Product Overview

This Pottery Safety SWMS is a site-ready Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards and implement controls for pottery, ceramics and kiln-related work to support strong WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of Pottery Safety SWMS, from handling clay products through to firing and finishing in an Australian workplace.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe handling and storage of clay products, powders, slips and glazes to minimise dust and chemical exposure
• Selection and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for pottery, glazing and kiln operations
• Managing manual handling risks when lifting, wedging, carrying and transporting clay, moulds and finished pieces
• Control of airborne dust and silica when working with dry clay, sanding, trimming or cleaning up pottery work areas
• Safe operation of pottery wheels, including set-up, guarding, electrical safety and emergency shut-down
• Use of hand tools and cutting implements for shaping, carving and trimming clay products
• Safe preparation, mixing and application of glazes, stains and other surface treatments, including chemical handling controls
• Operation, loading and unloading of kilns, including heat stress, burn prevention and fire safety measures
• Electrical safety controls for kilns, wheels and other powered pottery equipment
• Housekeeping and waste management for clay scraps, glaze residues and kiln by-products to maintain a clean, low-risk workspace
• Emergency procedures for burns, cuts, eye injuries, chemical splashes and smoke or fire incidents in pottery areas
• Safe work practices for students, apprentices and visitors in teaching studios, schools and community pottery facilities

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for pottery studios, ceramic artists, schools, TAFEs, community art centres, kiln operators, and site supervisors responsible for managing pottery and ceramics activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing controls in pottery environments
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – Applicable to glazes, stains, solvents and other chemical products used in ceramics
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – Ventilation, amenities and workspace layout for pottery studios and kiln rooms
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls for lifting, carrying and handling heavy clay, moulds and equipment
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Relevant where powered equipment and extraction systems are used
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment – For respiratory protection when working with clay dusts or glaze powders
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational Protective Gloves – Guidance on suitable hand protection for handling clay, tools and hot materials
• AS 2444: Portable Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets – Selection and Location – Fire protection requirements around kilns and firing areas
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017