Intro
The metal workshop is in a large white building in the courtyard, across from the main building. It is accessed via two large double doors. There are also two side doors. One is accessed via the courtyard, directly across from the main building and it has one step and a lip at the threshold. The other is on the other side of the building down an overgrown narrow path and up one shallow step. The workshop offers multiple processes including angle grinding, mig welding and plasma cutting. The metal workshop technician is Ruaridh and he is present Tuesday – Friday to support in the workshop.
PPE
The PPE required varies slightly depending on what process the artist is doing.
For angle grinding: A boiler suit, ear defenders, protective gloves, a respirator, a visor helmet and steel toe cap shoes.
For mig welding: A boiler suit, darkened helmet, leather gloves and steel toe cap shoes.
For plasma cutting: A boiler suit, darkened goggles, a visor helmet, leather gloves and steel toe cap shoes.
Additional optional leather layers are available including a leather apron, a leather jacket and leather sleeves. These additional layers are important if you need to be seated while working.
Flooring
The floor is smooth grey concrete with painted yellow pathway markings in between machinery. There may be wires crossing pathways and these should be covered by cable protectors. The building has level access inside and 103cm turning points in between machinery. However there is a small metal lip of around 1 inch at the entrance to navigate. The courtyard also has an uneven surface when travelling between buildings.
Lighting
Bright fluorescent ceiling strip lights. Bright lighting is required in this workshop for safety.
Seating
This work can be done seated, the adjusted workbench allows for working at various heights and angles. At the moment there is no seating intended for this work and artists have used various seating options from around SSW, depending on their needs. One tried option is the adjustable shower seat from the Bothy accommodation with a leather apron over it. There is a high wooden stool with no arms or back which lives in the metalwork studio. There is an increased risk of sparks landing on your clothes if you do this work in a stationary chair, making it important to use the additional leather PPE layers.
Sensory Notes
In colder months, this workshop is exposed to the elements and it is recommended to wear plenty of layers and take breaks to warm up inside the main building or Bothy when needed. The amount of PPE required can feel heavy, restrictive and claustrophobic. The lighting is very bright and may impact those with light sensitivity. The processes do create fumes which have a scent, there are extractors and respirator masks to mitigate this. The processor and extractors are loud and ear defenders are provided. The processes involve some risk and danger and it can feel intimidating working with power tools and hot metal when you first start. Ruaridh, the technician, will always be present to support artists who are new to the processes. If you are feeling nervous or anxious it is recommended to share this if possible and to take breaks when needed. The decor is neutral and there are no noticeable patterns however the room is quite busy and full with machinery.
Nearest Accessible Toilets
There is no toilet in the metal workshop building. The nearest accessible toilet is across the courtyard and through the main entrance to the SSW main building to the entrance porch where the accessible toilet is through the first door on the left.
Process Notes
Multiple processes can be supported in the metal workshop including angle grinding, mig welding and plasma cutting. The tools can be heavy and require some upper body strength to hold in place while working, the angle grinder is particularly heavy. Some tools require fiddly adjustments while holding their weight and this can be supported by technicians. It is recommended to plan your energy and take breaks if you are someone who experiences holding heavy tools as a barrier. How strenuous these processes are on the body can be exacerbated by the cold temperature for some people so it is recommended that you consider the weather and temperature when planning your activity, breaks and recovery time. Some artists have shared their experiences of PEM (Post Exertional Malaise) after working in the metal workshop so it is also recommended to consider this when planning your activity, if you are someone who experiences PEM. It is possible to sit down while doing these processes. There is no intended seating for these processes so if you don’t have your own chair, figuring out the best option for you using seating available in SSW can be explored with Ruaridh, the metalwork technician. Artists should also factor in the energy required to put on all of the PPE and to change when switching between processes.
