THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL ARTS
HEALTH AND SAFETY MANUAL
Table of Contents
2. VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT
5. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
6. PAINTING, DRAWING AND DESIGN
1. INTRODUCTION Health and safety are important issues and no one in the Thompson Rivers University has a right to endanger either themselves or anyone else through
uninformed or negligent use of instruments, materials, or machinery. This manual was initially adapted and edited from the Fine Art Health and Safety
Manual of the University of Victoria and from the Ceramics Data Sheet published by The Center for Safety in the Arts in New York. It has been developed
to provide basic information on material used, equipment/machinery, and safe practices and procedures in the Visual Arts Department. Hardcopies of
this manual is also available at the TRU Bookstore. It is a basic requirement that all faculty, staff and students read and understand this manual before
beginning to work in the Department of Visual Art at TRU. If you have any questions about the contents, please contact the TRU Health and Safety Office or the Department Chairperson. Anyone who uses tools, materials, or machinery in a hazardous or potentially hazardous manner may be immediately barred from further access to the studio facilities in which the negligent activity occurred and may be subject to additional disciplinary action. 2. DEPARTMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT 2.1 Health and Safety Policy It is the policy of the Department to take all reasonable steps to: a. protect the safety of all faculty, staff, students and visitors against work accidents and occupational hazards; b. comply with all relevant statutes, regulations and standards of government agencies and other regulatory authorities representing Occupational Health and Safety; c. give priority to safe working conditions and job safety practices in the planning, direction, and implementation of University activities; d. formulate and carry out continuing effective safety programs appropriate to University operations. Failure to observe the Departmental Health and Safety policies and procedures may result in disciplinary action. 2.2 Studio Regulations a. there shall be no food or drink in any studio including all darkrooms; b. all supplies, tools, equipment, machinery and furniture shall be respected: * any portable items may only be removed from one studio to another provided that it is properly signed out and properly returned within the same working period * no equipment may be removed from the building without the permission of the Chair or the Lab Faculty in charge c. clean up shall be done immediately after finishing a project; d. posted hours must be observed; e. special access should be requested through the Department Chair one week in advance. Violation of any of the above may result in a restriction of access to facilities and /or equipment. 3. RESPONSIBILITIES Safety is the responsibility of everyone on campus. WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System) training and MSDS Database (Material Safety Data Sheet) are available from the Occupational Health and Safety Department (Tel:250-828-5139 or Fax:250-828-5338) during
regular hour. After hours, Occupational Health and Safety Department staff can be reached by contacting Security at (250-828-5033) or through the
Security cellular phone at (250-828-5033). Specific responsibilities are as follows: 3.1 Students Student in the Visual Arts shall: a. comply with the departmental regulations associated with all of their University related activities; b. seek guidance from their instructors or lab demonstrator concerning safety related knowledge and skills required to ensure safe performance in their activities; c. attend safety training programs and meetings as required; d. immediately report to their instructor or lab demonstrator any accident, near miss, hazardous practice or condition with respect to their activities; and e. comply with all TRU Health and Safety policies and procedures, as well as those safety policies and procedures of other institutions when they are engaged in activities at another institution. 3.2 Instructors Instructors in the Visual Arts Department shall: a. comply with the departmental regulations associated with all of their University related activities; b. seek guidance from their department chair or other resource persons concerning safety issues and/or skills required to ensure safe performance of their duties and direction of student activities; c. attend safety training programs and meetings as requires; d. immediately report to their department chair and the OH&S Section any accident, near miss, hazardous practice or condition with respect to their activities; e. comply with all TRU Health and Safety policies and procedures, as well as those safety policies and procedures of other institutions when they are engaged in activities at another institution. 