Health and safety is the responsibility of the potter

Ceramic materials in general are safe to work with provided normal care and hygiene are observed. Certain materials and oxides are potentially more harmful if used incorrectly and should be handled with greater care, paying attention to the avoidance of dust inhalation.

We recommend the following general precautions:

• Do NOT put ceramic colours of any type into the mouth, or smoke or eat while handling these materials.
  
• The work area should be well ventilated.
  
• Always store materials in accurately labeled closed containers.
  
• Always wear suitable protective clothing and change protective clothing before eating or drinking.
  
• Pay strict attention to personal hygiene after using ceramic materials.
  
• Keep the essential safety reference book for all potters in your First Aid Kit. Potters Beware: Hazards Encountered in the making, firing, and glazing of Ceramics, by Rosemary Perry. Price $10.00, available from Cobcraft.

Remember it is the responsibility of the potter to ensure their glazes on food containers are safe for public use.