The mixing of glazes and the handling of dry clay may expose workers to crystalline silica dust, which is linked to silicosis – a serious lung disease. In compliance with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Part 4.5 – Crystalline silica) (the OHS Regulations) and the criteria referred to in regulation 319J(2) of the OHS Regulations, the department has determined that the crystalline silica processes undertaken as part of pottery ceramics classes across schools in Victoria are not considered to be high-risk crystalline silica work as defined in the OHS Regulations.
Policy
This policy outlines the occupational health, safety and wellbeing requirements relating to teaching visual and performing arts in schools and provides guidance to schools in ensuring safe environments and equipment in these settings.
Summary
- The department must maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a safe and healthy working environment for employees that is without risk.
- The principal or their delegate must identify and manage risks associated with teaching visual and performing arts in schools. This must be done in consultation with school staff who are or are likely to be affected, and the health and safety representative (HSR), where elected.
- School staff must prioritise health and safety when engaging in activities related to visual and performing arts and must take reasonable care for their health and safety and those of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions while at work.
- Tasks and activities that may create health risks or potential injury must be documented in the school's Occupational health and safety (OHS) risk register.
- The Statewide OHS Services and theOHS Advisory can provide free hands-on services to complete OHS tasks, including onsite support for managing risks associated with visual and performing arts.
- The Visual and Performing Arts - Safety Procedure outlines how to identify, assess, control and monitor the hazards and risks of visual and performing arts programs in schools.
Details
A curriculum that offers visual and performing art classes creates a unique opportunity to engage students in the arts. Visual arts include subjects such as ceramics, painting, drawing, filmmaking, design, crafts and photography. Performing arts includes subjects such as dance, drama and music. There are hazards and risks associated with these subjects that pose specific risks that may not be present in other teaching environments. This policy and procedure will assist staff to manage these risks to ensure a healthy and safe school to teach and learn in.
Roles and responsibilities in managing risks related to visual and performing arts
Under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 2004 managing the risks of teaching visual and performing arts curriculum is a shared responsibility between the department, the principal or delegate and relevant school staff.
Department roles and responsibilities
The department must maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a safe and healthy working environment for school staff.
Principal or delegate roles and responsibilities
The principal or their delegate must, in consultation with school staff who are or are likely to be affected, and HSRs, where elected, are to assess and control risks related to visual and performing arts programs.
School staff roles and responsibilities
School staff must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Any school staff member who identifies or observes a hazard must notify the principal or their delegate using the most appropriate method, considering the risks in the specific circumstances, and report it in eduSafe .
Key requirements to manage visual and performing arts risk
Schools must:
- identify and assess hazards and document risk controls related to the teaching of visual and performing arts in the OHS risk , and manage identified risks in line with the OHS Risk Planning and Management policy.
- consult with relevant staff and HSRs as per the OHS Consultation and Communication policy.
- consider development of a Safe Work Procedure where activities or tasks are assessed by staff to have a high or extreme level of risk.
- identify and schedule relevant OHS training for school staff who teach visual and performing arts subjects. Refer to OHS Induction and Training for School Staff.
- Conduct and complete workplace safety inspections at least once a term using the art design and technology safety inspection checklists. Refer to Workplace Safety Inspections.
- identify, assess and manage all items of plant and equipment used for teaching visual and performing arts. Refer to Plant and Equipment Management.
- record relevant items of plant and equipment in the school Plant and Equipment Register .
- isolate and tag out unsafe plant or equipment. Refer to Plant and Equipment Management and Equipment Isolation and Tag Out.
- identify, assess and manage all risks associated with hazardous substances and dangerous goods. Refer to Chemical Management.
- manage and monitor contractors engaged to undertake installation or maintenance of plant and equipment. Refer to Contractor OHS Management.
Department supports for schools
Panel agreements for suppliers
The Art Supplies is optional for schools to use to purchase and procure art supplies from appointed suppliers under a contract arrangement with agreed terms and conditions, such as pricing. For help with engaging one of the 9 suppliers from the panel, refer to the art supplies panel on Department-managed . This page contains links to the art supplies panel and other information including the pricing (XLSX) and frequently asked (DOCX). The Standing Offer for the Provision of Art Supplies Goods and Services to Victorian Government (PDF) includes the requirement for art suppliers under the panel agreement to reduce or eliminate risks to health and safety as far as is reasonably practicable.
