The Healthy, Safe Studio

Helpful Terms Molecule: The smallest unit which contains all the properties of a given substance.

Solid: Matter composed of closely packed molecules; a solid will retain Us shape.

Fume: An airborne particle with weight and mass, formed when a molecule escapes from the surface of a solid or concentrated acid, like nitric acid.

Dust Airborne particles with weight and mass that are generally bigger in size than fumes. Dusts within the respirable range (.01-.10 microns) can create a health problem. These cannot be seen with the naked eye but are visible in a beam of sunlight through a window.

Liquid: Matter composed of molecules less closely packed than a solid; a liquid will not retain its shape.

Gas: Matter composed of loosely packed molecules. It has neither independent shape nor volume, but expands to fill almost any container. It will not settle on the floor of a room or on the bottom of a container, even if left undisturbed.

Vapor: A gaseous substance formed when fast moving molecules in a liquid escape from the surface. Evaporation describes the movement of molecules from liquid to gaseous form. Solvents, like turpentine, form vapors as they evaporate when exposed to air.

Mist- Concentrated vapor. Anything that agitates or particulates a liquid creates a mist, such as spray cans, atomizers or airbrushes.

Helpful Generalizations Vapors and gases are molecules, In terms of safety, there is no mask made that will trap a molecule the way dusts can be trapped. A respirator works against a molecule by absorbing it and reacting with it chemically.

Vapors and gases are often confused with fumes. The important difference is that vapors and gases are molecules, whereas fumes are particles. Because fumes have weight and mass, they can be filtered.
Unlike gases, fumes will settle on the floor of a room if left undisturbed.

How toxic Substances Enter the Body Toxic substances are unstable, poisonous compounds capable of Causing disease. While some materials essential to making art contain toxic substances, you do not have to cease working with them to maintain good health. You may, however, want to change some of your working habits. Toxic substances enter the body in three ways:

Skin Absorption

Our skin has two layers, the inner dermis and the outer epidermis. The epidermis is the skin's defensive barrier and protects the body from some toxins. Solvents and acids can destroy the epidermis by causing bums, irritations or infections. Chapped or broken skin allows toxins into the bloodstream and throughout the body. Some solvents can be absorbed even by healthy skin. We are not always aware that absorption of toxins is occurring, as some solvents are good pain killers. These react with the central nervous system and confuse our natural warning system.
Inhalation Most air-borne chemicals enter the body through the respiratory system. They are absorbed by our lungs and enter the bloodstream where they can affect all parts of the body. While the body has some defenses for fighting the entry of these substances, some toxic chemicals still get through. Solvent vapors absorbed by our lungs, for example, can cause damage to lung tissue the way direct contact with a solvent can damage skin.

Three simple studio practices greatly reduce solvent inhalation:
1) Keep solvent containers closed when not in use;
2) Use the smallest amount of solvent possible; and
3) Refrain from eating, drinking or smoking when using solvents.

All solvents, including those which are odorless, are toxic substances which should be used in a well-ventilated work area. They can be harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. The use of an organic vapor respirator and solvent-resistant gloves are highly recommended.

Ingestion A surprisingly large number of artists ingest small amounts of material regularly while working. Habits such as biting your fingernails, pointing brush tips with your lips or eating, drinking and smoking while working expose your mouth, throat and stomach to toxic substances. In addition to small ingestions, there is also the occurrence of larger accidental ingestion. This happens when materials are transferred to unmarked containers and mistakenly confused with similar ones holding food or beverages. The victims of unintentional ingestion are often children or unsuspecting household members. Determining Potential Toxic Substances To determine if any products which you use regularly are toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin, read the product's label carefully. You can also learn about the toxicity of products used regularly by artists in: The Artist's Complete Health and Safety Guide (DS #7548128) by Monona Rossol, and Artist Beware by Michael McCann. If you work regularly with acids, solvents or materials that create dust, you should consider using personal and studio protection. The most important precaution artists can take is to not eat, drink or smoke while working. This alone decreases exposure dramatically. Studio Ventilation The best overall protection is provided by proper studio ventilation. This does not mean installing an air-conditioner or simply opening your window or door to let in fresh air. These practices, called uncontrolled ventilation, may make your work environment more comfortable but do not prevent exposure to toxic fumes, dusts or gases. Controlled ventilation removes toxins from the air and prevents them from contaminating your workspace. There are two types of controlled ventilation: dilution ventilation and local exhaust ventilation. Dilution ventilation brings in clean, outside air to dilute contaminants and then exhausts them to the outside. This system is only effective for filtering small amounts of toxins. It can be achieved with a simple window exhaust fan, making sure your fresh air source comes from behind you and contaminated air exits in front. Local exhaust ventilation captures dusts, fumes and vapors at their source and exhausts them before you can breathe the air they contaminate. If you use large quantities of hazardous materials, you may want to invest in a local exhaust system. This system involves a hood to collect the contaminants, ducts to carry them outside and an exhaust fan to remove them from the exhausted air. While more expensive to install, it is less expensive to maintain.
For more specific information on ventilation, read the books listed above or contact The Center for Safety in the Arts, 155 Avenue of the Americas, 14th Floor; New York, NY 10013 (formerly The Center for Occupational Hazards.) Personal Protective Equipment
Respirators If you cannot ventilate your studio, or your need for ventilation is only occasional, a respirator should be considered. Respirators come with removable cartridges that must be matched with the contaminants you are trying to filter. All cartridges eventually lose their effectiveness and have to be replaced. To be safe, change cartridges every two weeks or after eight hours of cumulative use. If the contaminant can be smelled while wearing a respirator, a cartridge change is long overdue or the respirator does not to properly. It is unwise to use a respirator when using a toxic chemical that cannot be smelled. Consider two factors when purchasing a respirator. One, buy one that is approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Two, make sure it fits properly. Men with mustaches or beards cannot wear respirators. If it does not fit perfectly, a respirator is virtually useless. To test for a proper fit, block the air inlets, inhale and hold your breath for 30 seconds. The respirator facepiece should collapse around your face. If it does not, you have an inadequate fit. Respirators should be cleaned regularly with soap and water and air-dried. To avoid contamination, a respirator should not be shared. Dust Masks Good quality dust masks will filter most dusts, including dry pigments. (Artists who work extensively with phthalocyanine pigments, which are very light in weight and finely ground, should consider using a respirator.) Dust masks are not recommended for use in the presence of dangerous fumes or vapors. Protective Creams and Gloves Skin contact with potentially harmful materials can be eliminated or reduced by using protective cream and gloves. Protective creams are either water-or solvent-resistant and provide a protective barrier on your skin while you work. Nitrile and neoprene gloves provide further protection when working with strong chemicals. When purchasing gloves be sure to read the label carefully to ensure they are resistant to the specific materials you are using. Studio Safety Setting up a safe studio means not only minimizing exposure to potentially dangerous materials, but also preventing fire and other physical hazards. By following these simple practices, potential hazards in the studio can be avoided.

