Warrandyte Pottery Studio — Code of Conduct

Effective from: June 2022
Applies to: All studio users including members, students, instructors, guests, and contractors

Purpose

Warrandyte Pottery Studio & Gallery is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful creative environment for all participants. This Code of Conduct outlines the expected standards of behaviour for all individuals using the studio space. By entering the studio, you agree to abide by these guidelines.

Respectful Behaviour

• Treat all individuals—staff, fellow participants, and visitors—with courtesy, kindness, and respect.

• Verbal abuse, aggressive behaviour, discrimination, harassment, or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated.

• Comments on another person's work, technique, or style should only be offered if invited. Respect everyone’s artistic process and personal boundaries.

• Cultural safety, neurodiversity, gender diversity, and inclusive language are actively supported in the studio.

Personal Responsibility and Safety

• All users must follow safety protocols, including signing in and out via the QR system, using equipment appropriately, and reporting any incidents or hazards.

• Do not use any tools, equipment, or materials without proper induction or permission. Some tools (e.g. gas torches) are restricted to supervised use only.

• Keep walkways, exits, and shared areas clear of obstructions. Clean your workspace before leaving.

• Any behaviour that is unsafe, reckless, or compromises the wellbeing of others is grounds for immediate removal from the studio.

Use of Space and Property

• Respect shared resources. Do not use another artist’s materials, tools, or workspaces without their express permission.

• Label all personal work clearly with your name and date.

• Do not remove studio tools or materials from the premises without approval.

• Handle communal equipment with care and report damage or faults promptly.

Privacy and Confidentiality

• Refrain from photographing or documenting others or their work without consent.

• Do not share personal information about other studio members or staff without permission.

Drugs, Alcohol, and Behavioural Expectations

• The studio is a drug-free and smoke-free environment.

• Alcohol may only be consumed during authorised events and with prior studio approval.

• Users must be in a fit mental and physical state to use equipment and participate safely in activities.

Breaches and Consequences

Warrandyte Pottery Studio reserves the right to take appropriate action in response to any breach of this Code of Conduct, including:

• A verbal or written warning

• Temporary or permanent suspension of studio access

• Termination of enrolment or membership without refund of any fees paid, in cases of serious misconduct, unsafe behaviour, or ethical breaches

Actions taken will be proportionate, documented, and consistent with our commitment to safety and community care.

Legal Compliance

This Code of Conduct complies with relevant Australian and Victorian laws, including but not limited to:

• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (VIC)

• Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (VIC)

• Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)

• Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 (Cth)

Agreement

By using the studio, you confirm that you have read and understood this Code of Conduct and agree to uphold its principles.

If you witness a breach or feel unsafe, please report it to:

Gabie Mello (Studio Owner)
studio@warrandytepottery.com.au

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:

  1. Pull the pin

  2. Aim at base

  3. Squeeze handle

  4. 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.

Privacy Policy

Warrandyte Pottery Studio & Gallery

Effective Date: July 2022

Last Updated: June 2025

1. Introduction

Warrandyte Pottery Studio & Gallery (hereafter referred to as "the Studio," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of our employees, customers, and visitors in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and other relevant laws and regulations in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This Privacy Policy outlines the types of personal information we may collect, how we use and protect that information, and your rights regarding your personal information.

2. Purpose of Surveillance Cameras

The Studio has implemented the use of various security cameras on our premises. The purpose of these cameras is to enhance safety, provide a secure environment for our employees and customers, and uphold our duty of care. Camera placement has been carefully considered to cover public areas only, ensuring that your privacy is respected. We reserve the right to add cameras where needed in public spaces for safety and security purposes at our discretion.

3. Surveillance Footage Collection and Use

The security cameras record visual footage only. Please note that audio recording is not enabled on any of our surveillance systems. Recorded footage may be used for the following purposes:

- To ensure the safety and security of our employees, customers, and visitors.

- To investigate any incidents or accidents that may occur on the premises.

- To assist law enforcement when required by legal authorities.

4. Data Retention and Disposal

We are committed to ensuring that any surveillance footage collected is not held longer than necessary. In accordance with applicable laws, we will retain security footage for a minimum period as required by law, after which it will be securely destroyed and disposed of in a manner that protects individual privacy.

5. Access to Surveillance Footage

Access to surveillance footage is restricted to authorised personnel only. Requests for access to footage will be examined in accordance with relevant laws and guidelines, ensuring compliance and respect for the privacy of all individuals captured in the recordings.

6. Privacy Rights

As an employee, customer, or visitor of our studio, you have certain rights regarding your personal information. These include:

- The right to request access to your personal information.

- The right to request corrections of inaccuracies in your personal information.

- The right to raise a complaint regarding the handling of your personal information.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

7. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We encourage all stakeholders to periodically review this policy to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

8. Contact Information

For any inquiries related to this Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at:

Warrandyte Pottery Studio & Gallery

Address: 207 Yarra Street, Warrandyte VIC 3113

Email: accounts@warrandytepottery.com.au

By using our services or entering our premises, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.

Warrandyte Pottery — Refund Policy

Please read carefully before enrolling in any workshop or course.

Payment

Payment must be made at the time of booking via the Warrandyte Pottery website.

Cash payments are accepted in specific circumstances. If you wish to pay in cash:

• A 50% deposit is required at least 2 weeks prior to the course or workshop start date.

• The remaining balance must be paid on the first day of the course or workshop.

Cash payments can be made in person at:
Warrandyte Pottery Studio & Gallery
207 Yarra Street, Warrandyte VIC 3116

Studio Hours for Cash Payments:
Friday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
or by appointment

Please note: Enrolments are not confirmed until payment has been processed.
By making payment, you agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this policy.

Refunds and Cancellations

If you are unable to attend a course or workshop:

• You may transfer your place to another person up to 2 weeks before the scheduled start date.
  Please notify us in writing with the new participant’s details.

• In certain circumstances you may use as a credit towards other workshops or classes of a similar nature. This is up to Warrandyte Pottery discretion and access on a case by case basis.

If you are unable to attend and cannot transfer your place, the following refund terms apply:

Notice Period Refund Amount:
4+ weeks before start 100% refund, minus 15% admin fee

2–3 weeks before start 50% refund, minus 15% admin fee

Less than 2 weeks before start No refund

Studio Cancellations

In the unlikely event that Warrandyte Pottery cancels a course or workshop due to circumstances beyond our control (e.g., illness, emergencies, venue issues), we will do our best to:

• Offer an alternative date, or

• Provide studio credit, or

• If no alternative is possible, issue a full refund minus a 15% administration fee

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.