Introduction Working with Clay Pinch Pots Slab Building Coil Building Throwing Glazing Safety in the Pottery Gallery of Student's Work

Things to remember – about health and safety Never sweep up in a pottery – clay dust can cause silicosis. Use a mop or damp cloth or sponge. Use a mask when dealing with dry, powdered materials. Do not eat, drink or smoke in a pottery so ingestion can be avoided. Always wash your hands after handling pottery materials, especially before eating. Quite a number of toxic materials are used in pottery, although in the Adult Education Centre, you will not come into contact with many of them. Chromium oxide, a dark green powder and manganese dioxide, a black powder are the main ones to look out for, but if you consider all oxides as toxic, treat them with respect, and use sensible hygiene precautions, you’ll be fine.