Posted By John Mac Carthy I am having an ongoing discussion with management regarding students bringing in their own paints and artist materials, which generally get stored within their lockers. (Non fire-safe stores) This naturally prevents a fire risk and doesn’t comply with COSHH. Each student has their own special or preferred items they like to use daily and infrequently, depending on the course and are therefore not controlled by the college. Without telling the students they cannot store these items on-site and without any reasonable method for getting MSDS or COSHH for the products, I’m not sure what is a practical control measure, suggestions welcome please. Thanks John johnmaccarthy25@yahoo.com

Posted By Raymond Rapp Good advice from Peter. As something of an artist myself I know the problems. If using oil paints then flammable substances such as turps, white spirit and linseed oil may be used. These need to be contained in a metal cabinet for safety, either in individual lockers (not practical to police) or alternatively a for purpose one that all the students can use. Ray

Posted By Raymond Rapp Sprays? Presumably for pastels. Well, short of banning flammable substances I can't think of much else. Being students (over 16) they should have a sense of responsibility. Therefore it may be worth explaining the hazards and difficulties associated with using and storing highly flammable products, otherwise only products supplied and stored by the institution will be allowed...worth a try.

Posted By akm Hi John Do the sprays present any greater risk than cans of deodorant left in sports lockers? I'm no artist so wouldn't know. Alastair

Posted By John Mac Carthy Does that imply that it is therefore suitable for students to store products and substances which are flammable etc outside of a fire store? And how do we remain COSHH compliant in this environment? I have checked with other colleagues within the educational sector and they do not allow and/or cannot control what students do and don't use. But they do not permit students to store any products on-site, and students must supply data sheets for their products to verify no potential exists. Where does one practically draw the line and remain legally compliant? Thank you John

Posted By Mark Eastbourne Hi John I guess in this case it is only a case of doing what is resonable under the circumstances. (I work in a college, actually located in the attic of the Art and Design block!) What we do is ensure that any substances which the staff use are assessed, we have a COSHH folder of substances used in that area with the MSDS's which form part of the risk assessment. We do not risk assess the students chemicals as they are classified as visitors and COSHH refer to employees only except exposure etc but we do insist they talk about their project with their tutor first and the substances they will be using. We then ensure they read and understand some rules regards using the substances, for example, ensure that they read the label and comply with control measures as dictated by the label, like use in a well ventilated area for example. Other such rules include wearing appropriate PPE, cleaning spillages or at least informing the technicians so they can clean the spill correctly. It isn't a great system, some tutors are better than others and some tutors even get the students to complete a Safe Working Procedure (SWP)for the individual project the student is doing. I prefer this. The SWP is just a two page document, the first page lists the project, location and name of student. Underneath this is a column for the type of PPE required, it is visual with small blue icons (gloves, apron etc) they can circle the one if it applies. Another column for special tools. Under these columns there is another table asking the student to list the hazards associated with the process and there is also another column dealing with chemicals, again we have used pictograms - the CHiP labels here and they have to circle the one which applies, for example, irritant, harmful, flammable etc. On the back of the form there are twom columns, on entitled "Do's" and the other entitled "Do not". The do column is broken down into Before use, During use and After use with rules and control measures written by the student and tutors underneath. To be honest, some will always remain the same and therefore are written already on it. If they bring flammable materials in, we insist they take them home again. I could email you a copy if you want? Hope it helps, Mark