Health and Safety Rules Observed

Health and safety rules observed

First and foremost I’d like to mention the working environment ensuring the that I have enough space in which to work and sit comfortably, taking regular breaks from a sedentary position to stretch my back, neck and shoulders.

In addition it is important to ensure:

• safety of electrical flexes ensuring that those trailing from to plug/ extension lead to appliance are safely positioned and not likely to cause trips or falls or injuries incurred by a
  shifting sewing machine, iron or soldering iron. This includes not only myself but any visitors, elderly or young children
• the safe positioning of heat tools such as an iron, soldering iron whilst in use, making use of appropriate stands in between their application. Ensure that these are turned off after use and safely stored.
• adequate ventilation in the work space with an open window whilst heat / melting tools are used to melt fabrics / threads to avoid inhalation of toxic fumes.
• careful positioning of candles used for melting fabrics / threads to prevent papers / fabrics in the surround from catching light. Be prepared for a possible flare up of fabric or thread especially synthetics and work on a flame proof surface with a damp cloth within reach. Ensure that they are extinguished fully when finished with.
• Safe storage of bleach and any other corrosive fluids whilst in use and safe disposal when finished with. Work in a ventilated room to avoid inhalation and guard against spillage onto skin to avoid burning and have a damp cloth nearby for wiping any spillage, wash skin in cold water if necessary. Storage in a safe place when finished with out of the reach of children.
• careful storage of sharp implements such as scissors, craft knives and scalpel blades especially if there are young children around in which case keep them out of reach.
• careful storage of beads and buttons and other small objects especially if there are young children around.
• Awareness of and careful storage of any seeds / leaves /petals / berries and their potential harm especially in the presence of children