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Clay Safety
Clay Safety
Mold like this is fine in clay. It is very natural and can increase the plasticity of the clay. It is actually desired by many professional potters.
Wiping Down Surfaces: Have students wipe down clay surfaces with a damp washcloth or sponge and wash their hands before exiting class. This will cut down on the clay dust in the classroom which would otherwise build up and possibly irritate those students with asthma.
Silica Dust: In its unfired form, clay often contains silica particles. Therefore, students should not be allowed to eat and work with the clay at the same time to avoid ingestion. Also, students should be instructed to wash their hands prior to leaving the art room and should not be allowed to blow clay dust, sweep up clay dust, or clap their hands together while their hands are covered with dried clay (as can be tempting for elementary aged students).
Kiln Safety
Kiln Safety
Set a Timer for the Kiln: Although the kiln should shut off when it reaches temperature, always be mindful of the time that the load should finish, either by setting a timer or periodically checking the kiln. Many kilns, like this kiln-sitter kiln have a backup timer shut off which can be set just slightly longer than you expect the kiln firing to last.it is a good idea to have a backup way to shut off the kiln.
Create a Barrier: If your kiln is out in the classroom, create a barrier around the kiln with non-flammable objects, such as a wire shelf and clay cart, around the kiln to discourage students from touching the kiln.
Keep Everything at Least 24" Away from the Kiln: It is a good rule of thumb to keep objects, especially paper, at least 24" away from the kiln at all times. I personally like to leave three feet of clearance in case something were to fall.
Check the Area Under and Around the Kiln Before Firing: Before running the kiln, be sure to check the area under the kiln as well as around the sides and back of the kiln. You would be surprised at what can find its way there. In the event that paper fell off a shelf or slid across the floor, this check could help prevent a fire.
Always Run the Exhaust Vent System: Since particles and chemicals are released from clay projects during firing, during both bisque firing and glaze firing, if the kiln is on, the kiln ventilation system should also be turned on. This rule should be applied for kilns in all locations, and is especially critical if the kiln is out in the open within the classroom. The purpose of the ventilation system is to vent the (majority of) fumes to the outside of the building.
Post a Sign: A sign that says "Kiln ON" or "Kiln OFF" is helpful to make others mindful of kiln firings and to encourage people to be more careful around the kiln when it is on.
Do NOT Leave the School Before the Kiln is Done: Only run the kiln while you are at the school so that you can keep an eye on it and make sure that it shuts off when it is supposed to. If you must leave school, be sure to notify and train another reliable person in the school how to shut off the kiln and have them check the kiln at the appropriate time. Even if your kiln has always run properly before, it can start to work improperly at any time and possibly over-fire and ruin students' projects, the kiln itself, and possibly even start a fire.
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