3.3 Visitors Visitor shall comply with the University's Safety Policy and Procedures and all other pertinent departmental regulations. Children are not recommended to be in any studios but if they must, they should be closely supervised by their parents/guardians. 3.4 Check in Procedures It is necessary for anyone working in the Visual Arts area after hours (evenings and weekends) to contact Security by phone, at 828-5033, stating when and where the person(s) will be working. A check-in interval may be established by mutual agreement. Upon completion of the work, the person shall contact Security and advise them that they are leaving. (Note: with advanced notice, Security will escort students/staff to their vehicles.) 4. SAFETY IN THE ARTS In order to take preventative measures it is important to note the following: 4.1 How Chemicals Enter the Body: Inhalation: This is the major route of entry for airborne chemicals. The chemicals can have a direct effect on the nose, upper respiratory tract and the lungs or they can enter the blood stream and thus affect the blood, bone, heart, brain, liver, kidneys or bladder. Ingestion: This is not normally a direct route of entry from exposure except by wilful or accidental ingestion. Materials can also enter the stomach through indirect means. For example, the lung has a cleaning mechanism which pushes material out of the lung where it can be swallowed. This can result in an exposure to most of the internal organs or even in a local action on the stomach wall. Skin Contact: Some materials are absorbed through the skin and therefore when they enter the bloodstream they can be transported throughout
the body and accumulate in, or affect, the most sensitive areas of the body. Slim contact can also result in allergic reaction, the removal of the protective skin oil, or dermatitis. In some cases, the chemical contact may result in a cancerous lesion. 4.2 Health Effects Many Arts and Reproduction chemicals used in art can also affect the reproductive system. Some chemicals have specific effects on the male reproductive system, e.g., cadmium, manganese, and lead. Others have specific effects on the female reproductive systems, e.g., toluene and xylene, which cause menstrual irregularities. All of these chemicals are common in art materials. 4.2.1 High Risk Groups a. Pregnant and Breast-feeding Women: Chemicals which are known to cross the placental barrier and possibly cause damage and birth defects, include, but are not limited to: lead, cadmium, mercury, copper, carbon monoxide, dyes, noise, vibration, and many organic solvents. Physical health factors, such as noise, ionizing radiation, and vibration may also affect the fetus. The amount of material necessary to damage the fetus or embryo is much smaller than the amount which can injure the adult. Different organs have different critical periods of development. Although the time from day 15 to day 60 of a pregnancy is critical for many organs, the heart forms primarily during week 3 and 4 ( 21 to 28 days) while external genitalia are most vulnerable during week 8 and 9 (50 to 63 days). The brain and skeletal development are always sensitive from the beginning of week 3 through until the end of pregnancy and beyond. Showing caution with regard to handling chemicals during the first 90 days is prudent, although some chemicals, such as alcohol and physical hazards, such as X-rays are dangerous throughout pregnancy. Many chemicals, especially those containing heavy metals (i.e. lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, etc.) and solvents (i.e. xylene, acetone, toluene, etc.) can be found in a woman's milk several hours after exposure and can affect the infant. AVOID USE OF SOLVENTS AND AEROSOLS, unless wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). b. Children Children are more susceptible to the effects of hazardous chemicals than adults. Children should be closely supervised in the studio environment. c. Smokers and Heavy Drinkers These individuals are at a higher risk of damage to their lungs and liver respectively. Nicotine and/or alcohol mixed with toxic chemicals in art materials can cause synergistic and multiplicative reactions. d. Individuals on Medications Medications, both prescription and non-prescription, also create a greater risk, because when combined with exposure to certain chemicals their effects may be changed (i.e. increased or decreased). Consult your physician to ensure than any medication (even cold remedies) will not interact with substances contained in the art materials you are using which could cause any illness. e. Other High Risk Groups Other groups which are considered as "high risk" are persons with disabilities, the elderly, and those with allergies or chronic illnesses. 