The 1974 Health and Safety Act summarises that it is every employer's duty to ensure so far as is reasonably practical, the employee's health, safety, and welfare at work. It is your employer's duty to assess the risks that the employees and none employees are exposed to at work.
In work with media, harmful factors can affect the body in three ways: through ingestion, inhalation or skin contact.
· Ingestion: Substances, and even small tools, can enter the body if a person is accustomed to eating or drinking while at work. Using kitchen utensils to mix art materials is a dangerous practice, as it is not always possible to remove all traces by simple washing. Not washing hands after working and before eating can allow harmful, material to enter the mouth.
· Inhalation: Many small substances can be carried into the body through the respiratory tract, and are then absorbed into the lungs. Some of the symptoms are immediate, such as sneezing, coughing, burning, dizziness or headache. Smoking while working can intensify the rate and the effects of inhalation.
· Skin contact: Some materials can be absorbed through the skin directly, or through cuts or breaks in the skin. A more common occurrence is skin irritation resulting in redness, rash, itching or blisters.
Accidents, which can result from unskilled or careless use of sharp tools or power equipment, are a major hazard in the arts and crafts. Prevention includes knowledge of, and skill in the use of sharp tools or power equipment, as well as practicing preventive maintenance.
The following list of procedures may help prevent a serious accident.
· Use goggles to protect eyes from particles and heat.
· Wear protective gear over ears when operating power equipment.
· Use tools and equipment according to intended functions.
· Use extension cords of proper size, and keep the cords dry and out of the way.
Store materials in original containers whenever possible. If ...