Studio and Workshop Safety Plan

Accidents, Emergencies, and Hazard Response

Emergency Readiness

Familiarize yourself with the location of the following: 

• First aid cabinet (kits) 
• Eyewash stations 
• Fire extinguishers 
• Fire alarm pull stations 
• Emergency exits 
• Emergency contact numbers 
• Spill kits (for paints, solvents, photoshop chemicals, etc.) 

Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times: 

• Safety glasses or face shields 
• Dust masks or respirators (when cutting, sanding, spraying, etc.) 
• Protective gloves (chemical-resistant, cut-resistant, or heat-resistant as appropriate) 
• Aprons or protective clothing
• Closed-toe shoes and long pants

Complete safety training prior to using any machinery, tools, or hazardous materials.

Ensure adequate ventilation, especially in areas with paints, solvents, welding, or photo developing chemicals.

Medical Emergencies 

Assess the scene to ensure your safety before assisting. Contact the Campus safety office at 310.665.6965. 

Call 911 immediately. Provide: 

• Building and room number 
• Type of injury or emergency 
• Whether the victim is conscious 
• Need for ambulance or rescue 

Do not move an injured person unless in immediate danger. 

Use first aid kits only within the scope of your training. 

If tools or materials caused injury (e.g., blade wounds, burns, chemical exposure), avoid further contact. 

Flush eyes or skin exposed to photo chemicals, solvents, or dust for 15 minutes using an eyewash or sink. 

Stay with the person and keep them calm until emergency responders arrive. 

Report the incident to the Supervisor/Instructor and contact Campus Safety or Operations Manager office to report the incident. You can also report the incident using the online portal.

Serious injuries must be reported to the Human Resources office and the Operations Manager Office at 310.846.2609 within 8 hours as required by Cal OSHA Regulation CCR, Title 8, Section 3203.

Minor Injuries and Near Misses

Treat minor cuts, splinters, or burns using the First Aid Supplies 

Report all incidents, even minor or near misses, to the lab or workshop supervisor, and Operations Manager’s Office. 

The Operations Manager will follow up to evaluate and prevent future similar incidents. 

Fire-Related Emergencies 

Pull the fire alarm and call 9-1-1. 

Shut down equipment if safe to do so. 

Evacuate immediately and isolate the area.

Use a fire extinguisher only if 

• The fire is small 
• You have been trained 
• You have a safe exit path

If clothing catches fire, Stop, Drop, and Roll. 

Use a fire blanket if available 

Never re-enter a building until it is cleared by fire personnel 

Report all fire incidents, including extinguisher use, to Campus Safety Office or Operations Manager’s office. 

Spills and Material Incidents 

Types of Spills 

• Paints, solvents, adhesives 
• Photo development chemicals (developers, fixers) 
• Ink, glaze, resin, or plaster materials 
• Oils, lubricants, or fuel used in machinery

Minor Spills (Under a liter)

• Evacuate non-essential people 
• Ensure ventilation, turn off any ignition sources for flammable substances. 
• Use spill kits or absorbents (paper towels, sawdust, absorbent pads)
• Wear gloves and eye protection. 
• Dispose of materials in labeled hazardous waste containers. 

Major Spills (Over a liter of Hazardous Substances)

• Call 9-1-1, notify Campus Safety and Operations Office and evacuate the area. 
• Prevent spreading to drains or public areas. 
• Post someone outside to restrict entry. 
• Do not attempt cleanup without proper PPE and authorization. 

Equipment and Machine Hazards 

Only trained individuals may operate saws, lathes, welders, presses, kilns, or darkroom processing equipment. 

Never bypass safety guards or disable emergency shutoffs. 

Keep hands, hair, and clothing clear of moving parts. 

Turn off and unplug equipment before maintenance or clearing jams. 

Report malfunctioning tools immediately. Tag them to say “Do Not Use” until repaired.  

Specific Material Safety Guidelines 

Wood Dust & Particulates 

• Use dust collection systems 
• Wear dust masks or respirators as necessary
• Clean surfaces regularly to prevent accumulation 

Solvents and Aerosols 

• Use only in well-ventilated areas or under spray booths
• Store in flammable or fire retarded storage cabinets 
• Keep away from open flames and heat 

Photo Chemicals 

• Follow SDS instructions for mixing and disposal 
• Avoid skin and eye contact 
• Neutralize and dispose according to lab policy

Metals and Sharp Materials 

• Wear cut-resistant gloves 
• Store blades properly in a sharp container. If you need assistance in getting sharp container, please contact the Operations Manager Office at Ext. 2609.
• Use tongs or pliers when handling hot materials 

Glazes and Ceramics 

Some contain toxic metals – please use PPE and avoid inhalation of dust 

Mix in ventilated areas only 

Reporting and Follow-Up 

For all Emergency Incidents please notify your lab supervisor, Campus Safety Office and Call 9-1-1.  

For all Non-Emergency Incidents please contact:

Per the California Occupational Safety and Hazard Agency policy, CCR Title 8, general Industry safety orders, section 3203, all incidents involving injury must be reported within 8 hours. 

• Please report any incident involving injury, fire, serious tool malfunction, or hazardous material exposure immediately. 
• The Operations Manager will follow up with investigation, exposure monitoring if needed, and recommend safety improvements. 

For questions about storage or disposal, please contact Mohammed Ahmed, Operations Manager at mahmed@otis.edu or 310.846.2609.