SAFETY GUIDELINES AND POLICIES
FOR DEPARTMENT OF ART STUDENTS
All students are required to sign the Department of Art Safety Contract stating that you understand and
agree to comply with these policies. This contract will be filed with the Department of Art. If you have any
questions, please contact Neal Pitak, 2D Lab Technician at 409.880.8949 or at npitak@lamar.edu, or
contact Bobby Zokaites, 3D Lab Technician at 409.880.8949 or at robertzokiates@lamar.edu.
1. BUILDING AND PERSONAL SECURITY
When working in the building after hours, it is suggested that you work with a classmate, particularly in
areas with tools or machinery.
Students should not let anyone unfamiliar into the building after hours. The exterior building doors should
never be propped open and should be kept locked after hours.
The Department of Art is not responsible for any personal items that are lost or stolen. Contact your
instructor of note for locker use.
A safety officer is available to escort you to your vehicle or dorm room afterhours. Please call nonemergency police dispatch at 409-880-8307 to request this service. Please call Lamar University Police if
you see any suspicious behavior at extension 8307
2. GENERAL STUDIO SAFETY
Each classroom and studio has specific rules for personal safety and will be addressed by the instructor
of note at the beginning of each semester.
Stairwells, aisles, exits, and access to emergency equipment must be kept clear of personal items at all
times. Doorways should not be blocked in any way.
Students are responsible for general cleanup in classroom and studio areas.
Proper apparel must be worn while working in studios with tools and or machinery. This includes closedtoe shoes and safety glasses. No loose clothing, long necklaces, scarves, or other such items are
allowed. Long hair must also be tied back securely. Specific areas may have additional safety
requirements.
Any student using the wood studio, metal studio, or foundry must receive proper training before using any
equipment and always follow the posted Studio Rules. Students using tools borrowed from these studios
must do so under supervision of a faculty or 3D technician. Students have access to these facilities during
normal business hours (M-F, 8-5) and when building monitors are present. Contact your instructor of note
with specific questions.
Flammable materials such as paint thinner may not be stored in lockers. Lockers must be emptied out at
the end of each semester by the end of the final examination period. Locks will be cut and contents
removed at the end of each school year. The Department of Art is not responsible for any items left
behind in lockers. Contact your instructor of note with specific questions.
3. STUDENTS WORKING WITH HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
A hazardous material is defined as: a fluid, liquid, slurry, paste, powder, particulate or any substance that
may pose a physical hazard or health risk for a proposed application, or is potentially damaging to the
environment. Various paints, inks, solvents, chemicals, and glues are a few examples of hazardous
materials you may encounter with your coursework in the Department of Art. Students with specific
allergies or health concerns are strongly encouraged to contact The Disability Resource Center (DRC).
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The office of (DRC) is located in the Communication Building, Rm. 105. Students also may write to P.O.
Box 10087, Beaumont, Texas 77710, e-mail SFSWD@lamar.edu or call 409-880-8347.
Each studio has a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) Right to Know binder containing important material
handling and hazard information. The Material Safety Data Sheets describe product toxicity levels,
hazardous properties, and contact information in case of spill or misuse. Your instructor of note will inform
you regarding safety concerns for all materials used in that course at the beginning of each semester.
A complete list of MSDS forms for all materials used in the Department of Art are kept in the art office.
Contact Donna Singleton Wilridge at 409.880.8141 for more information.
Your instructor of note will inform you with specific safety equipment needed for your course. Please
contact your instructor if using additional materials that are not required for your course, as there may be
safety concerns for you and your classmates.
3.1 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL STORAGE
When not in use, all flammable items must be stored in designated cabinets appropriate for flammable
materials. Your instructor of note will inform you regarding safe material storage at the beginning of each
semester.
3.2 UNIVERSAL CONTAINER RULE
All solvents, painting mediums, paints, inks, or any other materials (hazardous or non-hazardous) must
be stored in one of the following ways:
1.) In the original manufacturer’s container as purchased if it has not been damaged and still seals
securely.
2.) In any approved container other than the original manufacturer’s container as purchased (also called a
secondary container) that meets the Department of Art standards. Containers must be fitted with a secure
lid, be appropriate to the type of material being stored, and properly labeled. Your instructor of note will
inform you with specific labeling instructions at the beginning of each semester.
3.3 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL DISPOSAL
Rooms AT101, AT207, and AT212, have Yellow Flammable Cabinets which safely hold hazardous
materials for storage and disposal. Label all waste and non-waste materials. No items should block
access to the yellow lockers. Contact the Department of Art Lab Technicians for assistance with all
chemical spills.
Red Flammable Waste Bins are for all hazardous / flammable solid waste, including all paint- or inkcontaminated rags, paper towels, paper, palettes, gloves, oil sludge, or similar items. The lid should
always be securely closed when not in use.
Absolutely no hazardous materials are to be disposed of in sinks. This includes: oil based paints,
solvents, inks, dyes, photographic fixer, acids, or other similar materials. Your instructor of note will inform
you with specific instructions for the safe disposal of materials used at the beginning of the semester.
Department of Art students are required to familiarize themselves and comply with the above Safety
Guidelines and Policies.
DEPARTMENT of ART SAFETY GUIDELINES and POLICY CONTRACT
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By signing below, I certify that I understand the safe and proper way to handle
hazardous materials in the course listed below.
Please print below:
Student Name
___________________________________________
Student LU #
___________________________________________
Student e-mail
___________________________________________
Course
___________________________________________
Instructor of Note
____________________________
Today’s Date
_____/_____/_____
Student Signature __________________________________________
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