Art Safety
The art-making process can present a variety of health and safety risks to artists. Art safety at Montgomery College focuses on recognizing and preventing potential hazards by ensuring proper ventilation, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and following safe practices when working with tools and chemicals. Essential safety steps include reviewing Safety Data Sheets (SDS), using ventilation when handling materials that produce fumes, and always wearing gloves and goggles. Eating or smoking in studios should be avoided, and work areas must remain clean and organized. In addition, maintaining good ergonomics, using equipment correctly, and being prepared for emergencies are key to creating a safe and healthy art environment.
Review the SDS: Always read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before using any chemical to understand
its hazards, safe handling procedures, and required protective measures.
Ensure proper ventilation: Use exhaust fans, fume hoods, or open windows when working with materials that emit
fumes—such as acrylic paints, solvents, adhesives, or resins.
Choose safer alternatives: Whenever possible, replace hazardous substances with less toxic or water-based materials.
Avoid contamination: Never eat, drink, or smoke in the studio. Wash hands thoroughly after handling chemicals
or art materials.
Handle materials safely: Wear gloves and eye protection when working with varnishes, lacquers, or epoxy resins,
and never use your mouth to shape or point a paintbrush.
Wear appropriate PPE: Always use the recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—including gloves,
goggles, aprons, or respirators—as indicated on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or by
your instructor.
Secure attire: Tie back long hair, fasten loose clothing, and remove any dangling jewelry before
operating tools or machinery.
Practice good ergonomics: Maintain proper posture, take breaks to avoid repetitive strain, and use lifting
aids or proper lifting techniques—bending at the knees, not the waist.
Maintain cleanliness: Keep your workspace organized and free of clutter. Clean spills promptly, and use
damp cleaning methods or HEPA-filter vacuums to control dust instead of dry sweeping.
Report incidents: Immediately report any accidents, injuries, or chemical spills to your instructor
or supervisor for prompt response and documentation.
The guide below outlines some of the most common hazards found in disciplines such as drawing and painting, woodworking, metalworking, ceramics, and photography. It also includes guidance on the proper handling and disposal of art-related waste materials to ensure a safe and environmentally responsible studio practice.
All faculty, staff, and students share the responsibility of maintaining a safe environment for themselves and others. To ensure compliance and uphold these standards, the following roles are designated with the authority to implement and enforce the Art Discipline safety policies.
- The overall responsibility for studio safety compliance rests with the Dean and his/her designees.
- Department-specific responsibilities for studio safety compliance rest with the Chair.
- Approve, implement, and communicate all studio safety policies and procedures.
- Implement and execute safe practices.
- Ensure adequate and appropriate training regarding studio safety policies and procedures.
- Implement and execute general and area-specific studio safety policies and procedures.
- Determine adequate and appropriate training, in consultation with the Lab Manager, regarding Area-specific studio safety policies and procedures for faculty and students.
- Review syllabi for safety issues and coordinate activities within the area.
- Arrange safety orientation as applicable regarding visiting artists and workshops.
- Comply with College and Art Discipline studio safety policies and procedures.
- Report incidents to Chair and/or Dean, and copy Lab Manager.
- Review the General Studio Safety Policies and Procedures
- Review the Emergency Evacuation Plan with students.
- Operate all classes within the general and area-specific studio safety policies and procedures.
- Arrange and provide training for students.
- Comply with Area-specific Studio Safety Policies and Procedures.
- Enforce the studio safety policies and procedures.
- Keep up-to-date inventory of hazardous materials.
- Instructors are responsible for developing and recommending new policies and procedures when needed - based on new course content, materials, and/or new equipment.
- Serve as a role model of good safety practices.
- Assure the safe and appropriate use, storage and disposal of materials in studios.
- Report all incidents to Area Coordinator and/or Chair with a copy to the Lab Manager.
- Assist in research and recommend all studio safety policies and procedures.
- Enforce all studio safety policies and procedures in the absence of an instructor.
- Design and provide face-to-face and/or online training to all full-time and part-time faculty.
- Perform annual Area audits.
- Supervise student monitors and provide appropriate training.
- Comply with Area-specific procedures.
- Enforce all studio safety policies and procedures in the absence of an instructor.
- Comply with Area-specific procedures.
- Monitor student activities for compliance with all studio safety policies and procedures during scheduled monitor hours.
- Provide supervision of students within the assigned studio classroom.
- Report incidents to Lab manager.
- Comply with Area-specific procedures.
- Exercise care and adhere to general and area-specific studio safety policies and procedures within the classroom.
- Report incidents to supervisor (instructor or student monitor).
The following Studio Safety Policies are applicable to ALL studio classrooms:
- Open Studio schedules are posted on the doors. Students are only permitted in the studios during approved Open Studio hours.
