Art Material Safety Guide
Labeling
Students should read all labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) carefully before using any material for the first time. Warnings and precautions should be adhered to strictly. Students should work directly with their professor or the Studio Manager when using a material they have do not have experience with.
If a label is non-specific, confusing, or absent, request assistance from the Studio Manager.
Proper labeling includes the following:
- Student Name & Semester
- Material Name (no formulas or abbreviations)
- Manufacturing information (brand)
- Toxicity information
Introduction of New Materials
Students are not permitted to introduce new materials into the labs without approval from the Studio Manager. If use of a new material is desired, students and faculty can make a request to the Studio Manager. If approved, the Chemical Hygiene Plan will be updated and compliance with UMass Lowell's Environmental Health & Safety department will be maintained.
Storage of Materials
All hazardous materials must be stored in containers that are labeled clearly with all contents listed. Containers should be tightly covered when not in use. Food containers may not be used for any hazardous material. Flammable and combustible liquids may only be stored in an approved flammable storage cabinets located in rooms Dugan Hall, Rooms B9, B7, or B1. All solvents and oil painting media must be properly labeled, or the studio manager will discard them. All other studio materials must be stored in lockers, cubbies, flat files, or personal studios. Any artwork that is left out in a studio must be labeled with the student's name, date, and phone number (this does not pertain to work in the Advanced Studio Spaces). Any work left behind during semester breaks will be discarded.
Handling, Use, Disposal of Materials
All students must be given detailed instructions on the handling, use, and disposal of all materials that pose potential health hazards. Solid waste including paper towels and rags used in cleanup of hazardous materials must be discarded in the specialized hazardous waste containers designated for these materials. Waste disposal containers are emptied on a regular basis. If you notice they are in need of service or getting close to full, please notify the Studio Manager. Liquid waste is collected from secondary containers by the Studio Manager into the appropriate Satellite Accumulation Area containers for disposal.
All photography waste is collected for EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) compliant disposal within room Dugan Hall, Room B11.
Empty aerosol cans can be discarded in the black container within room Dugan Hall, Room B1.
Chemical Spill Protocol: Evacuate the area and call UMLPD at 978-934-4911 to notify that there has been a chemical spill. Indicate the specific location (building and room number), the type of material spilled, and request Hazardous Material response. Notify the Studio Manager after help has been summoned for record keeping.
Safety & Health Procedures
All facilities have either a centralized or localized first aid kit. The Art Department checks that these kits are replenished on a regular basis. The studio manager promotes the health and safety of the students by explaining the hazards of the materials used and helping students to understand the Safety Data Sheet of the material. UML's Environmental Health and Safety department is available for further training when requested. Health and safety issues are addressed in the studios and facilities with ongoing work orders with UML's Facilities department and through proper signage. The Environmental Health and Safety department coordinates health and safety programs for UML students, faculty members, and employees to ensure that safe and effective policies and procedures are followed in Lab Safety, Chemical Safety and Waste Disposal, Resources, and provides an EHS Training Schedule.
Fire Prevention
Do not use flammable liquids or materials in the presence of ignition sources. Be sure they are properly stored and labeled. All soiled rags should be disposed of in the appropriate Hazardous Waste Containers. Do not store flammable materials in direct sunlight (this includes oil paint and solvents used with it). Report spills immediately to UMLPD (police) and Environmental Health and Safety by calling 978-934-4911, and notify the Studio Manager for record keeping once help has been summoned. Do not overload electrical circuits, and report ANY electrical malfunctions to Facilities at 978-934-2601. Fire extinguishers are inspected by the Art & Design department on a monthly basis.