Rules for Safe Crafting

Although most of the basic rules for working with art and crafts materials just seem like common sense, they bear repeating. Remember, too, that things you take for granted might not be obvious to a young child. Take some time before beginning a project or learning a new craft to review both basic safety procedures and those specific to the craft you're doing.

First, observe these general rules:

• Read directions thoroughly before beginning any project. That includes both the directions for the project and any labels on products you may be using. Always read labels! Check expiration dates, too.

• Make sure you have all the materials you need in one place. Accidents can occur when you're hurriedly looking for something or leave the room to get something you've forgotten.

• Arrange all your tools near you. Spreading things out in a semi-circle usually works well.

• Make sure you have enough room to work safely and efficiently. Cramped spaces can be dangerous.

• Always have adequate ventilation when working with chemicals or projects that produce dust.

• Protect your pets and keep them away from the crafts area while you're working.

• Don't leave young children unattended with dangerous tools or toxic materials even for a few minutes.

• Don't eat, drink, or smoke while using art and crafts materials.

• Don't use dyes or paints on the skin (for face painting, for example) or in food, unless the products you buy are specifically meant to be used that way.

• Don't transfer materials to other containers, since you'll lose the information you need provided on the package. If you must, be sure to cut out the important information and include it in the container.

• Use the right equipment for the job and make sure tools and equipment are in good working order. Don't work with questionable tools, especially power tools. If the cord is frayed or something else doesn't seem right, fix it or replace the tool.

• Keep your work area clean and continue picking up as you go along. Don't leave scraps of material or tools lying around.

• Keep your work area dry. Water on the floor, counter, or table can be an electricity hazard or cause a fall. Make sure you have an up-to-date, complete first-aid kit on hand.

• Wash your hands after crafting.

• Don't hurry. Make sure you have adequate time to do a project before starting it.

• Don't work when you're tired.

• Minimize distractions. Turn off the TV or the radio if it's distracting. Safety requires concentration.

Now that we've covered the general rules for safe creating, let's move on to some more specific safety features.

Eyes and Ears: Protecting Your Sight and Hearing

When it comes to the precious gifts of sight and hearing, it's better to be extra-cautious than risk injury, so make frequent use of eye and ear protection when crafting.

You can buy a good pair of safety glasses or goggles at any hardware store. Make sure they fit your child properly and comfortably, so he's not tempted to take them off. Keep them clean and store them properly, so they won't get scratched and impair vision. Use safety goggles to protect eyes from dust, stray particles, chemicals, and anything that might possibly fly up and hit the eye.

Adults with hearing loss can often trace the cause back to repeated exposure to loud noises when they were younger. In most cases, hearing loss can easily be prevented with inexpensive hearing protection.

The amount of protection might vary depending on the noise level, but since you probably won't be using heavy power tools around your child, simple foam earplugs will usually do the trick.

Shockless! Working Safely With Electricity

Most of the crafts in this book don't involve the use of power tools, but some may, especially woodworking or advanced glass techniques. Even if you're not using a tool that requires electricity, you may still be plugging in extra lights or simply working around power outlets and switches. We don't want any accidents or injuries here, either! So observe these general safety rules for working with and around electricity and power tools:

• Read the manuals that come with any power tools carefully before using them. Make sure you understand how to operate the tool and follow all safety precautions. Explain to your child what you will be doing and keep him clear while you operate the tool. If your child will be operating a power tool, make sure he understands the directions completely.

• Before using any power tool, make sure it's up to full operating speed. (Sometimes, when turning the tool on, it takes a few seconds to be rotating [or whatever its function is] at full speed.)

• Don't leave power tools unattended. Turn them off and unplug them before leaving the area. If you're done, put them away.

• Use all guards and safety devices when using power tools.

• Unplug power tools when replacing or adjusting blades or bits.

• Never force a tool. If it hangs up while drilling, sawing, sanding, or whatever, remove it and try again. If it still won't do the job, you may need a more powerful tool or a different one.

• Don't reach over or behind a cutting blade.

• Keep cutting tools sharp. Dull tools can cause injury. Replace blades often.

• Be sure power tools are properly grounded.

• Never drive nails, staples, or other metal objects through electrical cords.

• Be safe with extension cords. Use the right cord size for the appliance or tool you're using, don't curl an extension cord up on the floor, don't wrap it around a nail or tack it up with staples, don't put it where you can walk or trip on it, and don't put anything (boxes, clothing, magazines) on top of the cord.

• Be careful of multi-plug adapters. These may overload a circuit and cause a fire if you're using too many tools or appliances on one circuit. Work in an area where there are enough plugs (you may need to think about having more convenient permanent wiring done). If you're going to use a multiple outlet device, use one that's UL-listed and has a built-in circuit breaker.

• Make sure there are cover plates on all plug receptacles and switch boxes.

• Never try to defeat a circuit breaker by holding it open with tape or other means. Make sure fuses are the correct size for the circuit they protect and do not bypass. Keep the fuse box or circuit breaker box clear of storage and debris.