4.3 Basic Preventative Measures: a. DO NOT eat, drink, or smoke in the studios. Do not store food, drinks or cigarettes in studios or in close proximity to chemicals. b. SUBSTITUTE less hazardous materials or techniques whenever possible. There are many instances where highly toxic chemicals can be replaced by less toxic materials. c. KNOW the materials and their hazards. If labels do not have adequate information regarding contents, hazards, and precautions, use resource books to research the product your health is worth the effort. d. STORE materials safely. ALWAYS use unbreakable containers and label them clearly. Containers should always be tightly covered when not in use to prevent evaporation of the contents into the environment. NEVER store materials in containers which are normally used for food or drink (i.e. cups, pop bottles, Tupperware, jars, etc.). The original container, or containers designed for storage of chemicals will avoid accidental ingestion of a toxic substance. e. ENSURE proper, effective ventilation. f. WEAR appropriate personal protective equipment such as respirators, gloves, face shields, ear muffs, and footwear. The type of equipment used must match the hazard you are trying to protect yourself from. g. ASK if you are unsure about the operation of any equipment.Misuse of tools often leads to accidents. Tools and equipment are to be operated according to the manufacturers recommendations. Never alter or modified tools or equipment without permission of the manufacturer. 5. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Personal protective equipment (PPE) is not the best method of protection from the hazards associated with some of the arts, but in the absence of elaborate engineering control systems (i.e. ventilation), it is the best alternative. PPE is designed to protect the wearer from specific hazards, either physical or chemical, and is intended for short term, limited use. Selecting of the CORRECT TYPE of PPE is critical to ensure that an adequate level of protection is maintained. The type of PPE must match the type of hazard which is being controlled. Failure to ensure this will result in the person thinking that they are being protected when they are not. Choosing the CORRECT SIZE is also crucial as one size does not fit everyone, and proper fit is essential in most of these devices. All PPE's should be properly stored and cleaned when necessary. 5.1 Limitations Certain types of PPE (i.e. gloves, respirators, etc.) have limitations caused by exposure to chemical substances. The type of PPE to be selected will vary depending on the type of substance or hazard to which the person is being exposed. One type or brand of PPE does not protect against all hazards and often a combination of PPE is required. The following are general discussions of the more common types that will be encountered. 5.2 Chemical Resistant Gloves Synthetic gloves of a suitable material are required to protect your skin from absorbing the chemical that it may be exposed to, The most common types of gloves are made of rubber (i.e. Neoprene, Nitrile, or Latex) or plastic (PVC, polyethylene, urethane, etc.)*. Leather gloves do not provide any protection from chemicals. Not all types of synthetic gloves are resistant to all types of chemicals. The type selected must be matched against the chemicals that you are handling. For example: Nitrile gloves have good resistance to 50% acetic acid, but natural rubber (latex) gloves have poor resistance. It is essential that the proper type of glove is chosen which will provide the greatest protection from the chemical being handled. It is also important that gloves should be CHANGED REGULARLY, with the old (contaminated) ones being discarded and replaced with new ones.
The longer that synthetic gloves are exposed to the chemicals that they are repellent to, the greater the deterioration in the gloves. This rate of
degeneration varies with the chemical being used and the synthetic material of the glove. When the glove is no longer capable of protecting the wearer,
the chemical is said to have "broken through". The gloves must be replaced before "breakthrough" happens in order to ensure adequate protection of the wearer. Breakthrough is not always obvious to the wearer and gloves should be changed at regular intervals to minimize the potential for skin contamination. **Not all types of synthetic glove materials are listed here. Contact the Health and Safety Office or glove manufacturer for guidance in selection. 5.3 Respiratory Protection This type of protection is necessary where there is a potential hazard of inhaling toxic dusts or mists. Although there are several types of respiratory protection available, the two most common types are- dust / mist respirators (masks) and chemical cartridge respirators. Again, the proper type of respirator must be chosen for the work being done and the substance being used or no protection will be provided. Respiratory protection equipment is intended for individual use and not intended to be shared with other people. 