3.1 Health and safety when working with clay

Health and Safety

When working with clay:

1. You should wear eye-protection (goggles) to prevent dust entering your eyes. You should also wear an apron.
2. You should clean the environment you work in otherwise there will be a build up of dust.
3. When you are cleaning up, use a wet cloth for the tables, floor and everywhere where clay has been handled.
4. You shouldn’t eat or drink because you might ingest the dust from the clay.
5. When lifting a bag of clay which is quite heavy, bend your knees or don’t lift it if you think it is too heavy.
6. Make sure clay is stored safely and in an appropriate place. Make sure the pots are stored safely so they don’t fall on anyone or doesn’t dry out.
7. If you’ve got any skin conditions, wear gloves with clay.
8. The kiln needs to be used by someone who has been trained as the kiln is really hot.
9. Make sure students are kept out. There must be a safety light and the kiln area needs to be well ventilated.