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i did a pot melt yesterday, and i looked at it twice when the kiln was at 1700F. i didn't get burned in the usual sense of the word, but ended up hours later (middle of the night) and today with a red area on the side of my neck, down to the clavicle, that feels like a sunburn. i was wondering if a blast of UV from the kiln could have done that? i can't imagine what else it could be. it's on the left side, which is the side that would have been exposed to UV coming out of the kiln. maybe i need to have a bigger shirt on ... kitty.

There's no UV emitted from a hot kiln, but there's plenty of infrared... sounds like you got toasted in the toaster oven. Infrared is the stuff that heat burns are made of... next time, wear a welder's jacket with a high collar and a face shield... even a polycarbonate one will block the heat... at least until it melts, which takes a while. And don't forget to protect your eyes... infrared energy can cook your eyes and lead to cataracts... it's an accumualated damage.

Tony

There isn't any UV to speak of from the kiln. What you got was a good dose of IR (infrared) which can burn skin too. It's probably just a very mild first degree burn.

Cover up any exposed skin. Cotton is best when around the kiln, unless you want to invest in one of those aluminum suits.

Ron

Ron -- i had a cotton shirt on, but part of my neck was uncovered. i was pretty much behind the door, but my head is taller than the top of the kiln, so i guess some of the IR got me. i didn't notice anything either time i opened the kiln, but i guess you're right about what happened. knew you experts here would be able to answer the question. thanks. kitty.