Health and safety.

By law we are expected to do everything within reason to protect people from harm; it is therefore very important that we take health and safety in the classrooms and studios seriously.
Risk assessments are the best way to asses health and safety situations and work out the necessary precautions in each circumstance.
(click to enlarge)

 

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 was introduced by parliament, providing the crucial structure to the health, safety and welfare of persons at work. 
The principle is lead by the statement 'so far as is reasonably practicable'. This means that employers have, by law, the duty to to take precautions to reduce risk wherever is financially and practically possible, relative to the level of risk.
Risk assessments such as the one above are a big part of ensuring health and safety in a working environment that include five or more people. In addition to these; employers should also:

❋make arrangements for implementing the health and safety measures identified

as necessary by the risk assessment; 

❋ appoint competent people (often themselves or company colleagues) to help

them to implement the arrangements; 

❋ set up emergency procedures; 

❋ provide clear information and training to employees;
❋ work together with other employers sharing the same workplace.

According to the The Health and Safety at Work Act; as a student, I have to right to work in a place where health and safety are controlled, leave an area if I feel I am in danger, be consulted to matters effecting my health and safety, have someone to go to with my health and safety concerns, have rest breaks and suitable and sufficient toilets, washing facilities, drinking water and adequate first-aid facilities. In addition to this; I have the responsibility to take care of my own health and safety and that of people who may be affected by what you do or do not do.

I must co-operate with others on health and safety, and not interfere with, or misuse, anything provided for ymy health, safety or welfare as well as follow the guidance given to me by my teacher to use equipment, tools and materials safely.

COSSH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002) guidelines exist to control and safely manage substances that are hazardous to health. As artists we can be working with a variety of materials; paints, inks, spirits, solvents, contamination of the air from wood dust, clay and other vapours. The COSSH guidelines recommend using a combination of these precautions when necessary;

❋ good general ventilation of the workroom.

❋Enclose the process as far as possible and when necessary extract harmful vapours and mists.

❋Use good work techniques that avoid or minimise contact with harmful substances and minimise leaks and spills.

❋You may also need to provide personal protective equipment like respirators, gloves and eye protection.

❋Practise good hand care – remove contamination promptly, wash hands properly, dry thoroughly and use skin creams regularly.