posted on March 1: Concerns about hazardous materials in arts studios prompt action

Oil paints, solvent-soaked rags, chemicals, silica. Materials one typically finds in an art studio. You'll find them, for example, in the Togo Salmon Hall workshops and studios used by McMaster's art students.

These materials and others are worrying some students. They're concerned about the possible health and safety risks associated with working with and around hazardous materials. In all, about 60 students use the facilities, located in the basement and on the first floor of Togo Salmon Hall, for oil painting, ceramics, casting and other art projects.

Their concerns have prompted the Faculty of Humanities and Risk Management Services to develop plans to improve the air quality within the facilities and to reduce fire and health and safety risks associated with the hazardous materials.

Dean of humanities Daniel Woolf says some upset students approached him this week. “The students said they wanted more rag buckets in the area. This is a request that can be resolved almost immediately. Other issues, such as improved ventilation, will require more thorough planning and will take longer to rectify.” Woolf says parents have also written him.

He is taking the students' concerns very seriously. “We're aware of their concerns and our top priority is to ensure that they are working and learning in an environment that is safe. The health and safety of our students and the faculty who also work in the area is paramount.”

During Reading Week, the Ministry of Labour, which oversees the health and safety of workers (and not students), conducted an audit of the facility. A dozen orders were issued for compliance on things such as labels on materials and safety guards for machines. The ministry did not issue any orders regarding ventilation.

However, two other studies recently conducted (by internal and external sources) emphasize the need to improve air quality within the studios.

“The art studios and workshops are operating in rooms that were originally designed as classrooms and offices,” says Ron Angus, director of risk management services, who conducted one of the studies in November. “We've asked our engineers in physical plant to conduct a study of the whole area and to recommend a new ventilation system that will adequately support the current use of these rooms.”

Woolf, who only learned recently of the ventilation problems, says that installation of a new system for the facility is a longer-term project that will require a significant allocation of funds. “It's not a quick fix. We need to proceed in a deliberate and methodical fashion, after proper study and in a manner that is mindful of budget constraints.”

To reduce the risk of exposure to any hazardous materials, students who use the rooms are being advised that respirators are available for their use from the School of the Arts. Risk management staff will conduct an individual fitting session for students wishing to use them.

Instructors are also advising students to properly dispose of waste (paints, rags)and to ensure materials are properly handled, sealed and stored.

Locating the lithographic and etching studios (currently on separate floors) closer to one another is also being looked at as a way to minimize health and safety risks, says Angus.

A staff supervisory technician for the art studios and workshops will be hired for the next academic year, says Woolf. As well, commencing this fall all students who use the facilities will be required to take Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHIMIS) training.