Ceramics Safety

Clay Dust

All clay bodies contain some free crystalline silica which can scar your lung tissue and cause irreversible loss of breathing capacity. This can be detrimental for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Clay dust can also make surfaces slippery and make fall hazards. 

Electrical Shock

When working with water and wet clay, it's important to keep hazards away from electrical outlets. Additionally, the kiln runs off 50 amp or 240 volt outlets, this means there

Sharp Tools

We will be working with a variety of sharp tools and utensils. These are NOT toys. They need to be handled appropriately and carefully. If one of these leaves the classroom they are considered a weapon. 

Kilns & Burns

Ceramic kilns can get up to 2300℉, this is much hotter than your cookies! When emptying the kiln you never open it before 200℉ and you MUST wear protective gloves.

Slipping Hazards

We use many liquids in this class; glaze, slip, water, chemicals, etc. If something is spilled it MUST be wiped up and the wet floor sign must be set up if any residue is left. 

Heavy Lifting

Each bag of Georgies Clay is 25lbs. That means each box of clay is 50lbs. These weights are both require proper lifting technique. 

Bend your hips and knees to squat down to your load, keep it close to your body, and straighten your legs to lift. DO NOT round your back while lifting. 

Appropriate Dress/Attire

When using the wheel its especially important that long hair, scarves, baggy sleeves, shirts, etc are tied back. These things can get wrapped up in the mechanics of the wheel.  

Mold

Clay is an organic substance, just like anything else in nature it can mold and mildew. If caught early, we can continue the project as is and usually wipe away the mold. We can fire it in the kiln and it won't hurt it at all. If too late, we will toss the project and start over. 

Sanitation

Clay is natural and organic. It's from the earth. It's dirt. We do not eat dirt. Additionally, a LOT of our clay is recycled, meaning it's already been touched and handled by other people. We do not eat in the ceramics studio, due to how much clay dust is in the area.

Moral of the story, WASH YOUR HANDS, DO NOT EAT IN THE STUDIO and DO NOT EAT CLAY!

Chemical

We work with many chemicals in ceramics. Glazes, stains, and clay containing toxic metals such as antimony, barium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, selenium and vanadium. It's important that you pay attention to glazes you use if you are using if the piece you are glazing needs to be used for food and drink.