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Art Safety - Introduction

Practicing Art Safety with a Mask

Introduction

The visual arts can pose significant risks to the health and safety of artists.  This guide provides an overview of some of the most common risks associated with painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, digital art, and sculpture.

Responsibility for Safety in the Arts

Faculty

Faculty are responsible for ensuring that students attend training and work safely and:

  • Ensure artists understand the potential health and physical hazards of the chemicals and equipment used;
  • Explain proper and safe procedures for handling, under all circumstances, the hazardous substances used;
  • Provide appropriate equipment to allow laboratory workers to work safely

Artists

Each student, faculty and staff member is expected to attend training and:

  • Follow procedures and practices outlined in this training guide;
  • Report all accidents, near misses, and potential chemical exposures to the Arts Health & Safety Advisor or the manager of the art studio

 

Resources:

United Educators - Safety Guide for Art Studios

Consumer Product Safety Commission - Art and Craft Safety Guide

Creating Art Safely: A Six-Step Process video

Household Products Safety Database

The Artist's Complete Health & Safety Guide

Non-Toxic Intaglio Printmaking

Overexposure: Health Hazards in Photography

Health & Safety for Museum Professionals