Lighting - Concern: Glare on work surfaces and glass
                  Source: Overhead and natural lighting
      Options: Controlled lighting (on/off - adjustable), work surface finish,            shades/blinds

HVAC - Concern: Draft on glass-work (thermal shock)
                   Source:  Ventilation System
                   Options:  On/Off switch at exhaust canopy(ies), location of diffusers
          A  Glassblowing Lab Ventilation Reference Source: ASGS Publication "PROCEEDINGS"
           1980 25th Symposium - Ventilating A Scientific Glassblowing Lab- Frans Van Damme

Safety - Concern: One Person Operation
              Source: Normal working conditions( heat, flames, equipment)
               Options: Visibility - Open floor plan/work flow pattern
                               Safety shower
                Communication (access by administrative and safety shower/sink  areas)
                 Gas shut-off system
Access to hot zone work area intentionally restricted by placement of storage furniture.

Visibility - Concern: Access to Service
                    Source: Location
                     Options: Placement of service in high traffic flow area
                                    Internal(hall) window wall

Safety - Concern: Fire Control 
                    Source: Hot Zones (open flames)
                     Options:  Location of sprinkler heads, fire extinguishers

Health Safety Environment - Concern: Chemicals
                   Source : Chemical processes ( solvents, acids, plating )
                    Options: Secondary containment, storage, ventilation, collection

Safety - Concern: Emergency shut down/ Gas sources
                     Source: Gas distribution system
                      Options: Location of gas source
                                     Emergency valve shut down location(s)
 

Gas Distribution System Notes

Glassblowing Operations require the use of fuel gas(es), oxygen and compressed air or nitrogen. House vacuum, if available, is desired. 
Distribution line volume/flow is as important as pressure. 
In addition to meeting all safety codes it is desired to have a solenoid operated emergency shut off system of at least the fuel gases. Emergency shut-off to be located at or near the main entrance to the glassblowing facility.

Natural Gas or Propane
.               Minimum 5 lbs. Pressure required
                 Minimum ½” ID lines - no flow restrictions at regulators and valves 
                   Gas Source 100 lb propane/natural gas booster (location?) 

Oxygen
              Adjustable pressure (normal working range @ 10 -15 lbs.)
               Minimum ½”ID lines - no flow restriction at regulators and valves
               Source - 3 cylinder manifold

Hydrogen
               Adjustable pressure (normal working range @ 10 - 20 lbs.)
                Minimum ½” ID lines - no flow restrictions at regulators and valves
                Source - 3 cylinder manifold
 

Typical gas distribution system

gas source>manifold/regulator>system main line>glass-shop>emergency solenoid>distribution lines>line regulator> delivery line>individual valves>hose connections(quick disconnects(?).
*** Valves to be placed where appropriate in system to allow for safety and isolation of system components***
 
 

Glass Shop Gas Outlets

Location 2   Glassblowers bench
Propane  2
Oxygen   3
Hydrogen  1
Compressed Air 1
Vacuum      1

Location 3  Sink

Vacuum 1
Compressed air  1

Gas Distribution (cont.)

Location 6  Lathe

Propane 4
Hydrogen 2
Oxygen  6
Compressed Air 2
Vacuum  2

Location 11  Student/Multi-Purpose

per unit @ 4 units
Propane  1
Oxygen  1
Compressed Air   1
 

Location 1…..Administrative

Function: Serve as business administration and customer interaction area

Notes:  Communication Center (computer, telephone, etc.), desk, computer work station, book shelves.

Location 2 …….Glassblowers bench

Function: Area where forming of glass takes place using gas, hydrogen and oxygen torches. Storage of glassworking tools and equipment.

Notes: Work surfaces and background to be able to withstand high temperature (gas/hydrogen oxygen flames) and be flat black in color. Surface to be smooth and flat.

Gases required at bench - gas(propane or natural gas @ 5psi)  2 connections; hydrogen - 1 connection;  compressed air/nitrogen - 1 connection;  oxygen - 3 connections, vacuum 1
 
 

Cabinet style - standing height, mix of drawer and cupboard style units

Work surface depth - 3 ft.

Location 3………sink

Function: general clean-up and glass tube washing area, chemical plating, 

Note: Exhaust hood over sink area. Switch activated.

Sink needs to accommodate up to 5 foot lengths of glass tubing. Approx. dimensions 18” W x 18”D

Drain at end. Water (H,C,DI) at end of sink. H&C water foot activated control.

Staging area - 4-5 ft.

Storage area for solvents, HF Acid

Future HF Acid bath area.

Waste Collection system(?)

Vacuum and Compressed Air Connections
 
 
 
 

Location 4……..Customer 

Function: Provide safe area for customers to interact, drop off and pick up work orders.
 

Location 5………Storage Locations

Function: Glass component storage area, work request in/out staging area, customer barrier.

Notes: Standing height cabinets consisting of  a mix of drawer units. 

Top surfaces to be black, no exposure to heat and/or chemicals.

Electric (110v) outlets at end(s)
 

Location 6……….Lathe

Function: Glassblowing Lathe (existing)

Note:  approx. 30”w x 7’l x 4’h

exhaust hood (optional)  -  switch operated

 gas, oxygen, hydrogen and compressed air/nitrogen manifold, vacuum

Future 2nd lathe hookup

electric 110v outlets

Location 7………Annealing Oven (existing)

Function: Glass Heat Treatment

Note:  Electric 250v 50A

approx. 3’w x 7’l x 6.5’h

Location 8……….Saw, sander, drill press, lapping wheel (existing)

Function:  Water Cooled glass working equipment
Note: Approx. 3’ x 3’ footprint for each unit(4)

Cold Water
Drains
Secondary Containment

Location 9……..Storage

Function: Storage of glass tubing less than 4” long

Note: Floor cabinet(s) - adjustable shelves - double door(no center post)

Location 10………Glass Tubing Storage

Function: Storage of glass tubing stock up to 5’ long 

Note: open rack type storage 

Location 11……….Student and Multi-purpose use area

Function: Student glassblowing instruction area, storage and misc. use

Note: each student unit (6) work surface to be 5 ft long x 30” deep (36” desired)

Standing ht. Cabinets ( drawer/cupboard combo) with drawer table frame unit

Gas(1) Oxygen(1) Compressed air/nitrogen(1) mounted in kneehole 

Work surface and background to be flat, smooth and flat black in color, able to withstand gas/oxy flames.