How to Keep a Healthy, Safe Studio
2008-08-12

How to Keep a Healthy, Safe Studio

Health has been a vital topic for many years. And artists' health is concerned by lots of people. So the problem is raised, how to keep a health, safe studio for the artists? Just assume that you're a sculptor, I'm sure you'll have some confusion about what is a really healthy and safe one; and this article mainly addresses some of the health and safety concerns associated with the use of artists' materials and ways of protecting yourself and your studio from potential hazards. 
Nairobi sculpture studio
→Health

¡öHow Toxins Enter Your Body
Toxins are unstable, poisonous compounds produced by microorganisms and capable of causing disease. While some materials essential to making art contain toxins, you do not have to cease working with them to maintain good health. You may, however, want to change some of your working habits. Toxins enter the body in three ways:

Skin Absorption. Our skin has two layers, the inner dermis and the outer epidermis. The epidermis is the skin's defensive barrier and protects the body from some toxins. Solvents and acids can destroy the epidermis by causing burns, irritation or infections. Chapped or broken skin allows toxins into the bloodstream and throughout the body. Some solvents can be absorbed even by healthy skin. We are not always aware that absorption of toxins is occurring, as some solvents are good painkillers. These react with the central nervous system and confuse our natural warning system.

Inhalation. Most airborne chemicals enter the body through the respiratory system. They are absorbed by our lungs and into the bloodstream where they can affect all parts of the body. While the body has some defenses for fighting the entry of these substances, some toxic chemicals still get through. Solvent vapors absorbed by our lungs, for example, can cause damage to lung tissue the way direct contact with a solvent can damage skin.

Three simply studio practices greatly reduce solvent inhalation:
        1. Keep solvent containers closed when not in use;
        2. Use the smallest amount of solvent possible; and 
        3. Refrain from eating, drinking or smoking when using solvents. 

Ingestion. A surprisingly large number of artists ingest small amounts of material regularly while working. Habits such as biting your fingernails, pointing brush tips with your lips or eating, drinking and smoking while working expose your mouth, throat and stomach to toxins. In addition to small ingestions, there is also the occurrence of larger accidental ingestion. This happens when materials are transferred to unmarked containers and mistakenly confused with similar ones holding food or beverages. The victims of unintentional ingestion are often children or unsuspecting household members. 

¡öEssential Health Pointers 

¡òAlways read the product labels. To determine if any products which you use regularly are toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin, read the product's label carefully. 
¡òAlways make sure that there's plenty of fresh air and ventilation, particularly when working with solvents. 
¡òIf working with powdered pigment, the above provisions for ventilation are equally important. 
¡òAlways keep all materials, especially solvents, tightly sealed. This means keeping the threads on lids and jars wiped clean, to Health Safety & ensure a better seal when closed. 
¡ò Art materials should never be exposed to heat sources or to naked flame. 
¡òDo not eat, drink or smoke when working. You never know what may end up on your fingers, your food, or your cigarette, and then get swallowed inadvertently. 
¡ò Avoid skin contact, particularly with solvents. Don't paint directly with your fingers. 
¡òIf you work regularly with acids, solvents or materials that create dust, you should consider using personal and studio protection. 
        • Respirators. If you cannot ventilate your studio, or your need for ventilation is only occasional, a respirator should be considered. 
        • Dust Masks. Good quality dust masks will filter most dusts, including dry pigments. Dust masks are not recommended for use in the presence of dangerous fumes or vapors. 
        • Protective Creams and Gloves. Skin contact with potentially harmful materials can be eliminated or reduced by using protective cream and gloves.

a common sculpture studio
→Safety

Setting up a safe studio means not only minimizing exposure to potentially dangerous materials, but also preventing fire and other physical hazards. By following these simple practices, potential hazards in the studio can be avoided.

¡òRead the storage instructions on the labels of your materials carefully, and follow the manufacturer's specifications. 
¡òMark each container with the date of purchase, so older inventory can be used first. 
¡òKeep on hand only what is needed for a relatively short period of time. This is most important with combustible and flammable materials, like solvents. 
¡òStore solvents and chemicals in their original containers or in approved storage containers with labels. Never store them in open containers or next to a heat source, such as a vent, radiator, furnace or stove. In summer, take the necessary precaution of storing solvents in a cool environment. 
¡òAvoid storing anything in breakable glass containers. 
¡òPigments or powdered chemicals that come in paper or plastic bags should be transferred to plastic containers to avoid tears in bags that can release dust into the air. Be sure to label the new containers with their contents. 
¡òEquip your studio with a fire extinguisher and know how to use it. 
¡òAvoid storing potentially harmful or flammable materials in hard to reach areas and keep all labels facing front. This reduces the risk of shattering or spilling containers during retrieval. 
¡òAcids or other corrosives should not be stored on high shelves where they could break or spill, splashing their contents throughout your storage area. 
¡òStore your heavier materials near the floor to avoid spills or leaks during removal. 
¡òNever store food with your studio materials. 
¡òSegregate reactive materials from each other in storage to prevent explosive or potentially harmful substances from intermixing. 
¡òStore solvent-soaked rags or papers in covered metal waste containers until ready for disposal.