Maintaining a safe and healthy environment in which students, faculty and staff can create and work productively is a top priority for the Watkins College of Art. Development and implementation of Health & Safety policies cover a broad set of responsibilities and areas of oversight ranging from correct use of equipment to best practices in disposing of hazardous materials. Steps are taken to ensure that everyone, from students to faculty, is aware of their individual responsibility to stay informed and vigilant about how to avoid any significant risks associated with working in printmaking, painting, ceramics, sculpture, drawing, and photography studios. Signage in each studio serves as a reminder about safety regulations. These include, but are not limited to, emergency procedures, hazard communication, chemical safety, protective equipment as needed, safety data sheets, operation of gas kilns and power tools, electrical and flammable liquid or toxic chemical safety.
Health & Safety efforts within the department of art are coordinated by a Technical Assistant who offers visual arts safety training at the beginning of each semester, collects Safety Agreements from each currently-enrolled student in art courses, ensures that policies and procedures are updated, assists faculty with maintaining a safe working environment, and serves as the liaison between the Department of Art and Belmont University’s Office of Risk Management. Building and studio monitors are positioned throughout the facility when students are working after hours on projects. Regular reviews are conducted to confirm that instructional spaces are adequately ventilated, equipment is working properly, scheduled collection and disposal of hazardous materials are timely, flammable and toxic chemicals are properly stored and labeled, and that proper procedures are effectively communicated.
University Health & Safety Policy
Belmont University will provide all employees, students, and visitors with an environment as free from recognizable hazards as possible. Belmont will comply with all state and federal codes and regulations, including those issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Human Resources administers, logs, and reports all employee job-related injuries and illnesses per workers’ compensation law and Department of Labor requirement. The Office of Risk Management provides guidance and assistance with environmental, workplace, and general safety upon request, including the publication of Belmont’s Hazardous Communication Policy, Emergency Response Plan, and Environmental Management System.