use of materials, equipment and studios
ART PRACTICE We are bound by the occupational health and safety regulations of the University. On a very immediate level, this means being aware of how you use equipment, tools and material, how you install artworks or occupy studios and spaces, avoiding any harm or risk to yourself, others or the environment. The Department of Fine Arts encourages resourcefulness, recycling, conservation (water, electricity, resources), awareness and proper handling of hazardous and toxic materials, and the preference for nontoxic ‘green’ material as an integral part of creative practice, and research. You are asked to participate in the recycling of paper, discard toxic material such as turpentine and acids in appropriate containers, and to use hazardous material, tools, and machines with the necessary precaution. Importantly, you need to inform yourselves about the material you work with - be that paint, varnishes, solvents, sculpture materials or image processing chemicals. Ensure the necessary safety precautions for working, including use of protective gloves, goggles, dust masks, working in open air and a well-ventilated studio, switching on extractor fans and having fire extinguishers at hand. Turpentine, solvents, Plaster-of-Paris, paint and clay must not be discarded via the drains and plumbing system. Resin and similarly toxic material should be used carefully and only in open areas (sculpture studio exterior). •
Familiarise yourself with the location of fire extinguishers in the building, first aid kits andl emergency fire exits (please ensure that during the course of the year all passages and exits remain free for movement in the event of an emergency)
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Read the instructions for usage of materials and chemicals and familiarise yourselves with storage requirements, and waste management
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Should you come across anything during the day or after hours that may be of Health and Safety concern, please report it immediately to the security guard on duty and to a member of staff.
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Do the research to find alternative, less toxic material
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Be smart and know what you are working with and how to work with material and tools
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Be mindful not to endanger yourself or others when working
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Take responsibility for the appropriate and safe use of tools and material as part of your research and practice
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Discuss and plan with your supervisor if any of the material you have been using can be re-used/recycled by other students once you leave
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Inform your supervisors or course coordinators of safety risks that you may encounter while working in the studios
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No students are allowed to sleep overnight in WSOA, particularly in the Fine Art workshop and lab spaces as this presents a great health and safety risk.
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Fine Arts students are not permitted to allow non-Fine Art students or visitors into workshop, studios and lab spaces without prior permission by the course coordinator and workshop manager
In case of emergency, immediately contact the OHS Officers, Daniel Gray or Godfrey Mahlangu, campus health or security.
Please note that due to health and safety concerns, some material and tools may not be available for use after hours or outside the supervision hours of workshop technicians.
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