object you intend to make. Making large work on a small pipe can damage the pipe.
-Do not pick up color directly onto studio pipes. The use of a clear glass collar for pick up color is required. ($25 fee for resurfacing damaged pipes.)
-Do not leave pipes unattended in a glory hole.
-Check the status of annealing ovens before beginning to work. If there is not enough space for your piece or if the annealer seems almost full, notify the tech on duty so another annealer can be sent up.
-If you lose a piece in the glory hole or furnace and cannot dredge it out on your own, report it immediately to the tech on duty.
-Use trays to contain frit and powder. Use the powder booth when using powder.
-The use of a face mask or respirator is required when working with powdered glass.
-Never place anything on top of an annealer.
-Do not pour anything not water soluble into the sink.
-All users of the cold shop must receive authorization for each piece of equipment from a CHG staff member prior to the first use. If you are not authorized, do not use the equipment.
-Belts and grit will be provided for cold working rental.
-Renters are not to regulate the gas/air mixture of their glory holes. Ask the tech on duty for assistance if your glory hole is too hot or too cold.
-Anyone who does not follow shop etiquette and safety rules, or directions given by CHG staff; displays unsafe or inappropriate behavior in the studio; or abuses tools or equipment will be denied studio rental privileges.
-CHG is not responsible for any work not picked up within 15 days.
-Chicago Hot Glass is not responsible for loss or damage to personal equipment.
Rental Policy
-Rental times must be scheduled and paid for in advance. Fees are due within 4 days of making the reservation and no later than immediately before the rental slot. Reservations will not be held if payment is not received within 4 days. We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
-Reservations can be made by phone, person or on-line though our website.
-Reservations must be canceled with in 24 hours of scheduled date. A scheduling fee of $25 for all late cancels.
-Glory Holes will be turned off if renters is more than thirty minutes late without notification.
-Bench rental slots are available on a first come, first served basis.
-A team of at least two renters must rent each time slot. CHG maintains a list of approved renters looking for partners which can be obtained from the office.
-Bench rental is available to those who have been approved by CHG staff, either through taking classes at CHG or arranging an interview to demonstrate adequate level of experience. Qualifications for bench rental include demonstration of proper and safe use of equipment and tools.
-All renters are responsible for knowing the studio rules. Copies are posted in the studio and are available from the office.
-Bench rental must occur within one of the scheduled time slots.
-Bench rental covers the cost of the Glory hole and seven pounds of clear system 96 glass per hour. Additional glass charges may apply depending on the weight of your work.
-Failure to clean up after your rental time will result in a $25.00 fee.
-In case of annealer or glory hole malfunction, CHG will credit the time lost. CHG is not responsible for material or labor losses.
Burns and Injuries
-Notify the tech on duty immediately of any burns or injuries. Suggested burn treatment: run the burn under water for at least 15 minutes, then apply ice. This will help cool the burn and prevent blistering.
-Treatment for minor cuts is available in our first aid kit (band-aids, etc.).
-Tech Staff may alert Emergency Medical Services in case heat exhaustion, fainting or any other medical need not covered by basic first aid treatment.