Health and Safety
First Aid
In case of an accident or injury, report to a member of staff immediately. The first aid box and eye baths are available under the sink in the cupboard marked with the green cross. Please seek help from your tutor if required. An accident book and First Aid Guide are pinned to the noticeboard in the back room. Tutors will record any incidents as and when they occur.
Dust
Silica dust is a hazardous substance when inhaled and can be found in dried clay and glazes. Making sure we maintain a clean and dust free working environment is essential. To do this, we must avoid putting dust into the air, so dry sweeping with brooms and brushes is not allowed. Instead, a damp cloth, sponge or mop can be used. The cleaning of tools, throwing batts and boards is a key requirement for studio shared use. Please ensure that all tools are replaced in a clean state.
Sanding of pots is mainly discouraged as it produces a lot of dust, but it can be done under running water. When making work consider the finishing in order to reduce the need for sanding. General cleanliness and cleaning up spills promptly can help to reduce dust. The mixing of dry materials is only to be done by a member of staff.
Hazardous Materials
Under no circumstances should any materials, clay or glazes be brought on site without first speaking to your tutor or a technician. The Clay Yard is proud of its’ sustainability practice and the contamination of our clay with other materials can cause issues relating to the reclaim processes as well as the safety of others using the studio. Please notify your tutor or technician in confidence if you become pregnant or have any health conditions that may affect your ability to work safely.
Please familiarise yourself with the glaze safety cards which include information relating to safe use of the glazes in use at the studio. Only glazes provided by the studio are to be used. If choosing to use copper or iron oxide on your bisque-fired work please ensure you use your own rubber gloves and wash hands after use.
Machinery
You may only use equipment and facilities that you have been specifically inducted into as part of your course. The hot-air gun should be used rarely and safely managed to avoid contact during and after use. Please ensure that you make your tutor aware if you need to use it and us it only in the designated area of the studio.
The slab-roller is for use by the tutor to prepare clay slabs for classes ahead of time. If you require the roller to make slabs please arrange with the tutor before-hand. Fingers should be kept clear of the uPVC roller during the process as there is a risk of trapping under the roller.
The pugmill, which is used for recycling clay, is permanently out of bounds for all students.
The Potters’ Wheels
When using the Rohde wheels, long hair should be tied back, loose jewellery, lanyards, ties etc should be taken off - please take care with the ties of your apron that these are not dangling in the pan of the wheel or anywhere near moving parts. Be careful to avoid stepping on the accelerator when moving around the studio and NEVER leave tools in the pan of the wheel whilst working using the storage shelf attached to the wheel. Please use the toggle switch to turn off the wheel when moving to fetch tools etc.
Students may want to remove jewellery and watches from their hands and wrists as they are likely to get scratched on the wheel and scratch the wheel head.
Those students who use batts on the wheels are requested to ensure that these are cleaned with a damp sponge, dried and returned to the storage box.
Ensure that you have familiarisation with the red emergency stop button for all wheels. This will enable you to quickly cut power to the wheel in the case of an emergency.
For your comfort: Use the height and tilt adjustable stool to ensure you are comfortably seated at the wheel. Please advise your tutor if you have any related medical issues such as back-pain, hips and knees or are pregnant.
Consideration for Others: When finished on the wheel, thoroughly clean all parts with a clean damp sponge and store the pedals off the floor and ensure that this and all areas of the wheel are clean and clay-free. This will reduce the build-up of clay-dust and extend the shelf-life of the wheels whilst ensuring the wheels are in a good condition for the next user.
Skincare and Allergies
Skin sensitivity can result from working with materials we use commonly in ceramics, so it is important that you take good care of your hands.
If your hands are prone to becoming dry, then it is recommended you moisturise your hands after working in the studio and / or use a barrier cream before starting. Non-latex gloves will be available for specific processes. If you have any relevant allergies, please let your tutor know.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Sturdy closed toe footwear should be always worn in the studio. Latex gloves are available on request but it is recommended that you bring in your own rubber gloves.
Eating and Drinking
No food to be consumed whilst directly working with clay – please take regular breaks as guided by your tutor. It is advisable to use lidded bottles/cups where possible.
Please do not bring guests with you without first speaking to your tutor, as we always have a duty of care to everyone on site.
Thank-you for helping to ensure the safe running of this beautiful studio space. Your input ensures the environment is clean, safe and enjoyable for you, our tutors and the volunteers to work in.
Alison Hannah
Last Update: 16 Nov 2023