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Health & Safety Manual

Introduction

Health and safety are vital concerns. This health and safety manual has been compiled to illustrate general information on safe practices and procedures in the CVPA studios.

Artists and designers are often exposed to hazardous materials and processes in studios. Knowledge of proper studio procedures, coupled with an attitude of respect and mental alertness, will help ensure that CVPA studios are safe for all students, faculty, and staff.

All users are required to read and understand this manual before being allowed to work in any studio. Additionally, students must submit a signed consent form prior to using the studios. Students are responsible for being physically and mentally alert when using the studios and must abide by all health and safety procedures. All incidents and/or accidents must be reported so that steps can be taken to prevent recurrence.

Faculty, staff, and administrators are required to provide safe working conditions, educate students about potential hazards and proper procedures, as well as follow and enforce health and safety regulations and policies for safe practice.

CVPA studios are a collective space, shared by all students. Therefore, each student must demonstrate respect and care for one’s own space but also the collective, with due consideration for individual privacy, tidiness, noise, storage of materials, etc.

Students/Faculty responsibilities

  • It is the policy of the college to enforce all safety regulations within the studio and classroom setting.
  • Students who fail to follow these regulations shall be penalized according to the safety violation procedures established by the university. (see Student Conduct Policies and Procedures (STU-024))
  • All personnel and students connected to the college must review, discuss, and follow the policies and procedures outlined in this manual.
  • Faculty must brief all students on health and safety standards and practices in each studio at the beginning of the semester.
  • Faculty outlines and enforces health and safety and housekeeping standards, as well as equipment usage, material/gear storages for their areas.
  • Personal protective equipment will be explained and demonstrated at the beginning of the semester as needed.
  • After discussing any questions or concerns, students are required to sign the consent form (available in the Program Studio Policy) and submit it to the instructor. The instructor will keep the signed form on file for the duration of the course. By signing the form, the student acknowledges the responsibility to help maintain a safe studio environment for the student and for others.

General Studio Safety

  1. Do not eat or drink in the studio. Eating is allowed only in designated areas.
  2. Smoking, drugs, and alcohol are strictly prohibited in CVPA facilities. Never work in the studio under the influence. (see Alcohol Policy (STU-003), Drug Policy (STU-004A), University Smoking Policy (STU-C15-001))
  3. Exercise the ‘buddy system’ – do not work in the studio alone. No student should operate machinery or power tools at any time unless one other trained person is present in the studio.
  4. Studio work attire:
    • Shoes must be worn at all times in the studio. Open toed shoes are not permitted, this includes sandals, Crocs, slippers, etc.
    • Do not wear loose clothing that can get caught in a machine or dipped in chemicals.
    • Long hair must be tied back to avoid getting caught in machines/tools/chemicals. The same precautions must also be applied to beards, clothes, watches, and jewelry.
    • Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This includes, but is not limited to, eye protection, face shields, ear protection, respirators, gloves, etc.
    • Store or discard PPE carefully to avoid contamination if it is used to handle hazardous materials.
  5. Know your materials. Read the labels and understand the hazards. Consult Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and/or online databases, such as The Art and Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI) and Conservation & Art Materials Encyclopedia Online (CAMEO).
  6. Always substitute less hazardous materials/chemicals whenever possible.
  7. Introduction of new materials must be approved by faculty in accordance with the hazardous materials policy.
  8. Do not obstruct aisles and exit routes in any way (no equipment, chairs, personal materials or trash permitted in exit area). Exit doors shall not be locked, bolted, propped open, or obstructed in any way to prevent egress. Emergency Fire Exit doors are "exit only" in compliance with Fire Department regulations. Loading docks are not to be used as storage. Access to electrical panels shall not be obstructed.
  9. Mark the locations of first aid kits, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations, and emergency exits.
  10. Report any missing or malfunctioning equipment immediately. Never attempt to repair or alter equipment without prior permission.

Hazardous Materials

Consider all materials used in art making to be hazardous to various degrees. Labelling on art materials is often inadequate. The absence of a warning label does not mean a material is safe and harmless. Know and understand the materials you are working with.

