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  Precautions     

bulletSolvents - Eliminate the use of solvents.  If you must use solvents wear a rubber apron, chemical resistant gloves,  goggles with splash guard plus half mask chemical respirator or full face chemical respirator, use adequate ventilation, don't smoke, eat, or drink when using solvents and no open flames.  Proper storage and disposal is necessary.
bulletSprays - Due to the fine particles, a spray can easily become airborne and breathed in (aspirated), absorbed through skin, or ingested.  Sprays such as airbrushing or aerosols should be avoided and whenever possible another technique such as dipping or brushing should be used.  If using a spray use a spray booth or chemical full-mask or half-mask respirator with an exhaust fan.  Be careful to avoid accidents.
bulletGases - Use a local exhaust system and full-face or self-contained respirator.  General ventilation is not recommended. 
bulletDusts - Keep the area clean. Use proper ventilation and a dust mask respirator (not nuisance filter) for respiratory protection plus use goggles for eye protection if necessary.  Vinyl or nitrile gloves may be worn as protection from toxins as well as general prevention for nuisance materials and for keeping hands clean. Latex gloves are permeable and may cause allergies.  Keep dusts and area damp by using damp newspapers on surfaces to collect dusts and keep dust out of the air.  Cleaning up dusts with a vacuum or mop is preferable to sweeping.
bulletAsbestos - DO NOT USE
bulletDyes - DO NOT USE benzedine-type dyes. Use a dust mask respirator (not a nuisance filter) when handling fiber-reactive dyes and powders as well as vinyl or nitrile gloves and safety goggles.  Use all dyes with caution because the long-term effects are unknown.
bulletPigment Dusts - Handle all with caution because the long-term effects are unknown.
bulletMetals and metal compounds - Avoid overheating to reduce the amount of fumes and vapors.  If fumes and vapors are present use proper respiratory protection.
bulletAcids - Use chemical resistant gloves, goggles with a splash guard plus half mask respirator or full face respirator, apron and always use adequate ventilation.
bulletAlkalis - Use gloves and goggles with powders and solutions.  Additionally use a dust mask respirator with powders.
bulletLiquids - Wear gloves or barrier cream, wipe up spills immediately and dispose of in approved waste disposal units to prevent evaporation, use small container to pour liquids from to prevent spilling, and wear safety goggles when pouring liquids that can splash and cause eye damage.
bulletStudio - 1) It is advisable to have the studio separate from the home to limit family members' exposure.  2) Always have a source of running water for first aid  3) Ventilate if necessary, especially in basement studios.  4) Be aware of the effects of fumes on other tenants if living in an apartment.   5) Fire Safety = properly vented heaters, two (2) fire exits, fire extinguishers of the proper classification, and smoke detectors.  Use a fire safety canister to contain discarded flammables until they can be disposed of properly.  Flammables include linseed oils due to the low flash point of linseed oil.  For extra protection submerge discarded rags in water.
bulletStorage and handling of art materials - 1)Label all containers clearly as to contents and hazards.  2) Store hazards in non-breakable containers when possible, do not use soda or milk bottles, etc. that may tempt children.  3) Don't store large containers on high shelves where they may fall and break.  4) Keep all containers closed, even while working.  5) Do not eat, smoke, or drink in the studio.  6) Wear special clothing in the studio and remove after working.  7) Wash hands carefully with soap and water after work, before eating, and during work breaks.  8) NEVER use solvents to clean hands, if soap and water aren't enough, use waterless non-toxic hand cleaner, then soap and water. 9) Use a fire safety canister to contain discarded flammables until they can be disposed of properly.  Flammables include linseed oils due to the low flash point of linseed oil.  For extra protection submerge discarded rags in water.
bullet"Use with adequate ventilation" - just opening a window or door is not enough unless you are using very small amounts.  Even outdoors, a wind can blow vapors into your face.  It is best to enclose the process as much as possible and use local exhaust ventilation (directly at the source).  General ventilation is inadequate since it will re-circulate vapors or gases into the air.  Personal  protective equipment is a last resort because it is uncomfortable, restricts mobility, and does not protect others.  If you do use respiratory protection, use equipment approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and used by OSHA such as air purifying respirators that filter dusts, metals, fumes, mists, gases, and vapors.  Dust masks only work to filter dust particles.
bulletEyes/Goggles - use for protection from flying particles that may cause eye injury.  If working with splash or dust hazards ALWAYS use side shields.
bulletHands/Gloves - Use the proper type of gloves for the type of hazard used.  Wash with soap and water during breaks and after working, and use a waterless non-toxic hand cleaner if necessary instead of solvents. Use of hand lotion will prevent drying and cracking of skin and help by reducing the possibility of toxins entering through a crack in the skin.
bulletHearing - For anything as loud or louder than a pneumatic tool, ear protection should be worn.  This includes use of wood tools (such as sander, buffer, and grinder), arc welder, and sand blasting.