PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe environment for employees and users of the pottery studio with clear guidelines. 

SCOPE

This policy applies to FDAC employees using the pottery studio and all individuals or users who have access to the studio.

DEFINITIONS

GLAZE – A glassy coating that has been melted onto a ceramic surface.

GREENWARE – Unfired clay that that has not undergone quartz inversion and can therefore be turned back into it’s workable state 

BISQUEWARE– Clay that has been fired once to a lower temperature to burn off impurities and volatiles and is not yet suitable for use but is ready to be glazed and fired again. 

GLAZED WARE (POTTERY) – A finished ceramic piece that has been bisque fired and glaze fired.

FIRING – The course of the kiln running containing wares. Ex “my pieces are being fired”, “That was a full firing!”

POLICY GUIDELINES

If the policy is not followed it could result in access removal, either temporary or permanently dependent on severity.

All clay used in the studio must be purchased on site. Do not use clays bought elsewhere unless approved by the pottery tech for Kiln-For-Hire. 

RECYCLING CLAY

It is encouraged to use the reclaiming clay buckets instead of disposing of your clay waste. Please ensure the clay put in the buckets is uncontaminated and are clay scraps from trimming, broken greenware, or old throwing slurry. Clay can only be put in the bucket if it HAS NOT BEEN FIRED Please do not add bisqueware to the buckets. Do not place pieces of clay larger than a toonie in the bucket. If you have larger pieces please break them up into small pieces before placing them in the reclaim bucket as large chunks will not break down. 

VENTILATION

The fan in the main studio should be kept on at all times while the studio is in use. Change the filter every three months. This will reduce airborne dust which can cause serious long-term health effects.

CLEANING AND DUST CONTROL

Silicosis is a form of occupational lung disease by inhalation of crystalline silica dust. Silicosis is a progressive, disabling, and often fatal lung disease. Silicosis is an irreversible condition with no cure. When small silica dust particles are inhaled, they can embed themselves deeply into the tiny alveolar sacs and ducts in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide gases are exchanged. There the lungs cannot clear out the dust by mucus or coughing. Silica appears in glazes and clay.

It is the responsibility of the user to safely clean every work surface they use or touch.  Leave around 15 minutes for cleanup at the end of your session.  This includes the walls, floors, work surfaces, sinks, wheels, canvas, and tools. Dust control measures are necessary for any operation which may generate dust. This includes the creation of dust from working with clay to make pottery, dipping glazes that have dried on work surfaces, dried glaze on rims of underglaze bottles, and sanding greenware or bisqueware. Clean up spills when they occur. Do not allow them to dry. Wet-mop floors with a mop or large sponge to control dust; do not sweep.  Dirty clay water must be dumped outside near the train tracks. Never put clay down the sink; it will cause the pipes to back up.  Keep work surfaces and shelves clean by wiping them down with a wet sponge. Do an additional last wipe with clean water. 

The vacuum used should be equipped with a HEPA-type exhausting filter.

Any tools you use need to be cleaned with a sponge and clean water, then put back where they were found. 

HANDBUILDING

Make sure your work area and anything you’ve touched is cleaned. To avoid damaging the surface of the tabletops in the general studio be careful when cutting clay and placing heavy objects on them.  Users will be billed for the replacement cost if they are responsible for the damage.