HEALTH HAZARDS IN THE ARTS
Health hazards are inherent in some art-making processes. Students should
be aware of the health hazards involved in the use of certain art materials
and take measures to protect themselves from hazardous materials.
Resources for information on this subject include area managers and
material located in the library and the Office of Student Affairs. Under
SFAI’s Hazard Communications Program, area managers and studio
coordinators/technicians maintain and update Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) for substances and materials commonly used in each department
and for all substances and materials that the department provides. For all
other substances, students must provide the area manager with a MSDS for
any material or substance that the student brings on campus. These sheets
describe the health hazards as well as recommended safety precautions for
each substance. Some hazardous/toxic materials cannot be used at the 800
Chestnut street campus or the 2565 Third Street facilities due to special
ventilation and cleanup requirements. Students must consult with area
managers or studio coordinators/technicians prior to bringing hazardous or
toxic materials on campus. (See the Injury and Illness Prevention Program
section below for more information on the Hazards Communication
Program.) Students must follow the safety guidelines and procedures in each
studio including, but not limited to, wearing appropriate personal protective
equipment (PPE), proper labeling, storage, and disposal of materials, and
safe handling and use of materials. Students are responsible for purchasing
their own PPE. Students who disregard safety precautions are subject to
disciplinary action. If students have concerns about safety in the studio,
they should speak with the faculty member teaching the class or the studio
coordinator/technician in charge of that department. If necessary, students
can address their concerns to SFAI’s Health and Safety Committee directly
or through the student representative to that committee. Area managers and
studio coordinators/technicians also post safety notices, precautions, and
instructions for handling hazardous substances in each department. The
following safety guidelines must be followed:
Students must attend discipline-specific safety training and orientations
prior to use of some or all of specified department’s facilities and equipment.
Interdisciplinary students must be properly trained in each area in which they
plan to work. See department staff for orientation training schedules or to
make an appointment.
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