Resolve to Be Safe in 2020!

Here’s a New Year’s resolution that can lead to a healthier and safer year for you and others in your studio. Resolve to take a little time this to review how you manage hazardous materials in your studio. This resolution could save your life!

Fumes + Ventilation

Many art supplies give off fumes. While some are toxic, others can produce allergic sensitivity to people with exposure over time. Check to see: 

• • Do you smell any fumes like gas, smoke or vapor in the hallway, stairwell or studio that may be toxic?
  • Do others in the building and adjoining spaces use hazardous materials?
  • Does the building have good ventilation?
  • Are there rules in your building against allowing fumes permeate into the hallways?

Planning + Knowledge

Your Safety Data Sheet (SDS) will tell you if the materials you are using can be mixed and also the appropriate storage temperatures for them. If smoke/CO detectors are not hardwired, make sure to set up a maintenance system for checking and replacing batteries.

• • Make a chemical hygiene plan. Understand the risks involved with the chemicals you use, including how they affect skin, eye, and your respiratory system, etc.
    • Do you have a copy of the SDS for every chemical you use in the studio?
    • Keep all of your Safety Data Sheets  in a binder for easy reference and update them frequently and when you add new materials to your artistic process.
  • Research less toxic options for your art making. What are other ways to minimize use of hazardous materials

Personal Safety Checklist

• If you transfer material from its original container, make sure the new container is safe to use. Some chemicals cause glass to explode or metal to corrode, for example.
• If necessary wear a NIOSH-approved respirator and/or make sure that you cover your skin. Some chemicals can be absorbed into your skin through the air, for example.
• Make sure you have adequate ventilation so fumes disperse outdoors safely. You might need an explosion-proof fan.
• Don’t cross-contaminate areas of your studio with hazardous materials, particularly, where you eat.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after using hazardous materials.
• However you mix and apply chemicals, make sure that you cure them safely.

Storage

• Are you storing materials in their original containers or ones that are compatible, properly labeled and sealed?
• Check your containers routinely to make sure the materials are still usable.
• Store materials in appropriate cabinets. You might need multiple storage options as some materials/chemicals should not be stored together.
• Secure all containers to prevent their tipping or falling over.
• Never store toxic material above shoulder height.
• If you use compressed gas in the studio, store cylinders at least 20 feet away from combustible material or oxygen.

Disposal

• Do you know the disposal method for all chemicals you use? Many chemicals can combust if improperly disposed. For example, piles of rags soaked with oil-based solvents can flame up hours later.
• Do you have a plan for disposing of all hazardous materials? Many municipalities have designated areas and times for hazmat disposal – just be careful during transport.

For more resources on how to best manage your art materials, visit:

• Sources of Safety Data Sheets from Interactive Learning Paradigms, Inc. This site also has other chemical information resources.
• Art & Creative Materials Institute is an association of art material manufacturers that promotes art material safety through its certification program.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) brief on Safety Data Sheets
• Consider having a professional safety officer inspect your studio (www.bcsp.org). Many chemicals are surprisingly dangerous and most towns have different rules about their use. You may want to consult with an industrial hygienist too.

CERF+ provides additional studio safety and readiness information for artists:

• Find more tips on studio safety from CERF+, including the Studio Safety Guide.
• The Get Ready section of CERF+’s Studio Protector includes Plan Ahead, Cover Your Assets, and Disaster Risks guides