Health & Safety Manual

Introduction

Artists, artisans, designers, and students in general are exposed to a number of potentially hazardous materials and processes in our studios. Knowledge of hazards and proper studio procedures, coupled with an attitude of respect and mental alertness, will help ensure that our workspaces are safe and healthy.

The recommendations contained in this manual are based on information obtained from safety and health publications, experts in the field, discussions with artists, and our own experience as artists, teachers, and managers of studio activity. These recommendations are presented as written standards of practice,and should be regarded as firm guidelines for safe and healthy activity in all of our studios at South Texas College.

As students you have a responsibility to be physically and mentally alert, aware of safety and health issues, follow rules and procedures designed to protect you, and report all incidents or accidents so that steps may be taken to prevent recurrence.

As faculty and administration we have the responsibility for providing as safe working conditions as is possible, educating students about potential hazards and proper procedures, and enforcing rules for safe practice.

Developed by:

• Richard Smith (committee chairman); Painting Studio
• George McCaleb; Director of Operations
• Ed Garcia; Printmaking Studio
• Steve Ortiz; Jewelry/Metals Studio
• Tom Matthews; Sculpture Studio
• Chris Leonard; Ceramics Studio

Thanks to: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University and Princeton University.

Special thanks to: Steve Whittlesey, Professor, Artisanry Department, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.