Do you have any kind of creative crafting hobby? If so, it’s a great way to spend your time. It’s fun, you get to be productive and you get an end product which you can either use or sell to make some money. But there are some drawbacks, and accidents and injuries can occur with these kinds of hobbies. Here’s what you need to know about staying safe.
Be careful with power tools
If you’re upcycling furniture or crafting things from wood, metal or other more solid structures then you’ll probably need to use power tools to get your desired finish such as saws, drills, sanders and more. Power tools really aren’t to be messed with, so only use them if you’re confident- if not then consider having someone that knows what they’re doing show you what to do. You can also watch Youtube videos and carefully read through the instruction manual first so you can ensure you’re confident.
Wear protective clothing
Always wear the right protective gear when you’re crafting. If you’re using power tools, this might involve goggles and gloves. Tie back long hair, and if you’re going to be breathing in anything like chemicals (from paint, etc) or sanding dust then wear an appropriate mask. If you’re going to be doing things like soldering, grinding, welding or bigger jobs like this then you’ll likely need a full face protective mask. Do your research before starting a project, don’t just buy or hire a tool and ‘have a go’ as it could be dangerous.
Be mindful with knives and cutting
Even with less ‘aggressive’ kinds of projects such as paper crafts, you still have the risk of hurting yourself with craft knives and scissors. Be careful and mindful, make sure your full attention is on the task at hand so when you’re doing potentially dangerous jobs you’re not distracted by children, the tv, pets or anything else. Craft knives and craft scissors are incredibly sharp and could do you a serious injury so it’s worth being very careful.
Have a fully stocked first aid kit
If an accident does happen, it’s important that you have access to the right products. Plasters, bandages, antiseptic cream, you can even buy Celleraterx which is hydrolyzed collagen and useful in treating cuts and wounds. In extreme cases, you’ll need to get to your local A&E, but having these kinds of things will allow you to stop or slow down blood flow. If you’re working with high heats then a fire extinguisher with the right kind of filling is also essential and should be within easy reach of where you work.
