General Safety Awareness
Everyone will be instructed as to the location and use of all studio safety equipment:
Studio Safety and Awareness
Chemicals and Hazardous Materials
Tools and Equipment
Housekeeping
Individual Studio Guidelines
Painting
By taking an ART course you agree to the following statement:
I have read and understand completely all of the Safety Rules and Guidelines that are outlined above as well as those found in the syllabus and other class handouts. I will abide by these rules and guidelines with the understanding that if I fail to do so, or fail to sign this form, I will be barred from working in any labs or studios, which will result in my receiving a failing grade in the class.
Everyone will be instructed as to the location and use of all studio safety equipment:
- Emergency phone numbers and phone locations
- Fire extinguishers
- Emergency exit and take shelter procedures
- First Aid kit
- Exits, fire extinguishers, alarm pull stations and pathways must be kept free of debris, projects or other objects which may cause a hindrance.
- Immediately report any injury, no matter how trivial, to the instructor or lab aide. You have the right to complete an accident report if you choose to do so.
Studio Safety and Awareness
- MSDS SHEETS are located in the studio classrooms; you may see them upon request. MSDS books include lists all of the art materials used in each studio, and describe any potential heath impacts. See your instructor for more information.
- For liability and insurance reasons, only students who are enrolled in a studio class during the current semester are allowed to work in the studio. Persons not currently enrolled in a MVCC studio class are not allowed in the classroom or labs without permission of the instructor.
- You must check in or sign in with the lab aide if you will be working in a studio outside of class time. This is not necessary in the drawing and painting studios.
- If you are using chemicals, hazardous materials, or dangerous equipment, there must be an Instructor or lab aid in the studio space. This is not necessary in the drawing and painting studios.
- For your own safety, and the safety of those around you, if your judgment or behavior seems impaired or erratic the instructor or lab aide will ask that you not use equipment or materials for the day.
- If you have any medical concerns or physical limitations that the instructor should know about, please tell them on the first day of class or lab.
- Wash your hands frequently to remove chemicals and residue. We recommend you keep fingernails short and clean them when you are done working.
- No eating or drinking is allowed in the studios. Snacks and beverages are allowed in classroom by instructor permission only.
- Absolutely no smoking is allowed in the art studios or anywhere in the Fine and Performing Arts Center.
- Refrain from using perfumes, colognes and scented hand creams as we are striving for a scent-free, toxin-free environment.
- Take frequent breaks during work and never work to the point of exhaustion or pain. Change positions frequently. Bend at the knees when lifting.
Chemicals and Hazardous Materials
- If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, check with your physician regarding exposure to potentially dangerous materials. Be sure that your doctor understands exactly what substances you will be working with in class.
- Chemicals and hazardous materials have the ability to cause immediate damage to your eyes, nose, and throat if not handled properly. Follow the directions given to you by your instructor carefully and let them know if you have any questions; more information is available in the MSDS books found in each studio.
- Broken skin or rashes provide a direct route into your body for hazardous materials and chemicals. If you have damaged skin please wear gloves or protective clothing.
- Products that contain metal oxides or solvents can easily be absorbed through the skin or ingested with food. Use personal protective equipment and always wash up after using hazardous materials.
- You are not allowed to use materials that contain dangerous heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, or barium in the studios.
- If you wish to bring in art supplies from home you must receive approval from the Instructor prior to using them in class. You are responsible for providing a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for each product to the Instructor for our records.
- No solvents of any type, other than water, may be used in the art studios. In the painting and printmaking studios a few specific chemical solvents are allowed. See your instructor for more information.
- When working with materials that generate irritating fumes or particulates, you must utilize a spray booth. This includes spray adhesives, paints and fixatives. See your Instructor for more information.
Tools and Equipment
- There are many specialized tools in the studios that need to be used properly. Any tools or equipment that belong to the school that are damaged or lost while in your possession will become your responsibility to replace or repair. Use of studio and lab equipment is not allowed unless an instructor or lab aide is present in the studio. This does not apply in the drawing and painting studios.
- Do not attempt to use materials or operate machinery and equipment before you have been shown how to use it safely and properly by your instructor.
