Health & Safety Policy

Health and Safety Policy & Risk Assessment

1. Statement of Intent

Metal Clay Academy is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all workshop participants, instructors, and visitors. Jewellery making involves hazards including sharp tools, high-temperature electric kilns, open-flame butane torches, chemicals, and airborne dust. We will identify, assess, and control these risks to prevent injury, fire, and ill health.

Date: 21 May 2026

Review Date: 21 May 2027

Who is responsible?

The studio manager and the specific workshop tutor are jointly responsible for managing various safety checks which should be carried out before the commencement of any workshop or weekly should there be no workshops scheduled.

1. Mandatory Health & Safety Induction

The instructor must deliver this health and safety induction to all participants at the start of every session. No practical work or tool handling may begin until this induction is complete.

Dress Code & Personal Safety Verification

• Hair & Clothes: All long hair must be tied back securely. Loose clothing, scarves, and lanyard-style dangling jewellery must be removed or tucked in.
• Footwear: Open-toed shoes or sandals are strictly prohibited in the workshop area. Sturdy, closed-toe footwear must be worn.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Orientation

• Safety Glasses: Must be worn at all times when using bench polishing equipment, loading or unloading a hot kiln, operating a butane torch or mixing metal clay powders.
• Dust Masks: FFP2 masks must be worn during any prolonged sanding, filing, polishing or mixing metal clay powders..
• Gloves: Heavy-duty heat-resistant gloves are provided and must be worn when loading or unloading a hot electric kiln or handling hot metals.

Equipment Safe-Usage Protocols

• Butane Torches: Always keep the torch upright on its stable base. Never lay a hot or lit torch flat on the bench. Always turn it off completely immediately after use.
• Electric Kiln: A 30cm exclusion zone is marked around the kiln. Do not touch, open, or program the kiln unless you have the express permission and have the authority to do so.
• Pickle Pot: Use the copper tweezers provided to drop pieces in or take them out. Avoid splashing. If you get any solution on your skin, wash it off immediately with water.
• Sharp Tools: Always saw and cut pointing away from your fingers and body.

Emergencies & First Aid Locations

• Alarms: Fire alarms are located at strategic points in the building.  Full instructions on how to activate must be given at briefing.
• Exits: Point out the nearest emergency exit paths and assembly point.
• Fire fighting equipment is available at strategic points around the building.  Only designated fire marshalls are permitted to use fire fighting equipment. 
• First Aid Station: Point out the location of the first aid kit, burn gels, and eye wash bottles.
• Reporting: Report any cut, burn, or equipment malfunction to the instructor immediately, no matter how small.

Fire Alarm Procedure

In the Event of a Fire Being Discovered

1. Raise the Alarm: Immediately shout "FIRE" and press the red button at the fire alarm call point.
2. Isolate Hazards (If Safe): Turn off the electric kiln at the wall socket and ensure any butane torch is extinguished/shut off. Do not delay evacuation to do this.
3. Evacuate: Leave the building immediately using the nearest marked emergency exit. Do not stop to collect tools, jewellery, or personal belongings.
4. Call Emergency Services: Once outside in a safe place, dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service. State the full address of the building clearly.

Upon Hearing the Fire Alarm

1. Stop Work: Stop working immediately. Isolate the butane torch if it is lit.
2. Leave the Area: Follow the green "Running Man" exit signs out of the building. Walk calmly; do not run. Do not use any lifts.
3. Assemble: Report directly to the designated Fire Assembly Point located under the sign on the front fence. 
4. Roll Call: Stay at the assembly point. The instructor will use the Student Sign-In Sheet above to complete a formal roll call. Do not re-enter the building until permitted.

Responsibilities: Workshop Leader / Instructor

• The workshop leader/instructor is responsible for carrying out a risk assessment prior to any workshop commencement if a) a risk assessment hasn’t been carried out within the previous 6 months, b) if the workshop content is significantly different from the standard workshop procedure or c) if the workshop is being conducted at a new venue.
• Deliver the mandatory pre-workshop safety induction before every session.
• Review the Medical & Allergy Disclosure column on the sign-in sheet before work starts to accommodate any high-risk needs (e.g., placing an asthmatic student closest to active ventilation).
• Ensure every student fills out the student sign-in sheet completely prior to any tool use.
• Ensure all escape routes are kept completely clear of obstacles at all times.
• Lead the evacuation, bring the student sign-in sheet, and conduct the roll call at the assembly point.
• Ensure the electric kiln, butane torches, and ventilation systems are regularly inspected and maintained.

Participants / Students (Adults)

• Attend and listen carefully to the pre-workshop safety induction.
• Complete the student sign-in sheet and medical disclosure accurately and truthfully.
• Follow the fire alarm procedure immediately upon discovering a fire or hearing the alarm sound.
• Wear the required PPE at designated stations without exception.

First Aid Requirements

• Burn Care: The first aid kit must contain dedicated burn gel, cooling dressings, and immediate access to clean running water.
• Eye Safety: A minimum of two sealed eye wash bottles must be accessible at all times near the pickle and polishing stations.
• Minor Cuts: Adequate supplies of sterile plasters and antiseptic wipes must be maintained.

Emergency Action Plan

1. In Case of Major Burn: Cool the burn under cold, running water for a minimum of 20 minutes. Do not apply ice, oils, or blankets. Seek emergency medical attention immediately.
2. In Case of Eye Contamination: Flush the eye immediately using the eye wash bottle or running water for 15 minutes while holding the eyelid open. Seek medical attention.

COSHH

It is the intention, where possible, to use low risk chemicals. All MSDS sheets for products used within the studio, whether they are used in that specific workshop or not, are held in the studio for reference.  Any student, workshop tutor or visitor request to see the MSDS sheet for any can specific product.