• Water and electricity don't mix. Keep your work area dry. If you're going to be working with water, do it away from electrical outlets, switches, and wires.

Follow these rules yourself and review them with your child and your crafting need never be a shocking experience.

The Heat Is On: Using Care Around Hot Tools and Flame

There are some crafts in this book that require the use of a stove or a hot tool like a soldering iron. You'll need to judge if your child is old enough and capable enough to do these crafts safely. You should expect to be supervising your children during these activities at all times, esecially if they're between the ages of 5 and 10.

In the case of handling a hot soldering iron or glue gun, I suggest watching your child practice with it BEFORE you plug it in, to see if it's a comfortable size and to give him a chance to find the proper position for holding it safely. Make sure you also have a place to rest the hot tool when you're not holding it that's out of the way and where it's not in contact with anything that can burn or scorch. You can buy stands to hold tools when not in use, or use a large ceramic tile.

Coming Up for Air: Ventilation

Fumes and dust can be hazardous. Even substances that don't smell bad or wouldn't cause a problem in a large room can be dangerous in a small space. When you plan a project, read the labels and look for any cautions about ventilation. (It's a good idea to work in a well-ventilated area anyway. It's more pleasant and helps keep you alert.)

In some cases, however, special precautions need to be taken with regard to ventilation. Wood dust, for example, may seem harmless, but in large quantities it can be harmful. Power tools like sanders often come equipped with dust catchers and these should be used. Certain hardwoods and plywoods actually contain toxic chemicals and a special mask should be worn when working with them. Ask questions about safety precautions where you buy your lumber.

Another ventilation hazard you may not think of is the dust from dry clays. Some of these are toxic as well. Again, know your materials and read labels carefully. If you're not sure about any materials you're working with, contact one of the organizations listed later in this chapter and find out.

When evaluating any ventilation system, you need to make sure it works two ways -- that it takes out old air AND brings in fresh air. The best solution is to work outside. Windy conditions would be unsafe, of course, but on a nice day, sanding, sawing, painting, mixing, and dyeing are best done outdoors. If you must work indoors, an open window might be enough. Just make sure you have a source of fresh air and a way to remove hazardous fumes and dust from the air.

Keep your work area clean and remember to vacuum (not sweep) the area when you are finished. You don't want to kick up any more dust than necessary. A wet mop can also be used to clean up fine dust.

Safe Handling of Paints, Solvents, and Chemicals

Most of the crafts in this book use non-toxic substances and in many cases, there are nontoxic substitutes for many toxic materials. But how do you know which is which? Well, the Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) has instituted a voluntary labeling program that makes it easy for consumers to identify non-toxic products. Look for one of those labels you can rest easy.

If you will be using materials that are toxic, you'll need to observe some safety precautions each and every time:

• Make sure you use the right substance for the job.

• Never mix chemicals without first knowing that it's safe to do so.

• Read labels carefully and pay special attention to any safety precautions listed.

• Ventilate the area well. Take frequent fresh-air breaks.

• Wear eye protection when handling chemicals and know what to do if any chemical you are working with gets in the eyes or on the skin. Generally, you'll need to flush the eyes thoroughly with water, so keep some fresh water nearby or work near a water source.

• Cover the skin. Wear rubber gloves. Wear long sleeves and pants. Be aware that some substances are only irritating to people who have allergies. What may not bother you may bother someone else, and children are especially susceptible. Look for symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, itching, or rashes.

• No smoking while crafting!

• Open and close containers carefully. Always replace the cap after you've used a material.

• Pay attention to proper storage instructions. Usually directions will say to keep chemicals in a cool place out of reach of children and pets, but read the label for your particular product.

• Buy only what you need, so you're not storing a lot of chemicals.

• Pay attention to symptoms of exposure: eye irritation, dizziness, light-headedness, and/or headache. If they appear, discontinue use of the substance and leave the area. Call a physician if symptoms persist or worsen.

• Dispose of toxic materials according to the directions given by the manufacturer. If you're not sure, contact your local waste disposal contractor or agency. Make crafting safe for you, other critters, and the environment.

• Have the name and number of your poison control center and physician posted in a convenient place and in large, readable print.

• If you'll be using a mask, make sure it's the right type for the substance you're using. The wrong type could do as much or more harm than using none at all. Check labels on both the substance and the mask.

• Protect cuts or wounds by using bandages and covering them with gloves or clothing.

• Don't store flammable materials near heat, sparks, or flame.

• Don't heat any substance above the temperature specified on the label.

• Some crafting materials, like ceramic glazes and paints, contain lead. If you'll be working with children, look for substitutes that don't contain lead. If you must use lead-containing products, make sure you know how to use them safely and handle them yourself.

There's no reason you can't use chemicals in crafting if you're careful and follow these common-sense precautions.

Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Crafts with Kids © 1998 by Georgene Lockwood. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

To order this book visit the Idiot's Guide web site or call 1-800-253-6476.