Below are a few general rules which should apply to all art materials, whether hazardous or not. These should be supplemented, of course, by the more detailed instructions which appear on products considered to represent particular risk of adverse effects.

• Do not eat, drink or smoke while painting.

• Wash hands thoroughly after painting.

• Do no "point up" brushes by wetting the bristles with your mouth.

• Provide plenty of fresh air ventilation and circulation in the studio or classroom. Whenever possible, use an exterior vented exhaust system.

• Keep all materials, solvents in particular, well out of reach of small children.

• Keep all materials, solvents in particular, tightly capped when not in use.

• Do not pour out more solvent than necessary for a single painting session.

• If paint, or solvents in particular, are splashed onto the skin, thoroughly wash the affected area.

• Refrain from applying paint with your fingers.

• Avoid prolonged inhalation of paint and solvent fumes.

• Never sleep in your studio without first removing paint materials to another room and, in particular, be sure to dispose of all unused solvents.

• Clean up all spills properly (follow procedures on material safety data sheet or label), and in a timely manner.

• Store soiled painting rags and disposable palette sheets in an airtight metal container. Better yet, dispose of them in an appropriate manner. (May need to determine if rags are considered hazardous waste.)

• Do not expose solvents or paints to open flame or excessive heat sources.

• When using powdered pigments or paint, or when spraying paint (i.e. airbrushing), take great care to avoid inhalation. It is preferable to complete this type of work in a spray paint booth.

• Try to choose less hazardous products whenever possible. (For example: choose a water-based rubber cement, lead-free glazes, low odor markers, etc.)

• Be sure material safety data sheets (MSDS) are available for all hazardous products used.

• Be sure all chemical containers are labeled properly (include name of product and primary warning associated with the chemical).