Safety in pottery studio from "summary" of The Potter's Studio Handbook by Kristin Müller

Always use protective gear when working in the pottery studio. Make sure to wear safety goggles that shield your eyes from dust and flying beads of hot wax, as well as a mask to filter out any hazardous substances. Ensure you have gloves or armguards on at all times to avoid burns.

Regularly check for adequate ventilation in the space. Paint fumes can be harmful to humans if breathed in too long and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from glazes can excite toxic chemicals. Invest in an air purifier or open windows to keep your studio healthy.

Keep your workspace safe and clean. Move potentially dangerous items away from where you are standing, such as large tools or dangling cords. Sweep up debris from time-to-time to reduce slip hazards or airborne particles.

Pay attention to safety signs. These signs indicate an area inside or outside the studio space that needs additional cautionary measures. Yellow triangles indicate warning signs, blue circles denote mandatory requirements, white rectangles carry instructions, and red circles reflect prohibited activities.

Keep more than one fire extinguisher handy. Some common causes of fires include combustible fuel sources such as kerosene lamps, heating appliances such as gas stoves, and even carelessness while dealing with matchsticks. Be careful not to store flammable liquids close to heated equipment.

Lock all doors after hours. Installation of alarms, smoke detectors or fire extinguishers are worthwhile considerations for larger studios. Use basic locks to secure the premises and ensure that only authorized personnel gain access beyond entry level.

When using glazes, take special precautions. Powders can quickly invade lungs, so a good way to go is by wearing a half-face respirator that covers your mouth and nose tightly. Any skin contact with glaze materials can cause irritation or allergic reactions, so it's best to always wash hands afterwards.

Beware of electrical devices near water sources. Power strips should remain dry at all times, and never ever string extension cords across the room - they could easily become entangled or trip someone over. From switch to plug must be properly grounded to prevent electric shock during wet processes.

Never work alone in the studio, especially when making big changes or if there's a chance of tool operations going wrong. An extra pair of eyes and hands will serve as a great reminder to tread carefully, while also lending much needed physical assistance.

Stop occasionally to assess body strain. Employ passwords with family members or co-workers when needing help lifting heavy objects. Take regular breaks and stretch to ease muscle fatigue, sleep adequately and even consider investing in ergonomic furniture to minimize stress.