- Only currently enrolled students are permitted in studio classes.
- All materials and supplies, whether college-provided or individually provided by a student, faculty member, or staff member, must be included in Right to Know Stations and added to the Inventory Excel Sheets.
- OSHA Right-To-Know Stations are available for students, faculty, and staff for reference in every studio.
- Band-Aids/basic first aid can be found in the First Aid Kit and must be self-administered.
Do's
- Observe safety precautions and exercise common sense.
- Observe all posted signs and instructions.
- Use only supplies, tools, and equipment approved by your instructor.
- Wear appropriate footwear.
- Clean up any spills immediately.
- Clean up after yourself at the end of class and Open Studio.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), as instructed.
- Do not consume food in Studio/labs.
- Do not enter Studio under influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Do not bring weapons of any kind.
- Do not use cell phone in class.
- Do not record the instructor without permission.
Keep your Studio Safe for Creativity
CHEMICAL HAZARDS
Risks: Solvents, pigments, adhesives, cleaning agents
Stay Safe:
- Read the SDS before using any chemical
- Work in well-ventilated areas or use exhaust fans
- Wear gloves and eye protection
- Keep containers sealed when not in use
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Risks: Cuts, splashes, slips, and muscle strain
Stay Safe:
- Use utility knives with care
- Clean spills immediately
- Keep aisles clear and materials organized
- Stretch and take breaks to prevent strain
FIRE HAZARDS
Risks: Flammable solvents, rags, aerosols
Stay Safe:
- Store solvents away from heat or flame
- Dispose of oily rags in metal safety cans
- Never use open flames near paint or solvent containers
AIR QUALITY HAZARDS
Risks: Vapors, dusts, and aerosol sprays
Stay Safe:
- Use spray booths or spray outdoors
- Wear a respirator or N95 mask when spraying or sanding
- Keep doors and windows open for fresh air
BIOLOGICAL & ALLERGEN HAZARDS
Risks: Mold, bacteria, allergic reactions
Stay Safe:
- Clean brushes and jars regularly
- Discard damp rags
- Be aware of allergic reactions to latex or pigments
ERGONOMIC HAZARDS
Risks: Eye, neck, and wrist strain
Stay Safe:
- Adjust table height and lighting
- Maintain good posture
- Take frequent stretch breaks
Protect Yourself and Others in the Workshop
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Risks: Cuts, amputations, flying debris, impact injuries
Stay Safe:
- Keep guards in place
- Wear safety glasses and hearing protection
- Never remove debris with your hands while blades are moving
RESPIRATORY HAZARDS
Risks: Wood dust, fumes, mold spores
Stay Safe:
- Use local exhaust ventilation or dust collection
- Wear an N95 or dust mask when sanding or cutting
- Store wood in dry areas
FIRE & EXPLOSION HAZARDS
Risks: Fine dust clouds, flammable finishes and solvents
Stay Safe:
- Clean up dust regularly
- Keep solvents sealed and away from ignition sources
- Never smoke in the shop
ERGONOMIC HAZARDS
Risks: Strain, repetitive motion, vibration
Stay Safe:
- Use proper lifting techniques
- Take stretch breaks
- Rotate tasks and use padded gloves with vibrating tools
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
Risks: Shock, electrocution, frayed cords
Stay Safe:
- Inspect cords before use
- Keep tools dry and grounded
- Don’t overload outlets
CHEMICAL HAZARDS
Risks: Skin irritation, burns, toxic fumes
Stay Safe:
- Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before using products
- Wear gloves and eye protection
- Work in well-ventilated areas
Protect Yourself - Metal can Burn, Cut, and Fume!
