Art Department

Coordinator, Terry Downs

A) Use of solvents: (paint thinner, turpentine, solvent alcohol, lacquer thinner, acetone and lithotine)

1. Do Not use solvents for general clean-up.  Mineral oil or baby oil is more than adequate to clean up any oil based ink or paint.  Follow with soap and water wash up.
2. When using solvents, always use exhaust fans located above the long countertop.  The switch is located above the eyewash station outside the acid room.  If at all possible, use solvents on countertop near these fans.
3. All solvent-soaked rags or paper towels should be disposed of in metal can marked “Empty Every Night”
4. All solvents should be stored in the vented yellow cabinet near the stairwell door.
5. Wear gloves when handling and suing solvents.

B) Use of Acid Room:

1. Always use the acid room vent fan when you use this room.  The switch is just inside the door on the right.
2. Always wear rubber gloves when etching plates and handling acid tray.
3. Always wear an apron in the acid room.
4. Never attempt to mix acid yourself unless you are authorized by Mr. Downs or Mr. Driscoll.
5. Never use straight nitric acid (except for stone lithography).  Always use bottles marked “Line etch” or “Aquatint”
6. Clean up any acid spills with discardable rag and a lot of water – wear gloves.  Notify instructor immediately.
7. If you get acid on any part of you or your clothing, flush immediately with plenty or water.  Seek first aid if necessary.
8. When you are finished using acid, promptly return it to the appropriate container.  Rinse all trays and funnels thoroughly with water.

C) Use of tools & equipment

1. X-Acto and utility knives:

• Always use sharp blades.
• Always use homosote cutting pads.
• Keep hands always from blades, particularly when using a straight edge.

1. Grinder, Scroll saw and motorized tools:

• Always wear eye protection (glasses and goggles are hanging on the pegboard above the grinder and small hot plate).
• Keep hands and loose clothing away from moving parts.
• Make sure tool is running at full speed before beginning use and be sure it has stopped completely before walking away.

1. Presses:

• Keep hands and loose clothing away from rollers and moving parts (particularly with the electric press).
• Avoid using excessive pressure – this can damage press blankets, plates and can create a hazardous situation.
• Never run any objects other than plates through the presses – blanket and/or press damage will result.

1. Hot plates:

• Use appropriate temperature for the task.
• Never leave hot plate unattended while in use.
• Always double check to make sure that the hot plate is turned OFF.

1. Plate cutter:

• Cut only appropriate materials (Mat boards, Zinc and uvex plates).
• Keep hands and loose clothing always from cutting edge.

D) Fire Safety

1. Always be sure tapers are properly extinguished before replacing in storage area.
2. Never use tapers near open containers of solvent – check before you light it.
3. No smoking in the building
4. Make a habit of checking the hot plate to be sure they are unplugged before you leave.  This is particularly important if you are working along or are the last one to leave
5. Small Fire – use fire extinguisher next to stairwell door.  Break glass and extinguish fire.  Notify someone  i.e.  Mr. Downs, Mr. Driscoll, Art Dept. secretary or security (if late at night)
6. Large Fire – if fire becomes to large for fire extinguisher, pull fire alarm.  Leave the building, but stay nearby to give firemen information

E)  General Safety

1. Spills – promptly clean up all spills of water, inks or oils from the floor.  You may need to use some solvent if you’ve spilled oil.  Always use soap and water as final wash-up step.  Be sure the area is no longer slippery when you’ve finished.
2. Food – avoid eating or drinking in work areas.  Always wash hands thoroughly before eating – many pigments and other shop substances are toxic when ingested.
3. Cleanliness – keep work areas clean and free of obstructions.  Messy areas are not only frustrating to work in, they can present safety hazards.  Hang up jackets and bags.
4. Common Sense­ – this room is nearly always open to you.  Use it as much as you can but use some common sense
   1. Never use equipment or materials unless you have been instructed in its proper use and care.
   2. Don’t work when you are too tired to think clearly.
   3. Don’t take risks with tools and equipment