Storage, Handling, and Disposal

  • All hazardous materials must be stored in appropriate containers and must be clearly labelled with its content listed.
  • All hazardous materials must be appropriately segregated and stored. For example, flammables and combustibles should be stored in an approved flammable storage cabinet, and acid should not be stored in the same cabinet.
  • Faculty must provide students with detailed instructions in safe handling, use, and disposal of all materials and chemicals.
  • Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling chemicals and/or materials.
  • Store/dispose used PPE with care to avoid contamination.
  • All hazardous materials must be disposed of in accordance with waste management policies.
  • Report chemical spills immediately to faculty and staff.
  • For further information, please refer to:

Fire Prevention and Safety Procedures

  • Familiarize yourself with your environment, locate fire extinguishers, fire alarm pulldown stations, and emergency exits.
  • Be aware of ignition sources, such as open flames, heating elements, spark gaps (motors, light switches, friction, static, etc.).
  • Do not introduce flammable liquids in the presence of ignition sources, and vice versa.
  • Flammable liquids give off vapors which can burn and/or explode. Make sure flammables are properly labelled and stored. Do not leave flammables in direct sunlight. Report spills immediately.
  • Do not overload electrical circuits. Report any electrical malfunctions, no matter how seemingly insignificant, immediately to safety officer.
  • Good housekeeping is crucial to fire prevention. Proper standards must be enforced in each studio area. Please refer to Industrial Hygiene.
  • In case of fire, sound the alarm. Contain or fight the fire only if possible and practical to do so. Evacuate yourself and others to safety.
  • Familiarize yourself with locations of first aid kits.
  • Any and all incidents including those involving only minor injuries requiring first aid or those resulting only in property and/or equipment damage must be reported to the area faculty using an accident/incident form.
  • Any and all illness or physical impairment which may be related to your practice (e.g., skin problem, headache, nausea, etc.) shall be reported to the area faculty immediately.

Emergency Contact information

Main Campus

UMASS Dartmouth Campus Police:

  • 508-999-9191 (emergency)
  • 508-999-8107 (non-emergency)

Art & Design Studio

The first line of contact should be the security guard. He/she will contact the appropriate authorities.

Dartmouth Police Department:

  • 911 (emergency)
  • 508-910-1700 (non-emergency)

CVPA Contacts

UMass Dartmouth Environmental Health & Safety

Visitor Policy

All visitors must be accompanied by current student(s), faculty, or staff at all times. Visitors are not allowed in the studios without explicit permission from the area faculty for liability reasons. Visitors shall not use equipment, materials, or supplies. All visitors to Art & Design Studio (ADS) must sign-in and sign-out at the security desk.

Useful Resources

General Consent Form

General CVPA Safety Manual Concent Form – Fill out form

 

CVPA Studio Safety Policies

Ceramics Studio Safety Policy

Only authorized persons are permitted to access and use Ceramics facilities, studios and equipment at UMass Dartmouth Art & Design Studio (ADS).

  • All graduate and undergraduate students must be trained in the use of all equipment by the Ceramics faculty. Training record will be kept in the student’s file by the faculty for the duration of student’s study in the program.
  • Do not operate equipment on which you are not signed off by the faculty.
  • Personal protective equipment – wear proper PPE and appropriate attire – no open toe shoes in the mixing/glaze area and kiln room.
  • Know your facility – familiarize yourself with the location of emergency equipment, i.e., fire extinguishers, first aid kit, emergency shower, emergency exits.
  • Know emergency contact – in case of emergency at ADS, notify the security guard to call 911, and inform the faculty, Ceramics assistant, and CVPA technician.

Student responsibilities and rules

  • All students must read the safety manual and sign consent form. The faculty will keep the consent form in the student’s file.
  • Students are responsible for keeping personal items secure.
  • No drug or alcohol in the building.
  • Smoking in designated areas only, no smoking in the building.
  • Appropriate attire required – no open toe shoes, no sandals, no bare feet in the studio.
  • Appointments with faculty – students must schedule.
  • Critiques – be prepared and be on time to all crits.

