Propane Forge Safety SOP

Safety glasses must be worn at all times when using the forge (and whenever in the Woodshop and Metalshop Areas).

Scale and chips are often shed while working hot metal.

Gloves may be worn, but should be loose so that the can be removed quickly in case something hot (scale) gets into them. Also, do not get gloves wet. Grabbing something hot with wet gloves can result in steam burns. Obviously gloves should not be significantly flammable or synthetic, leather is best

Clothes and shoes should not be made of synthetic materials (e.g. nylon) as they can melt and adhere to skin!

Leather or Canvas shoes are good.

Cotton clothes which will burn, rather than melt are best.

Propane forges use a flammable gas to generate their heat.

Be sure the gas supply is turned off when finishing your work.

Carefully follow SOPs for starting and working the forges.

Metal that is hot enough to burn you can look like cold metal.

Always check metal objects in the smithy before attempting to pick them up.

This includes (but is not limited to) work pieces, tongs, hand tools, post vices and hardy tools.

Anvils or hammers should not be getting hot enough to cause burns while you a are working.

Talk to a blacksmithing trainer if you find yourself in this position!