Pottery industry - Ensure safety in material handling
Those associated with pottery industry have to deal with various materials which are poisonous. They are particularly dangerous in their raw form, but the danger is still there even after the pottery is fired. Some of the substances associated with pottery making include asbestos which can cause lung diseases such as mesothelioma in those who are exposed to it regularly, cadmium which can cause a variety of ailments, including respiratory problems, osteoporosis and cancer, carbon monoxide whose exposure can cause death in a short period of time, lead which can also cause a laundry list of health problems and is especially harmful to children, iron and Ferrous Sulfite which may cause vomiting, diarrhea and shock, especially in children, potassium dichromate or bichromate which can cause cancer and kidney failure, silica dust which, if inhaled repeatedly, can cause lung irritation or silicosis, which may be fatal and so on.
It is the duty of a potter to take proper precautions for his own safety and protection of those who enter his workspace or use his pottery. Some of the safety measures to be followed while handling pottery materials include:
Masks should be worn when spraying glazes. Dust mask should be worn when handling dry materials. When reducing or salt or soda firing, a gas mask should be worn.
Gloves should be worn when handling raw materials. Also hands should be washed frequently when working with pottery so as to avoid toxic substances remaining in contact with your skin.
Studios should be properly ventilated, especially when using a kiln.
Following these safety measures when handling pottery materials can go a long run in minimizing risks associated with poisonous pottery materials.
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