Committee Structure

• The Kiln Committee Chairperson shall recruit, train and schedule members to operate club kilns.

• The Chairperson shall be responsible for the maintenance of the kilns and ordering associated firing materials.

• The Committee Chairperson may establish procedures for loading, unloading and firing of the kilns.  All procedures shall be subject to review by the Governing Board.

• Firing Committee Members shall be accountable to the Committee Chairperson.  The Committee Chairperson shall answer directly to the Governing Board.

• The Governing Board may make exceptions from firing policy if circumstances dictate this would be beneficial to the general membership and the club.  Charitable acts, such as and similar to the “Empty Bowls” project, may be allowed special privileges if deemed necessary for completion.

• The firing person shall determine whether pieces are dry enough or safe to fire.

• Firing Committee Members shall not be held financially liable for broken or damaged pieces.

Firing

• Only members in good standing shall be allowed to have pieces fired.

• Pieces shall be fired in the order delivered to the kiln firing rack.  Exceptions: Oversized/large pieces will not have to be fired in the order they were delivered to the kiln firing rack.  Pieces needed for a class will take priority.

• Improperly completed firing slips shall cause pieces to be rejected for firing.

• Fire and glaze stickers shall be submitted with the piece to be fired.

• Pieces from other clubs shall not be fired without the approval of the Governing Board.

• Ceramic and clay pieces may be fired together in bisque if separated in the kiln.  The Committee Chairperson shall establish the loading procedures. 

• The Governing Board may designate a kiln(s) or firing time(s) for an individual or groups if it is in the best interest of the members of the club.

• Oversized/large pieces will not have to be fired in the order they were delivered to the kiln firing rack.  Pieces needed for a class will take priority. 

Clay

• Only Cone 5 (or higher) clays, china and slip cast ceramic pieces shall be fired.

• No clay shall be fired without having a bisque fire first.  (No bone dry directly to Cone 5.)

• All clay pieces fired must be from clay purchased from the club or clay that has been approved by the Governing Board.

• Pieces containing rocks or non-ceramic substances shall not be fired.

• Pieces to be fired with glass, in or attached, shall have the approval of the Committee Chairperson.

• Ceramic and slip cast pieces shall be fired in accordance with the procedures established by the designated ceramic firing person.

Stilts

• “Bama” stilts shall not be used for high fire glazes.

• Clay pieces shall not be glazed on the bottom surface.

• Clay pieces requiring stilting shall not be fired unless low fire glaze is being used.

Glazes

• Glazes that require multiple temperatures or multiple hold times shall not be fired.

• Glazes that are known to have uncontrollable running capabilities shall not be fired.

• Glazes containing lead or hazardous substances shall not be fired.

• Experimental glazes or clays shall not be fired without approval of the Committee Chairperson.

Kiln Room

• The firing person shall not allow members in the kiln room.

• The kiln room shall be off limits to visitors and guests unless accompanied by a club member.

• Kiln and firing equipment shall not be loaned to members.

• Any designated kiln(s) shall be used only by the assigned firing person.  Use by others shall require the approval of the Committee Chairperson.

• The firing person shall place a warning on each kiln when the kiln is heated.

• The kiln room door shall remain closed at all times.