Make a project supply list before shopping. Record the exact product, amount per participant, shared amount, expected waste, supplier, storage needs, and substitute.
Read labels and manufacturer instructions. In the United States, an ASTM D-4236 statement relates to art-material hazard review; it is not a blanket promise that every use is harmless. The CPSC also explains that “non-toxic” is not a universal approval for all activities.1
Choose materials suitable for the participants and the intended use. Do not use a craft product as face paint, food decoration, or skin glue unless it is specifically appropriate for that use. Avoid vague “natural means safe” claims.
Keep materials in labelled containers. Staff need access to relevant safety information and exposure-response contacts. Do not put liquids into drink bottles or leave unknown donated supplies on an open shelf.
Accept donations only after checking condition, age suitability, completeness, and safe use. A free machine that needs repair and specialist supervision is not free in practice.
Order a small test batch before a large order. Colours, drying time, glue strength, and packaging can differ from what a photo suggests.
Your task: Approve each material for a named project and participant group. Remove anything nobody can identify.
Sources for this page
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Art Materials. U.S. art-material labeling and product-safety information. A label does not approve every use. ↩