The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is a primary area of concern in the Department of Art. We believe it is important to inform students and others regarding health and safety issues, hazards, and procedures inherent in studio practice. Both in general and as specifically applicable to their specialization, including but not limited to; use of materials, proper handling and operation of equipment, ventilation, and injury prevention. The following are our policies and primary means of dissemination of this information.
The instructor of a specific studio is to be considered to be the expert when matters of health and safety in their specific studio are concerned. Studio course syllabi include general studio and tool safety procedures, ventilation, and proper handling of hazardous materials. The faculty must review this document at the beginning of each semester with every class and this is reinforced through hands on demonstrations. Studio-specific safety instruction is conveyed throughout the entire course and reminders are embedded in the course curriculum. All department syllabi list emergency contact information provided by the university.
Safety Data (SD) information sheets are located in all studio classrooms, and students and faculty are made aware of both the location and the contents of the SD stations. Included are emergency contact numbers, emergency evacuation information and specific studio safety protocols.
The department has embraced a proactive approach to injury prevention through safety demonstrations and awareness of all chemical, tool/equipment conditions, regular maintenance of equipment and facilities, and clean studios. First Aid kits and eye wash units are located in all studio classrooms with appropriate signage indicating their location. Personal protection equipment is made available to all students using studio facilities (i.e. safety goggles, ear protection, tinted glasses for welding and cutting, aprons, work gloves, eye wash stations with instructions, etc).
Students are made aware of and instructed in best practices regarding dangers and hazards in the studios and in the field of artmaking, both imminent and long-term via: visible signage, mindful examination of the overall studio space, equipment placement, material storage and the use of materials and equipment. Students are continuously instructed in the location and use of general and local ventilation systems, and acceptable studio etiquette is stressed in all studio classrooms. The faculty work closely with our custodial staff to ensure our facilities are regularly swept and mopped to keep down dust and eliminate slip hazards.
The Office of Health and Safety conducts an annual fire and safety visit and report every semester. Additionally, fire extinguishers are inspected monthly, eye wash units are inspected every two months and a fire drill is conducted every semester. The department receives a copy of the findings of the safety visit and the department and university Facilities offices immediately begin the process of eliminating or addressing hazards and making improvements and adjustments in response to the report. There is then a follow-up visit to ensure that remediation efforts are appropriate and complete.
Students are continuously made aware of pertinent facility status situations: i.e. equipment repairs and repairs to the physical space. Major pieces equipment and ventilation systems are on a preventative maintenance inspection and repair schedule (weekly, monthly, and annually) and repairs/upgrades are addressed on an ongoing basis. The department makes funds available from its operating budget to repair/maintain certain pieces of equipment as needed.
All of Art Department buildings and some specific studios have a swipe-card entry system. This provides authorized individuals off-time use of the space and prevents non-student visitors. Cameras have been installed around all department buildings and in some studios, with exterior floodlights illuminating parking areas and entrances. Each building has recently been equipped with an emergency call box in addition to a campus phone for addressing emergency situations.
The Department Chair meets regularly with the Director of the Health and Safety office to develop specific methods for addressing health and safety matters including the safe removal of all waste products and storage of hazardous materials. Additionally, all faculty are compliant with, and complete FERPA, Title IX, and Sexual Harassment training.
FOR EMERGENCIES, CALL 911
University Police
724.738.3333
Slippery Rock Borough Police
724.738.6388
Student Health Center
724.738.2052
Environmental Health and Safety
724.738.2055
Student Counseling Center
724.738.2034
Title IX Coordinator:
724.738.2650
off-campus SAFETY NUMBERS
Pennsylvania State Police - Butler
724.284.8100
www.sru.edu/life-at-sru/safety