Review the Step 1 activity checkpoints before doing these activities.
(There are no Step 2 activity checkpoints for this activity.)

Planning and Supervision

£     Age-appropriate materials and tools are used. For example, with younger girls, use water-based paints and products that are easily removed from clothes and scissors with blunt ends.

£     For activities beyond those described in the Girl Scout hand books and other related materials, the instructor must have documented experience indicating knowledge and skill in teaching arts and crafts.

£     The instructor teaches girls the basic skills and demonstrates the safe use and care of equipment— for example, cutting tools are used with the blade away from the body.

£     Activities are appropriate to each girl’s age, experience with tools, attention span, and the complexity of the project.

£     Use of cutting tools, hammers, and spray paints is carefully supervised.

£     Supervision is increased when advanced equipment, such as soldering irons, burners, or power saws, is used.

£     Kilns are ventilated, and children using them are directly supervised. Girls wash their hands after using potentially toxic supplies.

£     Girls wash their hands after using potentially toxic supplies.

Clothing

£     Girls wear appropriate protective clothing, such as gloves for handling hot objects and masks or goggles for protection against sparks, dust, fumes, or debris.

£     Long hair is tied back. Girls do not wear loose clothing or jewelry when using machinery or tools with moving parts.

Equipment and Materials

£     Art materials are purchased from reputable sources, such as school supply houses. Product labels clearly indicate what the material is and how to write or call the manufacturer.

£     Girls never use donated or discarded material whose ingredients are not known; very old or unlabeled materials may be toxic and are not used.

£     Care is taken to protect children from dyes, pigments, preservatives, and other chemicals that may provoke allergies. Children who are physically or psychologically disabled, or who are on medication, may be at greater risk from toxic materials. The following materials may be used only after girls have received adequate safety instruction:

§         Dusts or powders that can be inhaled or that can get in the eyes.

§         Organic solvents, volatile glues, or solvent-containing products such as aerosol sprays.

§         Anything that stains the skin or clothing (or that cannot be washed out of clothing).

§         Acids, alkalis, bleaches, or other irritating or corrosive chemicals.

§         Safety tips for handling and storing equipment and supplies:

§         Equipment and supplies are locked in a storage area whenever possible.

§         Safety and operating instructions for dangerous equipment (for example, power tools, kilns) are reviewed and posted.

§         Scissors, knives, and other cut ting tools are cleaned, oiled, and sharpened, as needed.

§         Flammable materials, such as paints and solvents, are labeled and stored in a dry, well-ventilated area out of the reach of young children.

§         Equipment and supplies are used for their intended purpose only.

§         Turpentine or paint thinner may be used as a paint solvent with adequate ventilation. Gasoline is never used as a paint solvent.

§         Solvent- or oil-soaked rags are kept in waste cans that meet fire safety codes and are emptied daily.

§         Containers of solvents are covered. They evaporate quickly, and inhalation can be hazardous.

§         When girls gather natural materials, conservation principles are taught and practiced.

§         Manufacturers’ labels on paints, chemicals, and aerosol cans are read before product use. Use these substances in well-ventilated areas only. Do not expose to a flame.

§         When transferring substances into other containers, label each container as to content and procedures for use and disposal.

Site

£     Girls have sufficient space to move around while working; there is space for table work for each girl, when appropriate.

£     Work sites are well ventilated for activities involving hazardous materials and spray paints (for example, turpentine, spray fixatives, varnishes) or ceramic dust.

£     Flammable material is used only in work spaces away from ignition sources such as open flames, heaters, and candles.

£     Provision is made for proper and safe disposal of all waste materials.

£     Fire exits are clearly marked, and fire safety equipment is on hand.

£     Food and beverages are not consumed in activity areas.

Emergency Procedures and First Aid

£     When specialized equipment, power machinery, or chemicals are being used, a first-aider is present.

£     Emergency procedures are clearly posted for swallowing a chemical, getting a chemical in the eyes, skin contact with a chemical, etc.

National Organization

National Safety Council (www.usc.org).

These pages are for check-list purposes only. Please refer to your Safety-Wise book to make sure the checklist information is current and accurate.
These pages are not endorsed by Girl Scouts of the USA.  'Girl Scouts' and 'Girl Scouts of the USA' are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Girl Scouts of the USA.

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