Health and Safety
All art teachers are responsible for the safety of their students. Below is a broad list
of recommendations for instructors to take into consideration when planning the use
of materials for lessons. This by no means an exhaustive list. Specific safety standards
have been established and are available by contacting the resources listed in the
bibliography for this section.
Make Your Classroom a Safe Place to Be
¾ Read the labels! Use only products bearing the labels AP (Approved
Product) or CP (Certified Product). Students under the age of 12 should
NOT use products with the HL (Health Label) on them.
¾ Allow no food or drink in the art room.
¾ Keep all hazardous materials out of the classroom.
¾ Know how to use the materials safely as any material can become hazardous
when used inappropriately.
¾ The cleanliness of your room is your responsibility.
¾ Use only plastic containers--NO glass.
¾ The paper cutter should be off-limits to all students.
(Do not remove the safety bar on your paper cutter.)
¾ Do not allow students to be near the kiln.
¾ Know your students! Keep an accurate and up-to-date record of individuals
with allergies or medical concerns.
¾ Check for ventilation requirements in your classroom.
¾ Use non-toxic glue, markers, and painting materials. (NO rubber cement)
¾ Know the emergency plan for your school.
¾ Post safety/behavior rules in conspicuous places throughout the art room.
Educate Your Students About Safety
¾ Teach your students how toxic materials can enter the body.- Absorption
- Inhalation
- Ingestion
¾ Teach students how to care for and safely use materials/equipment.
¾ Teach your students the importance of hand washing.
¾ Practice emergency procedures with students. (fire drill, tornado drill, etc.)
Bibliography
Classroom Guide to Safety in the Visual Arts, Deborah L. Oltman
Safety in the Art Room, Charles Qualley
Children's Art Supplies Can be Toxic, Babin A. Peltz
Center for Safety in the Arts
5 Beekman St., Suite 820
New York, NY 10038
Art and Craft Material Institute
715 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116