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Risks: Cuts, crush injuries, flying sparks, impact from tools or metal pieces
Stay Safe:
- Wear safety glasses, face shield, gloves, and sturdy footwear
- Keep guards in place on grinders and saws
- Handle hot metal with pliers or tongs
- Keep work areas clear and dry
FIRE & EXPLOSION HAZARDS
Risks: Sparks, gas leaks, combustible dust
Stay Safe:
- Store gas cylinders upright and secure
- Keep flammables away from welding areas
- Inspect hoses and regulators regularly
- Have fire extinguishers nearby and know how to use them
CHEMICAL HAZARDS
Risks: Fumes, vapors, acids, fluxes, patinas
Stay Safe:
- Read the SDS for all chemicals
- Use fume hoods or local exhaust ventilation
- Avoid heating coated or galvanized metals
- Wear gloves and chemical splash goggles
ELECTRICAL & ARC HAZARDS
Risks: Shock, electrocution, arc flash burns
Stay Safe:
- Inspect cords and welding leads before use
- Ensure proper grounding
- Keep work areas dry
- Use a welding helmet with correct shade filter
RESPIRATORY & AIR QUALITY HAZARDS
Risks: Metal fumes, dust, poor ventilation
Stay Safe:
- Use exhaust fans or fume extractors
- Wear a respirator when welding or grinding
- Avoid working in enclosed areas without ventilation
ERGONOMIC & NOISE HAZARDS
Risks: Back strain, repetitive motion, hearing loss
Stay Safe:
- Use lifting aids or get help with heavy pieces
- Maintain good posture
- Take breaks to stretch
- Wear hearing protection
RADIATION & LIGHT HAZARDS
Risks: UV and IR exposure from welding arcs
Stay Safe:
- Always wear a proper welding helmet
- Cover exposed skin
- Use welding curtains to protect others nearby
Shape Your Art Safely - Protect Your Health in the Studio
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Risks: Cuts, burns, heavy lifting, slips, repetitive motion
Stay Safe:
- Use trimming tools carefully and store them properly
- Let fired pieces cool before handling
- Lift clay and molds with proper posture or assistance
- Keep floors dry and uncluttered
RESPIRATORY HAZARDS
Risks: Clay and glaze dust, kiln fumes, poor ventilation
Stay Safe:
- Never sweep dry clay — use wet cleanup or HEPA vacuum
- Wear an N95 mask when sanding, mixing, or cleaning dry clay
- Use kilns only in well-ventilated areas
- Keep lids on glaze and slip containers
CHEMICAL HAZARDS
Risks: Lead, manganese, barium, solvents, wax resists
Stay Safe:
- Read the SDS before using any glaze or chemical
- Label all containers clearly
- Wear gloves and eye protection when glazing or mixing chemicals
- Wash hands before eating or touching your face
THERMAL & FIRE HAZARDS
Risks: Hot kilns, flammable materials, explosions
Stay Safe:
- Post “HOT KILN” warning signs
- Keep combustibles away from kilns
- Never open a kiln until it has cooled below 125°F
- Vent gas-fired kilns properly and check for leaks
ERGONOMIC HAZARDS
Risks: Back strain, fatigue, repetitive motion
Stay Safe:
- Adjust wheel height and chair for comfort
- Take stretch breaks
- Use proper lifting techniques
- Vary tasks to avoid overuse injuries
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
Risks: Shock, faulty wiring, damaged cords
Stay Safe:
- Inspect kiln cords and plugs before use
- Keep electrical panels clear
- Do not use extension cords with kilns
- Report any electrical smell or short immediately
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
Risks: Mold in clay, bacteria in rinse buckets
Stay Safe:
- Discard moldy clay
- Clean sponges and tools daily
- Empty and rinse water containers regularly
Focus on Safety - Protect Yourself and Your Art
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Risks: Trips, falls, burns, falling equipment, eye strain
Stay Safe:
- Keep cables taped down and aisles clear
- Secure light stands and backdrops
- Let lamps cool before handling
- Wear eye protection around bright flashes or UV lights
- Use gloves when cutting or framing prints
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
Risks: Shock, short circuits, overloaded outlets
Stay Safe:
- Inspect cords and plugs before use
- Keep liquids away from outlets and power strips
- Don’t overload circuits with multiple lights
- Use properly grounded equipment
CHEMICAL HAZARDS (Darkroom Work)
Risks: Skin irritation, toxic fumes, eye damage
Stay Safe:
- Read the SDS for all developers and fixers
- Wear gloves, goggles, and aprons
- Use darkrooms with good ventilation or fume extraction
- Never pour chemicals down the drain — use designated disposal containers
FIRE HAZARDS
Risks: Hot lights, flammable chemicals, electrical overloads
Stay Safe:
- Keep paper, fabric, and solvents away from lights
- Turn off equipment when not in use
- Allow lamps and bulbs to cool before storage
- Know the location of fire extinguishers and exits
ERGONOMIC HAZARDS
Risks: Repetitive strain, neck/back pain, prolonged standing
Stay Safe:
- Use adjustable work tables and chairs
- Take stretch breaks during shoots or editing
- Avoid overreaching or awkward postures with tripods and cameras
RADIATION & OPTICAL HAZARDS
Risks: Flash glare, UV or laser light exposure
Stay Safe:
- Never stare directly into flashes or projectors
- Shield UV light sources
- Post warning signs for high-intensity lighting areas
ENVIRONMENTAL & BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
Risks: Chemical waste, mold in trays, poor ventilation
Stay Safe:
- Clean darkroom trays and sinks regularly
- Store chemicals in sealed, labeled containers
- Dispose of waste properly through the studio’s chemical waste system
- Keep air flowing to reduce fumes and heat buildup
Painting, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics studios use hazardous materials and produce chemical waste. The activities conducted in these spaces are comparable to those in teaching laboratories and are therefore subject to the same safety and environmental regulations. Artists, instructional associates, and art students must remain aware of the hazards associated with their work and ensure that all chemical waste is managed and disposed of properly.