Read the storage instructions on the labels of your materials carefully and follow the manufacturer's specifications.
Mark each container with the date of purchase, so older inventory can be used first.
Keep on hand only what is needed for a relatively short period of time. This is most important with combustible and flammable materials, like solvents.
Store solvents and chemicals in their original containers or in approved storage containers with labels. Never store them in open containers or next to a heat source, such as a vent, radiator, furnace or stove. In summer, take the necessary precaution of storing solvents in a cool environment.
Avoid storing anything in break able glass containers.
Pigments or powdered chemicals that come in paper or plastic bags should be transfered to plastic containers to avoid tears in bags that can release dust into the air. Be sure to label the new contain-, ers with their contents.
Equip your studio with a fire extin guisher and know how to use it.
Avoid storing potentially harmful or flammable materials in hard to reach areas and keep all labels facing front. This reduces the risk of spilling or shattering containers during retrieval.
Acids and other corrosives should not be stored on high shelves where they could break or spill, splashing their contents throughout your storage area.
Store your heavier materials near the floor to avoid spills or leaks during removal.
Never store food with your studio materials.
Segregate reactive materials from each other in storage to prevent explosive or potentially harmful substances from intermixing.
Store solvent-soaked rags or papers in covered metal waste containers until ready for disposal.

Solvents

Three studio practices which greatly reduce exposure to solvents are:
1) Keep solvent containers tightly closed when not in use,
2) Use the smallest amount of solvent possible, and
3) Refrain from eating, drinking or smoking while using solvents.

Machine Shop Safety

Safety Glasses

EVERYONE MUST WEAR SAFETY GLASSES IN THE SHOP.

Even when you're not working on a machine, you must wear safety glasses. A chip from a machine someone else is working on could fly into your eye.

Clothes and Hair

Check your clothes and hair before you walk into the shop. In particular:

IF YOU HAVE LONG HAIR OR A LONG BEARD, TIE IT UP.

If your hair is caght in spinning machinery, it will be pulled out if you're lucky. If you're unlucky, you will be pulled into the machine.

NO LOOSE CLOTHING.

Ties, scarves, loose sleves, etc. are prohibited

NO GLOVES
REMOVE JEWELERY
WEAR APPROPRIATE SHOES

No open toed sandals. Waer shoes that give a sure footing. If you are working with heavy objects, steel tes are reccommended.

Safe Conduct in the Shop

Be aware of what's going on around you. For example, be careful not to bump into someone while they're cutting with the bandsaw (they could lose a finger!).

Concentrate on what you're doing. If you get tired, leave.

Don't hurry. If you catch yourself rushing, slow down.

Don't rush speeds and feeds. You'll end up damaging your part, the tools, and maybe the machine itself.

Listen to the machine. If something doesn't sound rigth, turn the machine off.

Don't let someone else talk you into doing something dangerous.

Don't attempt to measure a part that's moving.

Machining

IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO SOMETHING, ASK!

BEFORE YOU START THE MACHINE:

Study the machine. Know which parts move, which are stationary, and which are sharp.
Double check that your workpiece is securely held.
Remove chuck keys and wrenches.

DO NOT LEAVE MACHINES RUNNING UNATTENDED!

CLEAN UP MACHINES AFTER YOU USE THEM!
A dirty machine is unsafe and uncomfortable to work on.
Do not use compressed air to blow machines clean. This endangers people's eyes and can force dirt into machine bearings.