ALWAYS FOLLOW THESE RULES
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DANGERS OF OIL
- Don’t leave oily rags out. They can spontaneously combust! (see how)
- As oily rags begin to dry, heat is produced. If they’re in a pile, the air flow is limited so oxygen gets trapped underneath. The combination of heat, oxygen and the cloth can lead to spontaneous combustion.
- Never store rags in a pile. Used rags should be spread out in a safe flat area to dry. If you lay them out on your garage floor or driveway, weight them down so they don’t blow away.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some use different oils in their products, it’s important to follow specific warnings and disposal instructions.
- Store the rags in an airtight, non-combustible metal container. If you plan to use your rags later, this step is critical.
- The metal container should be filled with a solution of water and oil-breaking detergent (Dawn, etc.)
- Don’t use unmarked containers. Having access to the original label on the container is important for safety. Be sure to label all the containers in full, so anyone can read what is inside it.
- Don't clean up at the kitchen sink. Use a sink that is located elsewhere – garage, basement, or bathroom/bathtub.
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WASTE DISPOSAL
In your home studio, less is more. It is best if you can plan to avoid the issues associated with disposal of hazardous materials all together. When waste is produced, the disposal method with the least impact on the environment must be chosen. This moral imperative is coupled with your local legal requirements, so you don't harm yourself, your neighbors or the environment. Waste disposal instructions can be obtained from the manufacturer of the product, product safety data sheets (SDS), and your local landfill or water treatment plant. Requirements are different in every state, so be sure to check!
In your home studio, less is more. It is best if you can plan to avoid the issues associated with disposal of hazardous materials all together. When waste is produced, the disposal method with the least impact on the environment must be chosen. This moral imperative is coupled with your local legal requirements, so you don't harm yourself, your neighbors or the environment. Waste disposal instructions can be obtained from the manufacturer of the product, product safety data sheets (SDS), and your local landfill or water treatment plant. Requirements are different in every state, so be sure to check!
It is generally safe to throw away a solid, dry material. Just let the solution evaporate.
When fully dry, the solid material can be disposed of with other household trash.
When fully dry, the solid material can be disposed of with other household trash.
Small amounts of solvent-based products can usually be allowed to evaporate. After drying completely, the container can be disposed of in the normal trash. Large volumes of these products are considered hazardous and should be taken to a local Hazardous Waste Collection Center.
Wastewater Disposal
Many at-home-printing processes create contaminated wastewater. If you are using water-soluble inks or paints, you don't have anything to worry about! If you are using oil-based materials, solvents or other hazardous materials, you cannot pour that waste down the drain.
General Rules about Wastewater
When possible, avoid using the kitchen sink. It is safer to use a sink or tub in the bathroom, basement or garage.
Wastewater Disposal
Many at-home-printing processes create contaminated wastewater. If you are using water-soluble inks or paints, you don't have anything to worry about! If you are using oil-based materials, solvents or other hazardous materials, you cannot pour that waste down the drain.
General Rules about Wastewater
- Storm drains - Never pour waste directly down a storm drain.
- Septic tanks - Learn if your studio is connected to a septic tank. Wastewater with hazardous products is not allowed in septic tanks.
- Sanitary sewer - Learn if your studio is connected to a sewer. Almost no wastewater contaminated with hazardous is allowed in the sanitary sewer.
When possible, avoid using the kitchen sink. It is safer to use a sink or tub in the bathroom, basement or garage.
COMMON QUESTIONS (in progress...)
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Learn about Art & Creative Materials Institute’s (ACMI) seals found on many artist material labels.
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STORAGE
How can I safely store art supplies at home?
Buying Ink and Paint in Tubes – Nothing is needed really just keep them lid on so it is airtight. Tubes are the best way to eliminate skin is to have your ink in tubes. With tubes, there is almost zero waste, and a 1/4 tube of ink will keep the ink fresh for many years.
Filling Empty Paint Tubes – A good way to store ink are empty Artist Paint tubes. They are available in most art supply houses, and can be boughtin bulk.
Inks in Cans – Use a Wax Paper "Skin." Cut a circle of wax paper the same size as the can. Then smooth the top of the ink in the can with an ink knife, and put the wax paper right on top of the ink. Stored that way, it’ll keep for a long, long time.
Saran Wrap – Whether it’s new ink in a can, or mixed ink in a paper cup or small tin, the saran wrap molds to the surface tightly. You can easily remove air bubbles as you put it on the ink. When you’re ready to use the ink next time, slide the saran wrap out, scraping the good ink off.
How can I safely store art supplies at home?
Buying Ink and Paint in Tubes – Nothing is needed really just keep them lid on so it is airtight. Tubes are the best way to eliminate skin is to have your ink in tubes. With tubes, there is almost zero waste, and a 1/4 tube of ink will keep the ink fresh for many years.
Filling Empty Paint Tubes – A good way to store ink are empty Artist Paint tubes. They are available in most art supply houses, and can be boughtin bulk.
Inks in Cans – Use a Wax Paper "Skin." Cut a circle of wax paper the same size as the can. Then smooth the top of the ink in the can with an ink knife, and put the wax paper right on top of the ink. Stored that way, it’ll keep for a long, long time.
Saran Wrap – Whether it’s new ink in a can, or mixed ink in a paper cup or small tin, the saran wrap molds to the surface tightly. You can easily remove air bubbles as you put it on the ink. When you’re ready to use the ink next time, slide the saran wrap out, scraping the good ink off.
OTHER RESOURCES
SOLVENT INFO
WATER-SOLUBLE + WATER-BASED SAFETY GUIDES
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SAFETY PRESENTATIONS
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