People always ask me, how come my studio is so clean?
First of all, it’s because I’m very organized and love to work in a nice and clean environment, and second because silica is the enemy (smile).
Silica is a natural substance in clay, rocks, and sand. When working with clay, we generate dust, called silica dust, some of this dust is fine enough to get deep into our lungs, and it is not safe to inhale it.
Clay contains silica, these tiny, invisible materials that can cause respiratory illness, and extended exposure to silica dust can cause damage to your lungs. It can become a problem when working with clay for such a long time.
Safety and Health issues are probably clear for the experienced potters out there, but here are my important do’s and don’ts in the ceramic studio for people that are new to ceramic:
*Clean your studio a lot. It is easier said than done. Keeping dust to a minimum in the studio and just trying not to create it. That means try to minimize your exposure to silica dust by regularly cleaning clay dust that manages to get everywhere. Don’t let dry clay sit outside, clean it, store it and pack it.
*Don’t dry sweeping. Sweeping up dry clay will simply stir it up, instead, wipe down the floor and the surfaces with water, it will trap the particles before they become dust. Instead, try to regularly clean up the surfaces when you are finished working, use a wet sponge, or mop the floor.
Vacuum cleaner, yes or no? A wet mop is recommended, and water will keep the dust from rising. I have a small and very clean studio, and the space is not filled with dust and mess; that’s why I feel comfortable vacuuming the floor. You can use a rated HEPA vacuum that stops the fine dust from getting back in the air.
*Avoid dry sanding. That means sanding, carving, scraping of dry pieces, and fired pieces. If you must do it, wear a mask or work outside. Again, dry sanding creates silica dust. Sand and smooth your pieces when they are wet to leather hard, with a bit of water and a sponge.
*Take care of your body.
Our body is a fantastic machine, it’s unbelievable the production volume one person can make by himself, but it has consciousness. Nearly all of us, potters and ceramic designer, has suffered from ‘back-breaking work.’ Long sessions in the studio loading and unloading kilns and heavy boxes, carrying plaster and clay bags, sitting on the wheels for hours, bending, rolling clay, casting, and lifting buckets of slip casting, all of this can cause physical problems. Neck, back, shoulders, and wrist are common complaints among potters. We should be careful and mindful with our bodies.
We should pay attention to our posture when lifting, keep the back straight and bend the legs.
Take breaks, stretch, exercise, and breath. Breathing releases tension and provides our muscles with oxygen. Inhale as you lower the weight and exhale as you lift the weight.
I wish someone would tell me when I was 20 years old starting ceramist to pay attention to my physical and mental well-being in a more holistic way and take better care of my body.
Other obvious essential points:
-Store all your powders in containers, so you can’t inhale the particles.
-If you have toxic materials or liquids, store them in a safe place; my suggestion –try to avoid keeping any toxic materials in your studio.
-Venting the studio. opening the doors and windows can help remove clay dust in the air and kiln fumes.
-Wear closed shoes: you don’t want tools dropping on your fit, hot bisque or glazed pieces falling, and other stuff. but in the summer, when it’s crazy hot in the studio, I admit I love working with my flip flop.
-First aid kit is a must.
-Protect your eyes when cleaning the shelves, grinding down glaze excess, stuff flying off, and ends up in your eyes.
-Separate your food from the clay, keep a clean kitchen, and have a designated eating place.
-Don’t work with dangerous glaze materials.
-Humidifier machine in the studio is beneficial when your kiln doesn’t have a separate room.
-Finally, ALWAYS close your wet clay recycle buckets, you never know what you can find there (!), but this story is for another time (smile).
I hope you found it helpful. Please let me know if you have something to add.
How to keep yourself safe and healthy in the ceramic studio?
People always ask me, how come my studio is so clean?
First of all, it’s because I’m very organized and love to work in a nice and clean environment, and second because silica is the enemy (smile).
Silica is a natural substance in clay, rocks, and sand. When working with clay, we generate dust, called silica dust, some of this dust is fine enough to get deep into our lungs, and it is not safe to inhale it.
Clay contains silica, these tiny, invisible materials that can cause respiratory illness, and extended exposure to silica dust can cause damage to your lungs. It can become a problem when working with clay for such a long time.
Safety and Health issues are probably clear for the experienced potters out there, but here are my important do’s and don’ts in the ceramic studio for people that are new to ceramic:
*Clean your studio a lot. It is easier said than done. Keeping dust to a minimum in the studio and just trying not to create it. That means try to minimize your exposure to silica dust by regularly cleaning clay dust that manages to get everywhere. Don’t let dry clay sit outside, clean it, store it and pack it.
*Don’t dry sweeping. Sweeping up dry clay will simply stir it up, instead, wipe down the floor and the surfaces with water, it will trap the particles before they become dust. Instead, try to regularly clean up the surfaces when you are finished working, use a wet sponge, or mop the floor.
Vacuum cleaner, yes or no? A wet mop is recommended, and water will keep the dust from rising. I have a small and very clean studio, and the space is not filled with dust and mess; that’s why I feel comfortable vacuuming the floor. You can use a rated HEPA vacuum that stops the fine dust from getting back in the air.
*Avoid dry sanding. That means sanding, carving, scraping of dry pieces, and fired pieces. If you must do it, wear a mask or work outside. Again, dry sanding creates silica dust. Sand and smooth your pieces when they are wet to leather hard, with a bit of water and a sponge.
*Take care of your body.
Our body is a fantastic machine, it’s unbelievable the production volume one person can make by himself, but it has consciousness. Nearly all of us, potters and ceramic designer, has suffered from ‘back-breaking work.’ Long sessions in the studio loading and unloading kilns and heavy boxes, carrying plaster and clay bags, sitting on the wheels for hours, bending, rolling clay, casting, and lifting buckets of slip casting, all of this can cause physical problems. Neck, back, shoulders, and wrist are common complaints among potters. We should be careful and mindful with our bodies.
We should pay attention to our posture when lifting, keep the back straight and bend the legs.
Take breaks, stretch, exercise, and breath. Breathing releases tension and provides our muscles with oxygen. Inhale as you lower the weight and exhale as you lift the weight.
I wish someone would tell me when I was 20 years old starting ceramist to pay attention to my physical and mental well-being in a more holistic way and take better care of my body.
Other obvious essential points:
-Store all your powders in containers, so you can’t inhale the particles.
-If you have toxic materials or liquids, store them in a safe place; my suggestion –try to avoid keeping any toxic materials in your studio.
-Venting the studio. opening the doors and windows can help remove clay dust in the air and kiln fumes.
-Wear closed shoes: you don’t want tools dropping on your fit, hot bisque or glazed pieces falling, and other stuff. but in the summer, when it’s crazy hot in the studio, I admit I love working with my flip flop.
-First aid kit is a must.
-Protect your eyes when cleaning the shelves, grinding down glaze excess, stuff flying off, and ends up in your eyes.
-Separate your food from the clay, keep a clean kitchen, and have a designated eating place.
-Don’t work with dangerous glaze materials.
-Humidifier machine in the studio is beneficial when your kiln doesn’t have a separate room.
-Finally, ALWAYS close your wet clay recycle buckets, you never know what you can find there (!), but this story is for another time (smile).
I hope you found it helpful. Please let me know if you have something to add.
Take care,
Kesem