Handling Toxic Products
When costuming, you will undoubtedly come into contact with harmful chemicals. There are a lot of them out there and they are often too useful to try to avoid all of them. But, being aware of their presence and following safe procedures, your personal risk can be minimized.
When you use an item for the first time, be sure to read the labels and instructions. It is your responsibility, as a costumer and craftsman, to make sure that you are being safe.
Appropriate Precautions
Chemical dangers are usually in the form of gasses and vapors released when a product is used. The most common offenders are adhesive agents, by far. Usually, working in a well-ventilated area is enough to deal with this. Work outside, if the weather is nice. If not, work indoors with doors or windows open. In both cases, if there is not a steady breeze, set up a box fan to ensure constant circulation.
If you are working with something that produces strong vapors (e.g. Barge glue) or releases a lot particulate debris (e.g. gypsum cements), consider using a respirator or dust mask. Respirators can usually be found at your local hardware store; they can be purchased at different levels of filtering depending on how seriously you need to cleanse the air.
Some chemicals are harmful on contact with your skin (e.g. some silicones, acids). In these cases, you need to wear gloves when working with the substance. Look for latex or polyvinyl work gloves, depending on the chemical.
Long Term Toxicity
Remember that, just because you feel okay while working, it doesn't mean that you're not affected by the chemical. Some substances accumulate in your body over long periods of time. Only when your body develops a toxic accumulation of the substance do problems begin to appear. Some simple precautions along the way can prevent this scenario from happening to you!
Sewing Machine Safety
Think about it... They have a needle moving up and down several hundred times a second scant inches from your fingers! And people sometimes wonder why I look a bit tense when I sew? :)
Truth is, I have sewn through my fingertip. I can answer the immediate question: yes, it was quite painful, but I've felt worse. It happens quite fast and, in my case, it stalled the machine. Should this happen, immediately reverse the needle out, soak your finger in disinfectant (this is the part that really hurts!), and apply a bandage. Seek immediate medical attention if the case warrants.
Sewing Safety Tips
- Use controlled, careful movements of your hands while the sewing machine is running
- Avoid placing your fingers immediately ahead of the needle; place them to either side of the needle's path
- Be careful that, when pushing the material, your fingers don't slip
- Never look away from the needle when the sewing machine is running! Release the pedal and stop the machine first.