Communal responsibilities

  • Please help foster a productive work environment in the studio by respecting the need for quiet concentration. Conduct extended personal conversations in the lounge, not in the communal work areas.
  • Use headphones/earbuds, not speakers.
  • If you use a communal work area, clean and empty the area for the next person. All of your work should be stored on the shelves or in your assigned studio.
  • Do not leave personal trash – dumpster is behind the building.

Kiln room

Doors to the kiln room must remain closed at all times!

In case of unexplained kiln room event, immediately notify the faculty, Ceramics assistant/graduate studio assistant, and CVPA technician to ascertain the situation. In case of emergency, i.e. fire or serious injuries, inform the security guard to call 911.

Firing

  • The room ventilation must be on for the duration of firing.
  • No lead.
  • Policy on kiln damage – you break it, you bought it.
  • Policy on kiln shelves – you break it, you bought it.
  • No half empty kilns.
  • Must use visual cones in all kilns, and fire accordingly.
  • Grind all shelves after firing – if not, no next kiln.
  • Clean area around kiln after loading and before firing.
  • Clean interior and exterior of kiln after use.
  • Return kiln furniture to their appropriate places after use.
  • If unable to fire kiln at your scheduled time, then you forfeit.

Odors during firing

Gas odor – no gas kiln at ADS.

Non-gas odor

Should there be any unaccustomed smells coming from the kiln room:

  1. Determine which kilns are in use and who is firing them.
  2. Check for back pressure when opening the door to the kiln room.
  3. Confirm that the ventilation is on.
  4. If persists, inform the faculty/Ceramics assistant/SA and/or CVPA technician.

Smoke odor

  1. Determine which kilns are in use and who is firing them.
  2. Find out if any burn-out materials are used, i.e., sawdust placed in saggars, paper armatures, wood panels with which large pieces may be moved into the kiln. If these are the case, the smell should dissipate by the time the kiln hits 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. If not determination is made on the presence of burn-out materials, or the smell persists after 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, locate the source, inform the faculty/assistant to determine whether to continue firing or shut down the kiln.

Visible smoke – there are very few reasons that visible smoke appears in the kiln room

  1. Determine which kilns are in use and who is firing them.
  2. If there is a burning wood/paper smell, follow the protocol for ‘smoke odor’.
  3. Locate the source, if possible, inform the faculty/Ceramics assistant to determine whether to continue firing or shut down the kiln.

Fire outside of the kilns

  1. Inform the security guard to call 911.
  2. Shut down all power to the kiln room – the panels are outside of the kiln room, in the loading dock area. 

Water leak on electric kiln – under no condition should any water or liquid be on or near the kilns

  1. If during firing, immediately shut the power to the kiln at the panel.
  2. Shut down the power to the kilns and protect them from the liquid. Full diagnostic is required once the kilns are dry before putting them back in service.

Clay mixing area

  • Personal protective equipment is required while working in the clay mixing area at all times. Students must go through authorization workshop and test for the Soldner & Walker mixers before permitted to work in the mixing area. Training record will be kept in the student’s file by the faculty for the duration of student’s study in the program.
  • Check availability of ingredients before mixing clay.
  • Mix only at the sign up time, and be on time.
  • Use the dust collector at all times.
  • Wear PPE including dust mask at all times.
  • Clean all mixers by sponging out and mop the floor thoroughly when finished.
  • Throw away all empty clay bags into the dumpster outside.
  • Leave room clean and organized when finished.

Glaze area rules

Personal protective equipment is required while working in the glaze area at all times.

  • Students must be trained and authorized by the faculty to utilize the area. Training record will be kept in the student’s file by the faculty for the duration of student’s study in the program.
  • Use the down draft table vent system when measuring both large and small batches.
  • Scrub hands thoroughly after glazing. Plastic safety gloves are available.
  • Know the materials. Comply with the university’s Health and Safety protocol.
  • Do not put glaze (and clay materials) down the drain. All leftover glaze (and clay materials) must be either reused, or fired then discarded.
  • Clean up after use.
  • When material is low, report to the faculty for re-order.
  • Purchase your own Mason stains and cobalt.

