Health and safety issues being ignored by many design studios, claims research
North Yorkshire-based art materials supplier Graphics Direct surveyed 100 studios throughout the north and found that less than half had taken precautions regarding the extraction of harmful fumes.While 82 respondents admitted to using solvents, adhesives and fixatives in the preparation of artwork, only 50 had installed a spray booth – a self-contained unit fitted with an extractor fan – to take away the often-toxic fumes
Only six of those not using a booth said they were considering acquiring one. Prolonged exposure to some studio materials can seriously damage workers’ health.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health legislation it is now up to studio employers to ensure exposure to harmful substances is prevented.
Any employer not taking steps to ensure compliance is open to prosecution with heavy financial penalties.
Paul Hawkridge, a director at the Knaresborough-based company, said: “In an increasingly competitive commercial environment space is at a premium and ventilation is often the last consideration.
“Studio working conditions are now quite rightly taken very seriously by the health and safety executive and it is incumbent upon employers to provide a clean and safe working environment for their employees.”