Painting produces various types of chemical waste, including leftover paints and thinners, used solvents, rags and towels saturated with paints or thinners, and empty or partially used aerosol cans.
Waste Thinners/Paint:
- Linseed oil has a potential for fire.
- Use a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) container for collecting waste. If you need an appropriate container, contact PHES for assistance. Do not use empty milk jugs, soda bottles, or other food and beverage containers. You may reuse the original container in which the thinners or solvents were shipped.
- May be mixed with solvents and linseed oil for disposal purposes.
- Apply a chemical waste label to the container.
- Wear splash goggles and appropriate chemical protective gloves
- Add liquid waste using a large funnel. Perform all liquid waste bulking in an operating fume hood. Remove funnel and seal the container.
- Store the container in a secondary containment bin
Waste Full/Partial Cans and Aerosol Cans:
- Oil-based paints are considered hazardous waste
- Use a sturdy cardboard box
- Apply waste label to the side of the box
- Place waste cans in box
- Latex paints can be dried out and may be placed in regular trash
Paint and Thinner Contaminated Materials:
- Use a steel safety can designated for storing flammables materials or a metal pail with lid
- Line the container with a trash bag
- Place a waste label on the outside of the container
- Add the solvent soaked rags and close the lid
- When container is full, seal and remove bagged waste. Move to central waste storage area. Apply waste label to the outside of the bag with date.
Contact PHES to schedule the waste pick up.
Ceramics and sculpture activities produce various types of chemical waste, including leftover glazes, dry ceramic materials, acids, and oils.
Waste Glazes and Dry Ceramic Material:
- Some ceramic glazes contain metals that are considered hazardous waste
- Place the waste glazes into the original container or other sturdy plastic container
- Apply waste label to container
- Use a secondary container to store the waste glaze
Cutting Oils and Other Waste Oils:
- Use a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) container for collecting waste. If you need an appropriate container, contact PHES for assistance. Do not use empty milk jugs, soda bottles, or other food and beverage containers. You may reuse the original container in which the oils were shipped.
- Apply waste label to the side of the container
- Wear splash goggles and appropriate gloves
- Store the container in secondary containment bin
Waste Acids:
- Materials with a pH of less than 2 or more than 12.5 are considered hazardous waste when disposed.
- Do not mix these wastes together or with solvents or oil wastes. Dangerous reactions may occur.
- Use a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or glass container for collecting waste. If you need an appropriate container, contact PHES for assistance. Do not use empty milk jugs, soda bottles, or other food and beverage containers. You may reuse the original container in which the acids were shipped.
- Apply waste label to the side of the container
- Wear splash goggles and appropriate gloves
- Store the container in secondary containment bin
Contact PHES to schedule the waste pick up.
Printmaking processes generate several types of chemical waste, such as solvent-based and non-solvent-based inks, as well as rags and towels contaminated with solvents.
Solvent Soaked Towels
- Use a steel safety can designated for storing flammables materials or a metal pail with lid
- Line the container with a trash bag
- Place a waste label on the outside of the container
- Add the solvent soaked rags and close the lid
- When container is full, seal and remove bagged waste.
- Move to central waste storage area. Apply waste label to the outside of the bag with date.
Waste Degreasers and Solvents:
- Use a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) container for collecting waste. If you need an appropriate container, contact PHES for assistance. Do not use empty milk jugs, soda bottles, or other food and beverage containers. You may reuse the original container in which the degreaser or solvents were shipped.
- Apply waste label to the side of the container
- Wear splash goggles and appropriate gloves
- Store the container in secondary containment bin
Waste Inks:
- Place thewaste ink into the original conaitner or other sturdy plastic container
- Place the containers into a cardboard box
- Apply waste label to the outside of the box
Contact PHES to schedule the waste pick up.
Photography activities produce various chemical wastes, including spent photographic solutions and discarded film materials.
Photographic Solutions Wastes:
- Most fixers contain silver and should be collected
- Use a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) container for collecting waste. If you need an appropriate container, contact PHES for assistance. Do not use empty milk jugs, soda bottles, or other food and beverage containers. You may reuse the original container in which the photographic solutions were shipped.
- Apply waste label to the side of the container
- Wear splash goggles and appropriate gloves
- Store the container in secondary containment bin
Waste Films:
- Place waste films into the original or other sturdy plastic container.
- Place containers into a cardboard box.
- Apply waste label to the side of the box.
Contact PHES to schedule the waste pick up.