Gerry Chichester on sun 18 feb 01
Why is it that teachers must resort to the absolute, bottom line, =
this-is-it-I'm-gonna-REALLY-be-a-bitch-now attitude to get anything =
done? I have been reading with great interest the "interfering mom" =
thread, and feel somewhat relieved to know that it "wasn't just me"! I =
was firing a 30 year old Cress kiln with only a moderately adequate fan =
system. I had complained for approximately 3 months about inadequate =
ventilation when one day the vice-principal walked in with a health =
inspector. Everything was hunky-dory during the introductions, but when =
the inspector asked me if there were any problems with the set-up, I let =
loose about the gasses we were all breathing. He dutifully made notes, =
left, and I was called on the carpet for "making trouble'! It didn't end =
there, however. The fan system was "goosed up" a bit and I was kind of =
written off. Several years later, I began complaining again that, since =
the size of my classes had grown considerably, and I was firing 3 =
different kilns,I needed new and MUCH better ventilation. I was =
beginning to experience headaches and trouble breathing and no one =
seemed to care. Until I called an OSHA rep. Carly
Lee Burningham on mon 19 feb 01
Howdy, I have to share my story after reading the last few on the
ventilation and "in your face" to get something changed thread.
When I interviewed for my present job I had 4 concerns after visiting with
the principal and seeing the pottery studio.
They were 1) the kiln, an updraft gas kiln, installed in the classroom, was
a fire hazard due to being installed incorrectly, without enough space
between a single wall vent flue and combustible cellulose insulation, 2) the
kiln was in the classroom without any way to separate it from students and
their inquiring hands and eyes during the firing process, 3) & 4) personal
items relating to benfits and salary.
One week later, I'm called back to meet with the principal and the assistant
superintendent. Reprise the same list of concerns. Get the job, they satisfy
the personal concerns and promise to have the kiln fire and safety issues
taken care of before the next school year starts. NOT!
Long story short. Told not to fire the kiln until they could get around to
it. End of 1st grading period, still no fix, fired kiln after hours to avoid
killing kids with fumes or hot tar dripping down out of ceiling. Result=
$50,000 fire when $5,000 would have removed kiln from classroom into safe
area outside.
Nine years later, still teaching same school. Now they listen when I tell
them there is a problem. Doesn't mean they move much faster than before.
Lee Burningham
Box Elder High School
outside kilns for everything but bisque(salt, glaze, raku, pit-fire)
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