WARRANDYTE POTTERY STUDIO
STUDIO ACCESS & SAFETY PROCEDURES
Emergency & Incident Response Policy and Procedure
Effective as of: June 2022
Prepared by: Gabriela Mello, Studio Owner
Reviewed annually or as required
Warrandyte Pottery Studio maintains clear procedures and responsibilities for managing emergencies and incidents that occur as a result of the studio's operations, facilities, equipment, or materials under its direct control.
This policy applies to situations where the studio has a duty of care and will guide the response, documentation, and, where applicable, reporting and follow-up.
The studio is not responsible for incidents resulting from user negligence, unauthorised use of equipment, personal property, or external factors beyond the studio’s control.
Purpose
This document outlines the procedures and responsibilities in the event of an emergency or incident at Warrandyte Pottery Studio. It ensures all staff, members, and visitors are aware of the correct actions to take to ensure safety, comply with WorkSafe Victoria regulations, and provide timely communication and resolution.
WorkSafe & Insurance
Warrandyte Pottery Studio is covered by WorkSafe Insurance via Allianz.
All workplace incidents involving injury or risk must be documented and may need to be reported to WorkSafe Victoria if they meet the threshold for notifiable incidents.
Any incident requiring medical treatment, hospitalisation, or involving electrical/fire hazards must be reported to Gabie and may trigger a report to WorkSafe Victoria.
Emergency Contacts
Internal Studio Contacts
Gabie Mello (Studio Owner): 0468 332 290 | studio@warrandytepottery.com.au
Drew (Studio Owner): 0432 347 084
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 000
Incident Response Procedure
Step 1: Immediate Safety First
Assess the situation. If life or safety is at risk, call 000 immediately.
Alert others in the studio to evacuate if necessary. Take first aide kit located under kitchen sink if appropriate.
Step 2: Evacuate if Needed
Use either:
Main front entrance, or
Side kitchen exit (between wheel room and back room)
Assemble outside the front gate.
Do not re-enter the building until cleared by emergency services or studio staff.
Step 3: Administer First Aid
Basic First Aid Kit is located under the kitchen sink.
Only provide first aid if trained. Otherwise, call emergency services for support.
Step 4: Notify Studio Owner
Call or message Gabie or Drew immediately.
Note the:
Time of incident
Nature of the emergency
Individuals involved
Any medical attention given or required
Step 5: Record the Incident
All incidents must be recorded via email.
For injuries or near misses, email Gabie at studio@warrandytepottery.com.au or use WhatsApp.
Electrical Faults & Safety
Turn off the power at the switchboard if safe to do so.
Do not attempt repairs.
Notify Gabie or Drew immediately.
Document the fault and actions taken in the incident log.
Hazardous Material Management
Glaze materials, kiln wash, and cleaning products must be stored safely and labelled clearly.
In case of a chemical spill:
Ventilate the area
Use appropriate protective gloves/masks if necessary
Contain the spill with sand, rags, or absorbent material
Dispose of contaminated materials safely
Report the incident
Fire Response
Fire extinguishers are located in:
Wheel room
Fire blanket is under the kitchen sink
If safe, use the PASS method to extinguish a small fire:
Pull the pin
Aim at base
Squeeze handle
Sweep side to side
Evacuate and call 000 if unsure or fire is unmanageable.
Mental Health or Distress Incidents
Stay calm and grounded; offer the person space and support.
If urgent, contact 000 or a mental health crisis service.
Inform Gabie immediately for follow-up and support.
Follow-Up Procedures
Incident reports are reviewed by the studio team.
If relevant, the event is reported to:
WorkSafe Victoria
Relevant governing bodies where appropriate
Recommendations or changes to studio policy may be made based on the incident.
Preventative Measures
Annual safety reviews
Clear signage for exits and procedures
Regular maintenance and equipment checks
Clear instructions for safe material and tool use
Studio induction for all new members
All users are expected to familiarise themselves with studio safety protocols and behave in accordance with established procedures at all times.
Sign In & Out
All users must sign in and out via the QR Code located at the studio door. This helps us ensure that everyone is accounted for in the event of an emergency, especially during unstaffed hours (weekends and after hours). Failure to sign out may result in a follow-up call to confirm your safety.
Fire Safety
Fire Protection
● Fire sprinklers are installed throughout the building and will activate automatically if
triggered.
● There is a fire extinguisher located in:
○ The Wheel Room
● A fire blanket is located under the kitchen sink.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher (PASS Method)
1. Pull the pin
2. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
3. Squeeze the handle
4. Sweep side to side
Use only if safe to do so. Prioritize evacuation and alerting emergency services.
3. Emergency Exits
There are two emergency exits:
● Gallery entrance
● Studio via the kitchen (between the wheel room and back room)
Keep all exit pathways clear at all times. In an emergency, evacuate the building immediately
and gather outside on the grass in front of the gate to the car park on Wongium Wilam
reserve or in the car park behind Fletcher's real estate.
4. Equipment Use Guidelines
Permitted Without Staff Present
● Electric Heat Gun
Use with caution:
○ Do not touch the metal nozzle – it becomes extremely hot.
○ Do not place on plastic splash pans or near areas where others may
accidentally touch it.
○ Unplug immediately after use.
Not Permitted Without Staff Present
● No gas or fire-based tools may be used unless:
○ It’s during a class or workshop, or
○ You’ve received explicit permission from the studio owners.
5. First Aid & Emergency Supplies
● A basic First Aid Kit is located under the kitchen sink
● A torch is also stored there in case of power outage
6. Reporting Hazards or Incidents
If something goes wrong—equipment malfunction, injury, or safety concern—please report it
directly to Gabie by:
● Email: studio@warrandytepottery.com.au
● WhatsApp: 0468 332 290
7. Emergency Contacts
● Studio Owner – Gabie: 0468 332 290
● Studio Owner – Drew: 0432 347 084
● Emergency Services: 000
When owners are away please contact Sharon Robison (0423 714 994) or Jade Piltz
(0466 727 391)
By accessing the studio, you agree to uphold these safety procedures and respect the
shared creative space. Let’s keep it safe, respectful, and inspiring for all.