Working Safely at Firebox

A practical guide for students and members

Firebox is a shared ceramics studio. Safe habits protect everyone, keep the studio accessible, and help us keep tuition and membership costs under control. Please follow this guide during class and independent practice.

Quick essentials: Buy clay in KilnFire before taking it, keep clay out of every kitchen and bathroom sink, use the three-bucket cleanup system, wet-clean your space, and wash your hands in the studio sink before leaving or eating.

Before you begin

  • Wear closed-toe shoes.
  • Tie back long hair.
  • Secure loose sleeves, scarves, clothing, and jewelry before using studio equipment.
  • Put coats and other outerwear on the coat rack in the reception area.
  • Use equipment only after you have received the appropriate instruction or orientation.

KilnFire: set up quick access on your phone

KilnFire is a website, not an App Store or Google Play download. Firebox will create your account and send you an invitation to set your password.

Visit fireboxpotterystudio.kilnfire.com and sign in.

iPhone or iPad

  1. Open the KilnFire page in Safari.
  2. Tap the Share button.
  3. Select Add to Home Screen.
  4. Tap Add.

Android

  1. Open the KilnFire page in Chrome.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu.
  3. Select Add to Home screen or Install app.
  4. Confirm the installation.

The KilnFire icon will then open from your home screen like an app.

Buying and picking up clay

Firebox-approved clay is stored in appropriately marked closets in the reception area.

  1. Open KilnFire and go to Shop Supplies.
  2. Select Clay, choose the clay body and quantity, and pay online.
  3. Take the matching bag from the marked reception-area closet.

Firebox does not currently have a receptionist or cashier onsite. KilnFire is how clay purchases and inventory are recorded, so please complete your purchase before taking a bag. There is no in-person payment option.

Repeated missing or unaccounted-for clay bags may require Firebox to staff the facility, which would increase operating costs and could lead to higher tuition or membership fees. If KilnFire is not working, contact your instructor or Firebox before taking clay.

Tools

Students

Community tools are available for students. At the end of class:

  • Clean every tool thoroughly.
  • Return it to the appropriately color-coded bucket.
  • Do not leave community tools at a wheel, table, sink, or in personal storage.

Members

Members are expected to own, maintain, and use their own tools and work processes. Community class tools are reserved for students.

Buying Kemper tools

Students and members may purchase Kemper tools through KilnFire using the honor system. The tools are in a marked closet in the reception area. Pay in KilnFire before taking a tool.

Equipment and problems

Use equipment only after instruction or orientation. Kilns and the pug mill are staff-only equipment.

If equipment is damaged, malfunctioning, or behaving unexpectedly:

  • Stop using it.
  • Do not attempt to repair, adjust, or troubleshoot it yourself.
  • Tell your instructor, who can escalate the issue to the manager, or email manager@fireboxpotterystudio.com.

Clay cleanup: the three-bucket system

No clay should go down the kitchen sink or the bathroom sink. Ceramics tools must never be washed in the kitchen sink.

Use the labeled cleanup buckets in order:

Bucket 1 — RECLAIM

  • Put reusable clay and heavy clay residue here.
  • White and brown clay are separated in appropriately color-coded reclaim buckets.
  • Porcelain has its own separate reclaim. Do not mix clay bodies.
  • Do not add glaze, underglaze, plaster, wax, trash, or other contaminants.

Bucket 2 — PRE-WASH

  • Use this bucket to remove the remaining clay from tools and hands.
  • Do not add water to this bucket.

Bucket 3 — RINSE

  • Use this bucket for the final bucket rinse.
  • Do not add water to this bucket.

Firebox may provide a separate bucket of clean water for convenience. You may also get clean water from the sink in the middle of the studio.

Only after visible clay has been removed through the bucket system should visibly clean tools receive a brief final rinse in the studio sink. Wash your hands with soap and water in the studio sink.

Detailed glaze-handling guidance will be provided in a future update. Until then, follow your instructor's directions and ask before disposing of glaze, underglaze, or glaze water.

Keep clay dust out of the air

  • Clean wheels, tables, stools, splash pans, and floors with wet methods.
  • Do not dry sweep, dry brush, or blow clay dust.
  • Do not dry-sand ceramic work unless an instructor has approved the process and appropriate dust controls are in place.
  • Leave your work area ready for the next person.

Food and drinks

Food and water may be consumed in the kitchen and reception areas. Eating and drinking in studio work areas is prohibited because ceramics work involves clay, dust, and glazes that may contain heavy metals or other hazardous materials.

Before eating or drinking:

  • Remove visible clay and wash your hands with soap and water in the studio sink.
  • Keep clay-covered tools, aprons, and materials out of the kitchen.
  • Never wash ceramics tools in the kitchen sink.

Studio access during the lock transition

Firebox is working on replacing the locks and expects the change soon. In the meantime, email manager@fireboxpotterystudio.com to coordinate a time when the studio will be open for practice. The studio is typically available after 10 a.m., but please confirm before coming.

Emergencies and evacuation

In an emergency, use the nearest safe exit:

  • the rear egress at the back of the building, or
  • straight out the front door.

Gather on the sidewalk outside the studio — not on a neighbor's property — and remain there so everyone can be accounted for. Do not re-enter until it is safe to do so.

A fire extinguisher is located next to the supplies shelf. Your first priorities are to alert others, evacuate, and call 911. Do not attempt to fight a fire unless it is safe and you know how to use the extinguisher.

Report injuries, spills, equipment damage, and other safety concerns to your instructor or manager@fireboxpotterystudio.com.

Before you leave

  • Return work and personal materials to their designated storage areas.
  • Clean your wheel, table, tools, splash pan, stool, and surrounding floor using wet methods.
  • Put reclaim in the correct clay-body bucket.
  • Use PRE-WASH, then RINSE; do not add water to either bucket.
  • Return student community tools to their color-coded buckets.
  • Wash your hands in the studio sink.
  • Check that your area is ready for the next person.

Questions about access, safety, or equipment: manager@fireboxpotterystudio.com

Feedback about the studio experience: director@fireboxpotterystudio.com