Posted By ClaireSmith Hi, I currently work for a Local Authority, looking after Secondary Schools and have identified issues within some of our schools Pottery areas. They have kilns, (all of which are new and hence don't contain asbestos), I have obtained the Potteries ACOP (L60) and understand the requirements/hazards associate with clay, (i.e. for through wet cleaning of the areas after use to remove all traces of clay, the need to use the clay, etc). Furthermore the requirement to carry out COSHH assessments of all hazardous substances, but I am finding myself getting very confused with the control measures that would be suitable and sufficient for using Leaded (inorganic) glazes in this environment. The glazes tended to vary containing anything from 1% to 55% lead and were bought in powder form. Could someone advise me if they have any guidance in place for using ceramics (with specific reference to the safe usage of glazes and if possible could you send me a copy, whether leaded glazes can be used in schools, and when health surveillance would be required and any other do and don’ts around associated with them or further sources of information? This is an area that has slipped through the net and I am keen produce some guidance ASAP! Any help would be much appreciated. Claire

Posted By Jonathan Breeze I have a gut feeling that the combination of lead + inexperience + young people = "a bad thing to be avoided" However, it's great to hear you are looking at the situation. Have you tried any manufacturers of dinner services based in the Potteries area? I would assume they could point you in the direction of lead free glaze suppliers. I am of course assuming (in my ignorance) that they use lead free glazes in dinner services... I am one of those people who is content to use pottery without a knowledge of how it works. Alternatively the Ceramics department at Staffordshire University may be able to help. Hope this helps.

Posted By Stephen Claire, You could do with checking the Lead at Work Regs. If you must use lead glaise then it would be worth running a Personnal Hygene tool box talk on hand washing for students and staff. You also need to consider where the fume goes from the kiln. Stephen

Posted By Adrian Hirst Claire If you take a look at the Lead Regs they will specify enough controls for you to really want to do away with using Lead based glazes. There are strict hygiene procedures to be adhered to and specific requirements on hygiene facilities which the schools might not be able to meet. Lead in air is also required to be monitored on a regular basis unless the exposure is demonstrated to be low. (exposures have to be monitored on a number of occasions in order for them to be demonstrated as being low) Adrian Hirst

Posted By Jules I'm a craft potter in my free time and I can't understand why they would be using lead-containing glazes unless they are old stock. Very few potters use them now. There are hundreds of lead-free glazes available commercially which are perfectly satisfactory. Get rid of them (safely!) and buy new. This is just not worth the risk.