5.3.1 Dust / Mist Respirators Dust / mist respirators are disposable masks composed of thick layers of filter materials which is worn over your nose and mouth and held in place by two elastic straps. These masks provide some degree of protection from certain dusts or particles and coarse spray mists of chemicals with low toxicity. Only types which carry a NIOSH approval number are acceptable (i.e. 3M Brand Model 8210). They provide a physical barrier against breathing the material, but do not purify or clean the air that you are breathing. Use of these types is very limited and will not provide any protection against very toxic chemicals. Their approval is limited to concentrations of the dust or mist in the air of less than 0.05 Mg/M3*. These units are lightweight, but it is difficult to get them to fit tightly against your face to ensure that none of the potentially hazardous substance gets past them. 5.3.2 Air Purifying (Cartridge) Respirators Air purifying respirators (APR) consist of a rubber (i.e. silicone) mask, worn over the nose and mouth and held in place by adjustable straps which go over and behind your head. The mask is fitted with two removable filter cartridges, which contain a form of activated charcoal that filters out and traps the potentially harmful vapours. These units are heavier than the dust / mist masks, but provide far better protection for the wearer, provided that they are fitted properly. The masks also require periodic maintenance and cleaning. Contact the Health and Safety office for assistance in properly fit testing these devices and for guidance in respirator maintenance. The type of filter cartridge chosen, must match the type of chemical for which protection is desired and not every cartridge will protect against all chemical substances. This type of respiratory protection has several limitations, namely: -they cannot be used in areas of low oxygen concentration (i.e. an oxygen deficient atmosphere), -they cannot be used with very toxic chemicals; and -they should not be used with chemicals which have no smell or odour. Respirator cartridges perform in a similar fashion to gloves and the chemical vapours will eventually "breakthrough" and need to be replaced. This breakthrough can only be detected where the chemical has a detectable odour. **NIOSH stands for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health an independent agency in the USA which sets standards and
guidelines for safety and heath. 5.3.2.1 High Efficiency Particulate Aerosol (HEPA) Filters This is a type of filter specifically designed to attach to the above cartridge respirator mask and protect the wearer from toxic dusts or particles. High Efficiency Particulate Aerosol (HEPA) filter cartridges consists of several layers of high density filter paper folded within a plastic container which is at least 99.97% efficient in collecting 0.3 micron diameter aerosol particles. It is useful for protection from hazardous particles or fine dusts (i.e. asbestos or silica). When these filters reach their useful limitations, the cartridges will become partially plugged and breathing will be more difficult. The cartridges should be replaced with new ones at that time. 5.3.3 Air Supplier Respirators Another type of respirator which is available in the marketplace are air supplied respirators. These are rubber masks which fit over the facial area and include the eyes, nose and mouth. The air which is breathed by the wearer is supplied under pressure from either an approved pump or from a contained cylinder. These are useful in toxic atmospheres, but are not common in visual arts work. 5.4 Eye Protection These devices are intended to protect the wearer's eyes from physical or chemical injury. Where any signs of damage or deterioration are noticed, these devices should be replaced without delay. 5.4.1 Impact Protection for Eyes / Face Safety glasses (with side shields) and safety goggles (with open vents) are intended to protect the wearer from any physical injury from flying particles or dusts which might enter the eye and cause damage. These devices do not sea[ off the eye area and are not suitable for use for protection from chemicals. Plastic face shields are intended to protect the face area and do not adequately protect the eyes when used by themselves. Safety glasses or goggles must be worn with face shields to ensure adequate protection. 5.4.2 Chemical Splash Goggles Chemical splash goggles fit snugly against the wearer's face to prevent chemicals from entering the eyes and causing damage. These devices have protected air vents which will prevent liquid chemicals from coming in contact with the eyes in the event of a splash or splatter. These devices are not intended to be used in atmospheres with high concentrations of toxic chemical vapours. For those environments, a supplied air respirator which provides full facial protection would be required. 5.5 Body Protection Where potentially hazardous chemicals are being handled, mixed, or used, the person performing this function should be wearing at least a chemically resistant apron. These are intended to prevent contact with clothing or skin by the chemical. 5.6 Other Types of PPE Other personal protective equipment may be required depending on the hazard of the activity. The Health and Safety office may be contacted to provide guidance in what is appropriate.
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VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT
Last update Feb 2006