Lapidary Workshop Safety Basics

Rock dust is a health hazard

Cutting and grinding many stones produces fine dust that can contain crystalline silica, which is harmful to breathe over time. The best protection is to keep the work wet: use the water or oil coolant on your saw, cabbing machine and lap, and avoid dry grinding. Where dust cannot be avoided, use good ventilation and a properly fitted respirator rated for fine dust.

Water and electricity

• Plug wet machines into a GFCI-protected outlet.
• Keep cords up off the floor and away from where water splashes.
• Keep the floor around your machines dry, or use a non-slip mat.

Protect your eyes and ears

Wear safety glasses or a face shield whenever a machine is running. Saws and grinders can be loud over long sessions, so use hearing protection as well.

Working near moving parts

• Tie back long hair and avoid loose sleeves, jewelry and dangling cords near wheels and blades.
• Never reach over a spinning blade. Switch off first.
• Check that guards are in place before you start.
• Do not force the stone. If the cut binds, stop the machine.

Slurry and waste

The mud from cutting and grinding settles quickly and can block drains. Let it settle in a bucket, pour off the clear water, and dispose of the sludge according to your local rules rather than down the sink.