Module 1 – Health and Safety Notes

Tools

Sharp Tools (scissors, blades, pokey-tools, rotary cutter, stitch-unpick etc):

• Use sharp tools with full focus to reduce the opportunity for accidents
• Make sure tools are as sharp as they should be – using a blunt blade, for example, means applying more pressure etc and overzealous action can be dangerous
• Stating the obvious – keep fingers (and other items of the body!) away from the sharp edges
• When using a poking tool make sure pressure is applied away from the body to avoid being accidentally stabbed
• Use a cutting mat, or similar protective surface, to avoid damage to furniture and ensure cutting takes place on a firm flat surface

Hot tools:

• When ironing use a suitable surface underneath.  I use an ironing board with a cover that is only used for creative purposes as it’s covered in dye, wonderweb and so forth.  I wouldn’t want any of that on my clothes!
• Take care when using a soldering iron for slashing/burning – use on a protective surface and place the iron carefully when not in use so that it doesn’t roll onto the floor and, say, melt your carpet
• Visually inspect the wires on electrical items for damage, starting from where the wire enters the equipment and working right through to the plug.  Inspect the plug also.
• Visually inspect the socket that the item is being plugged into for damage – do not attempt to fix any electrical sockets/items unless you are properly qualified to do so
• Ensure there are no trailing wires when using electrical equipment to avoid trip hazards
• Use the right temperature for the fabric to prevent singeing or a possible fire event
• When burning fabric deliberately do so in a well ventilated area and avoid breathing in the smoke – especially when using manmade fibres.

Mediums

When using paints/inks:

• Ensure that surfaces are protected (I used a lot of scrap paper on a dedicated desk that I don’t mind getting covered in paint splatters)
• If using your hands to directly apply the point make sure that non-toxic paint is used
• Wash hands thoroughly after use
• Protect clothing from accidental stains (I have an old top that I use for this)
• Take care to keep mediums away from pets (I do not have any pets) – they could be poisonous or the animal could just cause spillage chaos!
• When using paints with a fume, including spray paints, do so in a well ventilated area – lots of windows open or outside is preferable.  Use a face mask when necessary

Glue

• As with other mediums protect your surfaces
• Check the instructions on the glue and follow implicitly
• Only use a glue if it’s suitable for the purpose – test a small sample if necessary to avoid any major gluing disaster
• When using adhesive with a fume ensure the area is well ventilated – use a face mask where necessary
• Keep all glues away from the mouth, nose, ears and especially the eyes

 Sewing

• Do not put pins or needles in the mouth.  My late grandmother once swallowed a pin and had to go to hospital so it does happen!
• Use the right needle for the job to make things easier
• Use a thimble if necessary (although I, personally, cannot get on with thimbles) and when pushing a needle through a thick layer using force do this over a surface so you don’t stab yourself in the leg
• When using a sewing machine it may be an idea to tie long hair back to avoid it getting caught in moving parts of the machine
• It can be useful to have a magnet handy in the case of dropped pins and needles – depending on the metal the magnet can sometimes pick these up quickly and easily

Storage

• Keep all items stored safely away from children and pets.  I have neither so I don’t have to worry about that!
• When storing paints etc ensure that the surface they are housed on is flat and level so that nothing falls on the floor and spills
• Store lose sequins, beads and buttons in pots/jars to avoid any accidental spillage (and choking hazards if you have children or pets)