Schools can use the State Purchase Contract for a range of stationery items and health and safety supplies including writing materials, paper, office products, computer accessories, and education supplies. For more information, refer to Stationery FAQs .
Statewide OHS services team – hands-on services with OHS tasks
The department provides a range of supports and services to assist principals and school staff to stay safe and well. This includes access to the Statewide OHS Services and theOHS Advisory , who can provide hands-on services to complete OHS tasks, including onsite support for managing risks associated with visual and performing arts. School leaders can request support for the school’s OHS needs including help with compiling registers, support with eduSafe Plus and creating safe work procedures (SWPs) for hazardous equipment. Refer to OHS Services for (PDF).
Using eduSafe to report and manage identified hazards allows the Statewide OHS Services Team to provide more targeted assistance and advice. Guidance for reporting and managing hazards on eduSafe Plus is located in the How to report a workplace hazard guide (staff login required) on the knowledge base in eduSafe Plus.
Definitions
Dangerous goods
Dangerous goods are substances that may present an immediate safety hazard to people, property or the environment during transport or storage. They include the flowing classifications:
- explosive
- flammable gas, non-flammable, non-toxic gas
- toxic gas
- flammable liquid
- flammable solids, spontaneously combustible, dangerous when wet
- oxidizing agent, organic peroxide
- toxic
- radioactive
- corrosive
- miscellaneous dangerous goods.
For further information, refer to Chemical Management.
Hazard
Anything with the potential to cause harm, injury, or illness.
Hazardous noise
Regulations in Victoria limit exposure to 85 decibels (dB) averaged over 8 hours. Exposure to noise levels over this will lead to permanent damage and are considered hazardous. To determine if noise is at a hazardous level, workplace monitoring can be undertaken.
Hazardous substances
Substances that can harm people's health and can be solids, liquids or gases. They are often in the form of fumes, dust, mists and vapours. Examples of hazardous substances common to visual and performing arts include but not limited to:
- Spray adhesives and epoxy glues
- Fumes created by 3D printers.
Performing arts
Creative art activities such as dance, music, or drama.
Plant and equipment
Plant and equipment includes equipment that lifts or moves people, materials or objects. This can include rigging, hoists or cranes. Powered mobile plant equipment such as elevated work platforms. Power tools and equipment that drill, punch or grind wood or metal.
Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
A document that describes the high-risk construction work (under OHS Regulations) being performed, the health and safety risks associated with the work and the risk control measures that will be applied to ensure the work is carried out in a safe manner.
High-risk construction work involves activities such as:
- where there is a risk of a person falling more than 2 meters
- at workplaces where there is any movement of powered mobile plant
- involving demolition
- involving a confined space
- involving removal or disturbance of asbestos.
Safe Work Procedure (SWP)
Is a step-by-step guide designed to ensure tasks or activities are carried out safely and effectively. It outlines the correct way to use equipment, perform tasks, and handle materials to minimise risks and prevent injury. SWPs help promote consistency, prevent accidents, and support a safe working environment for everyone involved.
In schools, SWPs should be tailored to suit the unique needs of the environment, equipment, and activities. This ensures that staff and students can perform tasks safely and confidently while addressing specific hazards relevant to the school setting.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A document prepared by the manufacturer, importer or supplier of a dangerous good, hazardous substance or other chemicals. A SDS describes the properties and uses of a particular substance including details about substance identity, chemical and physical properties, health hazard information and precautions for storage, use and safe handling.
Visual arts
Creative art activities such as ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, architecture, printmaking, photography, videography, design and crafts.
Voice care
Voice care refers to caring for the voice by paying attention to signs such as hoarseness, croakiness or a husky voice, changes in voice pitch and burning or dry sensations. Noticing signs is the first step to initiating strategies to protect and care for voice health. Preventive strategies can also be used to avoid symptoms occurring or developing.
Related policies
- Chemical Management
- Contractor OHS Management
- Equipment Isolation and Tag Out
- Manual Handling
- Noise Management
- Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Management in Schools
- OHS Induction and Training
- OHS Purchasing
- OHS Risk Planning and Management
- Prevention of Falls when Working at Heights
- School Councils and Contractors
- Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention
- Voice Care for Teachers
- Volunteer OHS Management
- Workplace Safety Inspections
Relevant legislation
Reviewed 03 November 2025