- If you need assistance with an emergency, you or someone you designate should call the MVCC Police Department using a red phone that you will find in a nearby location. Be prepared to tell them your exact location including building and room number as well as a description of what has happened. Remain on the phone and follow the directions given to you.
- If you get chemicals or hazardous materials in your eyes immediately move to the medicine chest in your studio and use the eyewash provided. Let others around you know if you need assistance. Inform your instructor.
- In case of a fire emergency, pull the nearest fire alarm and exit the building. Wait for the all clear before entering back into the building.
- In the event of a severe weather emergency consult the safe shelter map near the door and exit to your designated area. Wait for the all clear before returning to your studio or classroom.
Housekeeping
- You are responsible for leaving your work area clean and tidy. If there is a chemical or other spill, please notify the instructor immediately so that it is cleaned up properly.
- Never pour any chemicals or hazardous materials down the drains. This does not apply to standard darkroom chemicals in the photography darkrooms and studio.
- Put away all tools and equipment in their designated storage area when you are finished using them.
- Keep floors free of slip and trip hazards such as water, scrap materials, dust, tools, and extension cords.
- Remember that each student is responsible for his or her own health and safety. Please keep the studios clean and accident free
Individual Studio Guidelines
Painting
- All containers in storage must be in good condition with manufacturer labels and lids that fit and close tightly.
- Solvent contaminated rags and paper towels should be disposed in the RED containers.
- All other trash, including dry acrylic paint, clean plastic gloves, and paintbrushes should be put into the regular trashcans.
- All containers in storage must be in good condition with manufacturer labels and lids that fit and close tightly.
- Solvent contaminated rags and paper towels should be disposed in the RED containers.
- All other trash, including dry acrylic paint, clean plastic gloves, and paintbrushes should be put into the regular trashcans.
- In studios with hazardous chemicals no clothing that leaves skin exposed—other than face, neck, arms and hands—is allowed. It is recommended that you utilize an apron to protect your body and clothing.
- If you get chemicals or hazardous materials on your skin immediately flush the area with clean tap water from a sink or other source for 15 minutes. Let others around you know if you need assistance. Inform your instructor.
- In studios with heavy machinery, no sandals, flip-flops, crocs or any shoe that does not completely cover the foot are allowed.
- Safety glasses with side shields or safety goggles are mandatory when using all power tools or hazardous materials. Prescription glasses are not safe eye protection and are not acceptable. Contact lens use is not recommended when working on projects that generate fumes or particulates.
- A face shield is required for any work that has the potential to produce flying particles.
- Earplugs should be utilized when operating power tools or processes that produce excessive noise.
- Never leave a machine when it is running.
- Long hair or loose clothing must be restrained when using any equipment with moving parts or torches. Do not wear gloves when operating equipment with moving parts.
- Report any irregularity in the machine operation to the instructor so that the machine can be checked and/or repaired.
- Safety guards are not to be removed from the equipment.
- Studio Safety and Awareness: DUST
- Do not sweep the tables or floors or cause dust to rise or blow in the air
- Use large wet sponges for cleaning up
- Do not run the fans when working
- If clay, glaze or plaster spills on the floor, pick up as much as possible, discard it in the garbage, and sponge the floor
- Wear a respirator or a white dust mask when working with clay or plaster in the dry state
- If a student has any bronchial or lung ailments or sensitivities, report this to your professor
- Do not ingest any of the wet or dry clay or glaze materials
- Studio Safety and Awareness: DUST
- Do not sweep the tables or floors or cause dust to rise or blow in the air
- Use large wet sponges for cleaning up
- Do not run the fans when working
- If clay, glaze or plaster spills on the floor, pick up as much as possible, discard it in the garbage, and sponge the floor
- Wear a respirator or a white dust mask when working with clay or plaster in the dry state
- If a student has any bronchial or lung ailments or sensitivities, report this to your professor
By taking an ART course you agree to the following statement:
I have read and understand completely all of the Safety Rules and Guidelines that are outlined above as well as those found in the syllabus and other class handouts. I will abide by these rules and guidelines with the understanding that if I fail to do so, or fail to sign this form, I will be barred from working in any labs or studios, which will result in my receiving a failing grade in the class.