Introduction 

Participating in ceramic art and pottery exposes ceramic artists and potters to a wide variety of hazards. Most ceramic artists and potters are aware of some of the dangers inherent in this art form, from inhaling raw materials in powdered form, injuries from repetitive movement or the high risk of burns through the various firing methods to name but a few. 

This policy was primarily created for the evaluation and risk assessment of any Wildling Studio workshops and events. The hazards and risks identified in this document are not an exhaustive list of all foreseeable hazards and risks associated with the creation of ceramic art and pottery and Wildling Studio and their representatives cannot be held liable for any injury, damage or loss resulting from any omission to the hazards and risks identified in this document. For full guidance on health and safety matters associated with the creation of ceramic art and pottery, members should refer, in the first instance to the Health and Safety Executive and associated Government guidance available at http://www.hse.gov.uk. 

As part of our commitment to the health and safety of our clients and our partnership organisations for workshops and events, Wildling Studio operates a policy of strict adherence of the current Government guidance, rules and regulations relating to the Covid-19 pandemic or any other communicable or transmissible diseases or public health matters applicable at the time of the workshop or event. 

Our policy 

• Seek to promote, set and maintain the highest appropriate standards for health and safety matters. This will be achieved by aspiring to the best practice for health and safety and welfare for all our clients. 

• To manage health and safety risks. 

• To provide clear instructions and information as well as provide adequate training to ensure all participants are competent for the task set. 

• To provide personal protective equipment when necessary. 

• To consult with the relevant people on matters affecting their health before attending workshops. 

• To provide and maintain safe equipment. 

• To maintain a safe and healthy working environment. 

• To ensure the safe handling and use of hazardous substances. 

• To implement emergency procedures including evacuation in the case of fire and other significant incidents. 

• To review and revise this policy on a regular basis. 

Arrangements for health and safety                        

Risk assessment 

• We will complete relevant risk assessments and take action. 

• We will review risk assessments if conditions change. 

Evacuation

•  We will make sure that all escape routes are known to workshop attendees and are kept clear at all times. 

Risk assessments 

Prior to any workshop or event organised by Wildling Studio, a full risk assessment will be carried out to identify all foreseeable risks of injury or damage to property.  

All participants involved in, or persons in attendance, will be briefed on the safety measures to be implemented during the workshop or event. This briefing will be carried out by the proprietor providing Health and Safety responsibilities for the workshop or event.  

The risk assessment and safety briefing are there to make everyone aware of the potential dangers and the steps to be taken to ensure everyone’s safety. The health and safety of all participants from demonstrators, helpers and clients taking part in events and workshops organised by Wildling Studio is a priority. 

There are many dangers and hazards involved in pottery and it is every participant’s responsibility to ensure that they are aware of the contents of the risk assessment, adhere to the safety briefing given and use their own common sense to look after themselves and their safety during these events. 

Disclaimer 

All members attending practical workshops will be required to read and accept a disclaimer acknowledging that they have been given access to the relevant risk assessment, have received a safety brief, acknowledge the risks involved in the event and will not hold Wildling Studio liable for personal injuries or damage to property arising from the event. 

Failure To Follow Health and Safety Guidance 

At any event organised or overseen by Wildling Studio, failure to listen to the safety briefing or to follow the safety advice give, including refusal to adhere to set procedures or refusal to use or wear appropriate safety equipment, may result in the proprietor asking participants to leave the event.  

In the event that any participant is asked to leave a workshop or other event as a result of a failure to follow safety procedures, guidance or to use safety equipment, no refunds will be given unless a subsequent complaint is upheld. 

Responsibilities for health and safety 

Overall and final responsibility for health and safety at Wildling Studio is held by Sarah Glazier-Hart.  This includes the day to day responsibility for ensuring this policy is put into practice and maintaining all equipment used.  

All clients/attendees should: 

• Co-operate with the proprietor on health and safety matters; 

• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety; and 

• Report all health and safety concerns to an appropriate person (as detailed above). 

Conclusions 

Overall a common-sense approach should be adopted in all aspects of pottery and firing of pots. This policy is by no means a full extensive guide to reducing all risks involved in our chosen art but may be used as a reference. In fulfilling the commitments and applying the above principles the proprietor will provide the necessary resources to ensure that a safe and healthy working environment is maintained and fully endorse this policy. 

This policy will be reviewed and revised on a regular basis. Date - 24/06/2025

If you have questions or concerns, please get in touch.