EARTH
GUILD

33 Haywood Street
Asheville  NC  28801

1-800-327-8448
828-255-7818
fax: 828-255-8593

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PRODUCTS

DYES:
Introduction

DYES: Cautions

We have chosen the dyes we carry with a high priority given to low risk. But do not ignore the common-sense rules of chemical hygiene.

POISONS
Really toxic substances are rare in studio dyeing (acutely toxic like gasoline, drain cleaner, bug-spray) but there are some; know them and treat them with appropriate respect. Among our chemicals, only the two mordants BLUE VITRIOL and TIN are dangerous at this level.
POWDERS
Don’t ingest, don’t in-breathe, don’t spill, don’t raise dust clouds, don’t get on skin; clean up after spills (sweep up, working dry, then rinse well).
GASES
Fumes from simmering dye-pots can irritate eyes and throats and nasal membranes; cover pots where possible; don’t inhale while you’re looking in a pot (especially if you’ve just uncovered it); work in a well-ventilated area.
LIQUIDS
Don’t drink dye-baths or mordant solutions; don’t spill, don’t splash; wipe up promptly (use paper towels and discard them, then rinse thoroughly); keep off skin, out of eyes; flush skin or eyes with clear running water if necessary. If hot, be careful of scalding, of fumes and of your heat source, whether electron- or flame-fed.
IMPLEMENTS
Do not use food containers or stirring or measuring utensils: if you must use kitchen counters, cover them before beginning and clean COMPLETELY when you are done.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Some dyers do and some don’t, but use of rubber gloves, respirator masks, aprons, is a good practice, at least during the messiest phases.
BE RESPONSIBLE
If pets or small children can enter your work-space be sure they cannot get to your powders or gases or liquids or heat source.

We're happy to furnish OSHA safety data sheets for all our chemical dyes, mordants and accessories (they're not available for natural dyestuffs).