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 on location and your tutor will seek medical support if required.

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Dust

Silica dust is a hazardous substance when inhaled in 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.

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Sanding of pots is also discouraged as it produces a lot of dust, but it can be done under running water. 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

No materials, clay or glazes should be brought on site without first speaking to your tutor or a technician. 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.

 

Machinery

You may only use equipment and facilities that you have been specifically inducted into as part of your course. The pugmill, which is used for recycling clay, is permanently out of bounds for all students.

 

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.

Other workshop rules

Sturdy closed toe footwear should be always worn in the studio. No food to be consumed in the studio – lidded bottles can be used to drink from.

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.

 

Wheel induction

Long hair should be tied back. Any loose jewellery, lanyards, ties etc should be taken off. Students may want to remove jewellery and watches from their hands and wrists as they are likely to get scratched on the wheel.

 

Note that most of our wheels use metal pins on the wheel head to aid in the removal of work using wooden boards. Students should not spin the wheel without a wooden board down as the pins could easily damage a finger.