Health & Safety
Quick links:
- Material Safety Data Sheets
- General Certificates of Compliance
Important safety information
This section of our web-site contains information that is important
to all that work with ceramic products. Please read each section
thoroughly.
To download a copy of our Health and Safety Bulletin (XC-14) - click here. |  |
To contact Mayco's Technical Service Department directly by calling 614-675-2031 or by contacting us by e-mail.
Quality Standards
Spraying of Glazes
Product Labeling
School Use
Unlabeled Containers
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS Sheets)
Commercial Sales of Dinnerware
Quality Standards
Ceramics is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable of all hobbies,
and one of the safest, if some simple common-sense precautions are
taken. Countless ceramic pieces have been produced without any health
or safety problems, but ceramists, as well as those in virtually
every activity, must take some responsibility for safe practices.
Our Health and Safety Bulletin is written for that purpose. In addition
to this bulletin, we urge you to read other health and safety information,
and to talk to your dealer, distributor or certified ceramics teacher
about the safe use of ceramic products.
Ceramic hobby glazes are manufactured with a variety of raw materials. Most are mined and extracted from the ground. Some of these materials can be classified as toxic and if misused, can be dangerous. The key to safe use of all art materials starts with education and training. Mayco Colors strongly urges you to take classes and attend certification programs before undertaking this hobby. Contact your Mayco distributor for information on seminars in your area.
All Mayco products meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Because of the variability in the chemical content of slip, the temperature uniformity in kilns, the organic materials used in glazes and other variables, we strongly recommend test firing of any glaze or technique that is new to the user. It is the responsibility of the end user to ensure that the Mayco product purchased is suitable for the project being executed. Mayco cannot be responsible for any incidental or consequential damages that result in whole or in part from user application and technique.
Spraying of Glazes
Mayco does not recommend to spraying or airbrushing any ceramic
product. Mayco products are designed for brush application. Spraying
or airbrushing glaze might allow you to inhale lead or other potentially
harmful materials. For your own safety and that of others in your
business or household, do not spray or airbrush any product labeled
as "Do Not Spray". Commercial ceramic production facilities
do spray lead-bearing glazes, but those facilities must conform
to OSHA regulations that include the use of respirators, medical
monitoring, hygiene guidelines and other safety equipment. For more
information, contact OSHA.
Product Labeling
Always read label instructions thoroughly. Mayco Colors' products
are labeled for material safety. We list toxicity information to
meet the standards for health labeling established by the American
Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). ASTM reference D-4236
establishes toxicological review and labeling requirements. All
Mayco products are labeled with either a Non-Toxic seal or a Health
Caution seal. If you are using a product that has a Non-Toxic seal,
the product has been reviewed by a certified toxicologist and deemed
to have no health risk associated with the proper use of that material.
Therefore, the product can be sold to any school, healthcare facility
or institution. A product that is marked with a Health Caution Seal
will have a health warning and information regarding its use.
"Food safe" OR "dinnerware safe" are terms that indicate a glaze when applied and fired properly, will, to the best of our knowledge, meet FDA standards for lead release. Food safe glazes may be used to make dinnerware and other items for food and beverage services.
School Use
Health care facilities, institutions and schools in grades K-6 are
prohibited from using toxic materials, and should only use products
labels as Non-Toxic. Keep glazes out of reach of children. For children's
craft or ceramic projects, use only certified Non-Toxic products.
Allow children to use them only under supervision.
Unlabeled Containers
Do not transfer glaze to unlabeled containers. All glazes and art
materials are required to be labeled. It is illegal to re-pack an
art material into unlabeled containers for resale. If you transfer
product to a working container or palette, be sure to dispose of
any unused material properly. It is best not to put it back in the
jar, as you may contaminate the product in the original container.
Material Safety Data Sheets
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are available here
on our web-site, and can be obtained by contacting Mayco's customer
service department.
Commercial Sales of Dinnerware
If you resell ceramic ware, Mayco strongly urges you to be aware
of the requirements for the manufacture and resale of ceramic dinnerware.
The FDA holds the producer of dinnerware responsible for having
their own dinnerware lead tested to comply with lead release limits
before the ware is sold. Producers of ceramic dinnerware must implement:
appropriate firing controls (bisque and glaze fire), controls for
thickness of application, controls for kiln loading and other methods
to meet the release standards.
Guidelines may be obtained from the Food and Drug Administration. (Note: Labeling laws in California vary from the FDA guidelines and California ceramic manufacturers should be aware of those requirements in addition to FDA requirements.)
Please note that hobbyists, artists, and studios in which ceramics are made are not considered to be selling ceramic dinnerware and are not required to have lead release testing done. Hobbyists can continue to use the information on product labels as their guide for glazing items to be used for food service.
We are very concerned about the safe use of Mayco products. Should you ever discover a situation that you think might be hazardous in any way, we urge you to contact us. We also expect that consumers purchasing and using our products will have enough training and education in ceramics to be able to use them without endangering themselves or others. If you are not comfortable using ceramic products, you can obtain proper training through qualified dealers and distributors and our seminar program.
Mayco cannot be responsible for those who fail to follow safe practices or label instructions. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a knowledgeable dealer, distributor, ceramics teacher or the Mayco Research and Development Department.
May you have many years of enjoyment from the
wonderful and rewarding hobby of ceramics.