Glazes - for the Self-reliant Potter (GTZ, 1993, 179 p.) 15. Health and safety (introduction...) 15.1. Machinery 15.2. Dust 15.3. Toxic materials

Glazes - for the Self-reliant Potter (GTZ, 1993, 179 p.)

15. Health and safety

As in all other types of industries, precautions are needed to avoid health hazards to the ceramics workers.

15.1. Machinery

Moving parts of machinery used in the workshop should be enclosed to prevent hands, clothing or hair being caught in them. The belts and gears of ball mills, hammer mills etc. are especially dangerous.

Place the electrical switch next to machines, where the operator can reach it.

15.2. Dust

Workers in the ceramics industry are constantly exposed to dust. Inhalation of-dust from clay materials and quartz will cause silicosis. This is an incurable lung disease. The dangerous dust is so fine it cannot be seen.

The workshop floor should be cleaned regularly by scrubbing it with water. Dry sweeping should never take place. If it is not possible to wash the floors they can be swept after spreading wet or better still oiled sawdust. Tables, shelves and other surfaces collecting dust should be cleaned with a wet sponge at least once a week.

Dry blending of glaze and clay materials should be avoided. If it is done, the worker must wear a dust mask.

If the climate allows it, keep doors and windows open. Good ventilation will reduce the dust hazard.

15.3. Toxic materials

Hazard to workers

Some glaze materials are directly poisonous if eaten or inhaled. The effect is not immediate but accumulates in the body over the years. The most dangerous are raw lead materials. Lead compounds should only be used as a frit. Other toxic materials are:

Antimony oxide
Barium carbonate
Cadmium compounds (in color pigment)
Chromium dioxide
Cobalt oxide and carbonate
Copper oxide and carbonate
Nickel oxide
Zinc oxide

Preventive rules are:

- Wear a dust mask when dry mixing the materials.
- Wash hands after working with these materials.
- Wear special clothing only for working.
- Never eat, drink or smoke in the workshop.

Hazard to crockery users

The main danger for users of crockery is the release of lead from glazes. This may happend if the glaze contains free lead and the glaze is used for storing acidic food. Glazes made with leadfrits may be perfectly safe' but it depends very much on the composition of the glaze. Unless your crockery can be checked regularly by a chemical laboratory, it is safer not to use lead glazes for items meant for food.