Ceramics Safety Rules

Clean up spills when they occur.

Ceramics safety rules.

Ceramics studio safety rules to be granted the privilege of using this facility you are required to agree to the terms and conditions listed below and to be familiar with and to observe these safety regulations governing its use. Keep dust under control. Also see pdfs downloads general info for more specific information. Clean glaze jar rims before closing to eliminate build up.

All clay bodies contain some free crystalline silica which can scar your lung tissue and cause irreversible loss of breathing capacity. In our line of work we can come into contact with many different job hazards that can cause us grief down the road. To eliminate or minimize identified hazards we encourage in order of preference the use of the traditional hierarchy of controls. Pottery studio safety reference.

Safety rules for ceramics from radcliffe college dartmouth college and other sources the ceramics studio health safety clay. Never touch the outside of a kiln that is turned on. When working in the studio. Common sense safety rules.

Violation of any unsafe working methods may cause. Do not allow to dry. Clean up spills as soon as they occur. Always open kilns slowly to sense how hot it is.

Try to work on a newspaper or paper towel for easy cleanup and disposal. Keep work surfaces and shelves clean by wiping down with a wet sponge. Keep these common sense safety rules in mind and remember to observe them. 1 substitution or elimination of the hazardous agent 2 engineering controls e g local exhaust ventilation process enclosure dilution ventilation 3 administrative controls e g limiting time of exposure employee.

Never open a kiln that is hotter than oven temperature. See above for the hazards and safety precautions used with gas kilns. Basic personal hygiene rules should be followed including restricting eating drinking or smoking in the studio and wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves and separate work clothes or coveralls. Inhalation of all clay materials especially silica can damage your lungs.

Every individual who comes in contact with clay glazes and other ceramic materials should be aware of the health hazards involved. Always comply with these rules when using electric kilns. While commercial ceramics companies routinely test their. The most dangerous materials are found in the form of dry dust airborne glazes and kiln fumes all of which can.

These safety guidelines are meant for use by students and staff who create or recreate in a limited number largely by hand works that may or may not have a practical use but in which aesthetic considerations are paramount these guidelines are for use in the ceramic studio in the department of art and as a supplement to other safety information such as safety data sheets. Never reach inside a kiln that is turned on. Studio safety is key to living a long and healthy life as a potter. Brushes should be washed immediately after use.

Being cautious and taking preventative measures is the best way to stay safe in the studio for the long term.