Equipment authorizations/orientation

The faculty and Ceramics assistant will schedule demos on proper usage of clay mixers, gas, and electric kilns, pub mill, ball mill, tile saw, slab roller, kiln shelf care, and all other equipment. Students must be trained to use any of the equipment. Do not operate equipment without prior authorization from the faculty. Failure to comply with department in responsibility and care of equipment constitutes loss of the privilege to use a specific piece of equipment. If you break equipment, you will be responsible for its repair or replacement according to the direction of the chair and the college Dean. The training record will be kept in the file by the faculty for the duration of the student’s study in the program. 

Classroom and studio cleanup

Please leave the area/equipment in better condition than you found it!

  • Clean up the area and put away tools.
  • Recycle clay by placing dry scrap in plastic bucket with water to reclaim and then wedge and dry on plaster. All dry scrap clay should be removed from tables.
  • Clean plaster and wooden bats before stacking for storage.
  • Do not leave your work in an undesignated communal work area, including tables. Put all unfinished work on designated shelves or area, marked by the instructor’s name.
  • Do not handle other students’ work without permission. Only the faculty should discard students’ projects.
  • Do not leave valuables without supervision.
  • Report any equipment damage/malfunction to the faculty, Ceramics assistant and/or SA.
  • Do not mix plaster and clay.
  • No smoking, drinking, or eating in the studio.
  • Wear proper attire.
  • Discard all trash.

Clean up schedule for classes and labs

Each instructor has a rotating cleaning assignment schedule. All students enrolled in Foundations, intro classes, and Continuing Education are responsible for cleaning up daily as well as on assigned cleaning days. Non-participation in scheduled clean-ups will result in a hold on your grade.

All ceramics students are required to work on a committee and have a small midterm and final task in one of the labs.

Classrooms at the end of the semester (exam week) must be totally cleaned for the classroom readiness for the following semester. Each instructor is required to remove all leftover work, direct and organize classroom clean up and not leave for break until classrooms are thoroughly cared for.

Senior and Graduate Studios

  • Please respect each other’s privacy and concentration.
  • Common area must remain clearly passable and clean.
  • No curtain or privacy door dividers are allowed. Participation in community is essential for community success.

Midterm and Final – all studio cleanup

Midterm and final cleanups are scheduled each semester. All ceramics students are required to participate. An alternate makeup cleanup date will also be scheduled for unforeseen emergency. Failure to participate in studio cleanups will result in a grade for the
semester course being withheld.

Physical hazards of studio work

In addition to toxic chemicals, there are physical hazards from heavy work, noise, and other hazards

Overuse and strain injuries

Also called repetitive strain injuries, these injuries are often called ‘cumulative trauma disorders’ because they develop from repeated small injuries of tissue from overuse and strain. They can occur while wedging, throwing, or hand-building with clay. ‘Potter’s thumb,’ for instance, is the term some potters use to describe symptoms which are now associated with the early stages of carpal tunnel. Many potters have acquired carpal tunnel syndrome (a debilitating condition involving compression of the median nerve) at the wrist. Tendonitis in various locations and tennis elbow are also common. Hand, back, and wrist muscle injuries can occur from sitting at the potter’s wheel, especially if posture is incorrect. Injuries from lifting sacks of clay, molds and the like are common among ceramicists. To prevent these injuries, pay attention to the signs of fatigue, pain, changes in endurance, weakness, and other physical symptoms. Developing good work habits can prevent these conditions and may even resolve early symptoms.

  • Maintaining good posture
  • Taking frequent rest breaks
  • Alternating tasks or varying types of work
  • Warming up muscles before work
  • Moving and stretching muscles during breaks
  • Easing back into heavy work schedule after a long break (such as holidays) rather than expecting to work at full capacity immediately
  • Modifying technique and/or equipment to avoid uncomfortable positions or movements

If symptoms do not respond, seek medical attention. Early medical intervention will resolve most overuse injuries without expensive treatment and/or surgery. Delaying treatment can cause long-term, or even permanent disability. Resource: Arts, Crafts & Theatre Safety.

