The environment of the GSD is creative and productive, one within which a variety of materials and methods are explored as a means of expression and invention. Many of the materials and methods engaged are inherently hazardous. In order to support the activity that takes place while balancing concern for public, personal, and environmental health, safety, and civility, the GSD maintains a campus-wide policy regarding hazardous materials and activities in keeping with the Harvard University Environmental Health and Safety Policy.
Policy on Hazardous Materials
Whereas matters of health, safety, and civility are paramount, the presence of substances which are hazardous, in even small amounts, must be regulated; the presence of substances which are considered obnoxious must be minimized. Striving to be a model for a safe and productive environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, all members of the GSD community are expected to be mindful of their actions with regard to Community Values Statement and the Harvard University Environmental Health and Safety Policy, abstaining from practices which create conditions detrimental to the academic pursuits of others, and adopting practices which advance creative production in a responsible manner.
Please speak with a member of Fabrication Lab staff if you have any questions or concerns related to this policy.
Failure to comply with this policy or the guidance below, may result in disciplinary action.
Known Hazards and Guidance
The GSD recognizes a number of known hazards and provides the following guidance:
- Individuals occupying spaces where hazards are present should limit their own exposure and inform themselves of potential risks.
- Individuals are expected to be in compliance with posted Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Manufacturer’s Recommendations, and Regulations as related to material use, storage, and disposal. Facilities provided by the GSD may not be adequate to support all activities in a safe and responsible manner, restricting these activities from taking place on the GSD campus.
- The introduction of a new material or material processes must be brought to the attention of Fabrication Lab staff for review of potential hazards and available resources. As necessary, Environmental Health and Safety professionals will be consulted for further evaluation and guidance. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is required to be on file for any material on the GSD campus.
- To evaluate conditions for use of a particular material that does not have an existing SOP, consult the Flow Chart. An SOP written by Fabrication Lab Staff may be required for some materials and methods, and may require acknowledgement by faculty instructor, adviser, or principal investigator.
- The production and use of materials that are generated using microorganisms such as fungi (including yeast), bacteria, and algae requires a consultation with Fabrication Lab Staff.
- The use of two-part casting resins require a consultation with Fabrication Lab Staff before use.
- Spray paint and other aerosols, solvent-based coatings, casting resin and other thermoset plastics, and any other substance that produces obnoxious or hazardous emissions must, at minimum, be used in a spray booth or outdoors at least 25 feet away from all buildings and occupied areas. Two spray booth locations are available in Gund Hall: Spray Room (518) and the Project Room (L31).
- Only materials that have been approved by Fabrication Lab staff are permitted to be cut with laser cutting equipment. All use of the laser cutting equipment must be done with dedicated local exhaust and in observance of all safe practices addressed in the Laser Cutting Safety Training.
- Only polystyrene foam is permitted to be cut with hot wire cutting equipment. All use of hot wire cutting equipment must be done with dedicated local exhaust. In Gund Hall, the north alcoves of the 3rd and 5th floor studios have dedicated local exhaust.
- Hot work and activities that produce sparks, such as welding, grinding, use of an open flame, heat gun, or hotplate, must take place in the Metal Shop (L31a) welding hood. Each session of hot work must be approved by Fabrication Lab staff in advance and supervised by a trained Fire Watch. Use of soldering irons must be performed with dedicated local exhaust. No hot work is allowed in spray booths or areas where materials of high flammability are present.
- The creation of dust and air-borne particulate must be done outdoors, at least 25 feet away from all buildings and occupied areas, or indoors with the application of dedicated dust collection. This includes sanding by hand or with power tools, cutting plaster- or cement-based items with dry methods, and mixing dry plaster or cement with water for casting or other wet applications.
To reinforce practices in keeping with the above, the Fabrication Lab requires all individuals to complete an online course through the Harvard Training Portal. Visit the GSD Fabrication Lab Group Page for more information and links to the required course.