The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 52 No 2 July 2013

Studio
Studio Safety Part 1
by JeffZamek
Working in a safe studio is essentially a matter of common sense and good housekeeping habits. There
has been over 50 years of anecdotal information from potters attesting to the relative safety of working
with ceramics materials. Significantly, ceramics teachers at various grade levels through graduate school
have reported on the relative safety of the materials. Only recently has that empirical knowledge been
reinforced by a study, The Potter's Health & Safety Questionnaire, sponsored by The National Council on
Education for the Ceramics Arts (NCECA).
Common Ceramics Studio Hazards
Statistically, the four most likely health hazards potters face are back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome,
and cuts and burns. These issues were documen ted in The Potter's Health and Safety Questionnaire'.
Responding to the survey were potters at different experience levels, ceramics professors and personnel
manufacturing ceramic products.
Back Injury
At some point potters will experience intermittent or constant back pain, which can develop from
incorrectly lifting heavy items such as clay, (1/2 cuff! [14litresJ of moist clay weighs about 50 Ibs [22kgsJ)
kiln shelves, raw materials and assorted pottery equipment. Potters are constantly lifting heavy boxes of
finished pots or large sculpture pieces. Bending over when working on the potters wheel and exerting
pressure to centre clay is another sou rce of back and shoulder pain.
Kiln shelves are heavy and cumbersome. When bending over to load a kiln, excessive strain can be
placed on the lower back, so bear in mind that lifting any heavy object with your legs can prevent back
injury.
Far Left: Incorrectly lifting a shelf
Left: Correctly lifting a shelf - note
straight back and bent knees
THE JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS JULY 20 13
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