Health

  • To inhale or ingest clay dust or glaze materials is unhealthy. Therefore, thoroughly clean all wheels, tables, tools and equipment after use and wash any spills, splatters, and trimming that land on the floor.
  • Participate in our “health insurance program” by spending one hour each semester on dust-busting duty – use a sponge or a mop to wet-clean floor or table that can create airborne dusts).
  • Personal Protective Equipment – wear an appropriate, high-quality dust filter mask and/or respirator when mixing dry materials, spraying glazes, cleaning, and scraping shelves.
  • Be aware of the specific safety issue of each material you use. Consult the faculty for discussion and further information. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all materials used are available in the ceramics facility.

Safety

  • Do not use wheel, kiln, spray equipment, slab roller, grinder, or any equipment in the studio without personal instruction and permission from the faculty. Permission to use kiln requires apprenticeship and testing. Training record must be kept for the
    duration of the students’ study in the program.
  • Power off all electrical equipment after use.
  • If you are last to leave the kiln room/mixing area/glaze room, make sure that everything not in use is turned off.
  • For the general safety, use buddy system in the studio as much as possible.

Ceramic kiln pad

Guidelines for the safe and responsible access to the kiln pad area, ensuring the safety of personnel and the integrity of equipment.

Access policy

  • The ceramics’ kiln pad, located behind the CVPA building, must be locked at all times when not in use.
  • Only trained and authorized personnel are permitted to access the kiln pad.
    • 1. Students must complete training given by the ceramics faculty. The training includes written test, on-site kiln training (Raku, Geil, and soda (Baker)), and safety training. Training record and authorization to be kept in file by the faculty.
    • 2. Designated safety personnel.
  • Visitors must be pre-approved by the ceramics faculty, and accompanied by an authorized person(s) at all times while in the kiln pad area.
  • All kiln firings are scheduled in advance. Use of kiln pad must be scheduled and approved by the ceramics faculty.
  • The key to the kiln pad is available to sign out at the ADS security. Return the key to the ADS security when firing is finished.

Safety protocol at the kiln pad

  • All personnel must be trained and tested on safety protocol and kiln operation by the ceramics faculty. The training record to be kept by the faculty.
  • Two trained and authorized persons must be present on site for the entire duration of firing.
  • Appropriate personal protective equipment is required. PPE may include, but not limited to:
    • Heat-resistant gloves
    • Eye protections/heat shields.
    • Natural fiber clothing
    • No open-toe shoes

Emergency procedures

  • Familiarize yourself with safety equipment, including fire extinguisher, main gas shutoff, electrical breakers, and emergency call box.
  • In case of emergency, call 508-999-9191 (on-campus emergency), or use the emergency call box (next to the CVPA entrance), and inform the ceramics faculty, ceramics assistant, and CVPA technician.

Firing guidelines

  • Only trained and authorized personnel may operate kilns. Unauthorized use of equipment is strictly prohibited.
  • One kiln firing at a time. Do not fire more than one kiln at a time.
  • A minimum of two trained personnel must be present at all times during the duration of firing.
  • Kiln log must be kept.
  • Incident report – all and any accidents, injuries, or unsafe conditions must be reported immediately to the ceramics faculty and/or CVPA technician.

Concent Form

CVPA Studio Safety Consent Form - Ceramics

 

Sculpture Studio Safety Policy

This document describes health and safety information applicable to the Sculpture Studio at UMASS Dartmouth CVPA. All students enrolled in sculpture courses need to read and understand health and safety policies and procedures implemented by the college.

  • It is the policy of this college to enforce all safety regulations within the sculpture studio. A policy violation may result in the total loss of sculpture studio access and privileges may be revoked.
  • Students must review and follow the policies and procedures outlined in this manual.
  • After reviewing this manual, all questions and concerns should be addressed with sculpture faculty.

General Policies

CVPA Sculpture program accommodates work with wood, metal (ferrous/non-ferrous), plaster, clay, and multi-media. Additional facilities include a foundry, outdoor work area, and metal preparation/grinding/cutting area.

  • Sculpture studio is open to any student who is currently enrolled in a sculpture course. Those not enrolled in a sculpture course and wish to access the studio/equipment, must first consult faculty for training and permission.
  • Students are not permitted to work in the studio alone. No student should operate any machine or equipment without another trained person, faculty member, or trained monitor present in the studio.
  • No food or drink is allowed in the studio. Absolutely no smoking, alcohol, or drugs, per university policy.
  • Trained students should use the Sculpture facility only when fully alert, rested, and focused. Under no circumstances should a student attempt to use machinery when judgment is impaired, the student is ill or under the effects of medication, drugs, or alcohol, or is sleep deprived.
  • Students must wear proper attire; no open-toed shoes, sandals, or Crocs are allowed. Loose clothing must be secured, jewelry should be removed, and long hair must be tied back appropriately.
  • Students should wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): eye protection, ear protection, face shield, gloves, mask, and respirator, where applicable.
  • Safety guards on the machines should be examined to ensure they are operational before use. The guards should NOT be removed. Any missing or malfunctioning equipment should be reported immediately to the faculty and/or a monitor. Students should never attempt to repair or alter equipment without prior permission.
  • The dust collection system, ventilation system, and/or fume extraction should be engaged, when necessary, before proceeding with a project.
  • Wood, metal, stone machine, hand-held or stationary equipment begins with a thorough examination of the equipment before using it.
  • Attention should be focused on both the machine and on the operation being performed.
  • There should be no distractions or discussions while someone is operating machinery or tools. People who are working should be approached head-on, to avoid startling a person operating equipment.
  • Students should be alert to any unusual sounds, loose parts, dull blades, or poor adjustments when turning on or operating a machine and should seek to correct the situation before continuing to use the machine.
  • Any gas, electrical, or mechanical hazards should be reported immediately.
  • Areas should remain clear of debris. Equipment should be returned to a state of readiness for the next person to use. All tools should be returned to their proper storage area.
  • All students must assume responsibility for studio tidiness by maintaining a clean working space and avoiding the accumulation of dust and scraps to minimize heath and fire hazards.

Materials, Chemical, and Flammables

All materials and chemicals in art making should be considered as hazardous materials. Refer to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and/or utilize resources such as CAMEO, ACMI.

  • All students must familiarize themselves with materials and chemicals that they use by reading the labels carefully to understand the risks of use. Students must consult faculty before introducing new or unknown materials to the studio.
  • All flammables and solvents must be used in a well-ventilated area and stored in designated cabinets in the studio.
  • Solvent-soaked rags and paper towels must be discarded into designated, self-closing disposal containers.
  • Patina for metal may involve toxic chemicals. Students should use caution, wear appropriate PPE, and operate under well-vented area.
  • Appropriate PPE should be worn for the handling of materials and processes. For example, some exotic wood may cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes or eye irritation. Non-toxic wood glue may still cause skin irritation depending on sensitivity of the person.
  • Chemical spills should be reported immediately.
  • Less hazardous materials/chemicals should be used when possible.
  • Hazardous waste disposal must be performed in accordance with university policies.

Fire Prevention and Safety Procedures

  • Students should be familiar with the studio environment by locating first aid kits, fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull-down stations, and emergency exits.
  • Awareness is critical for ignition sources, such as open flames, heating elements, spark gaps (motors, light switches, friction, static, etc.).
  • Flammable liquids should not be used in the presence of ignition sources, and vica versa. For example, solvent should not be used near a welding station!
  • Flammable liquid gives off vapors which can burn and/or explode. Flammables must be properly labelled and stored and should never be left in direct sunlight.
  • Spills should be reported immediately.
  • Care should be taken to avoid overload of electrical circuits. ANY electrical malfunctions, no matter how seemingly insignificant, should be reported immediately to the safety officer.
  • Good housekeeping is crucial to fire prevention. Proper standards must be enforced in each studio area. Reference to Industrial Hygiene info.
  • In case of fire, the fire alarm should immediately be activated. Attempts to contain or extinguish the fire should occur ONLY IF POSSIBLE and practical to do so. Students and others should evacuate to safety.
  • Any and all incidents including those involving only minor injuries requiring first aid or those resulting only in property and/or equipment damage must be reported to the area faculty using an accident/incident form.
  • Any and all illness or physical impairment which may be related to studio practice (e.g., skin problem, headache, nausea, etc.) must be reported to the area faculty immediately.

Concent Form

CVPA Studio Safety Consent Form - Sculpture

Studio policies