Safety Tips for Jewellery Makers

by guest designer Carol Vickers

When you're a creative person, it's so tempting to just jump into a project because you're excited to make something beautiful. But before I let any of my students loose with tools and chemicals, I always tell them my workshop safety rules. It's easy to hurt yourself when using saws, blow torches and hammers, and I've ended up in A&E in the past! Here are some things to consider, whether you make jewellery at home or in a class.

Clothing

When you start a new hobby, you often wonder what to wear. Which shoes should I wear to a dance class? Should I get some sportswear for my exercise class or a helmet for cycling? What to wear might not be the first thing you think of when you take up jewellery making, but it can be really important in terms of keeping you safe. I always ask people to wear shoes with closed toes; if you drop a pair of pliers or a hammer on your big toe, you'll be grateful that you weren't wearing sandals! If you're working with a rotary tool, blowtorch, etc. You'll be much safer not to wear scarves, or dangling jewellery. Loose sleeves can get tangled in equipment, knock over pots, and even catch fire! If you have long hair, tie it back and, if you're working on something dusty, messy, or wet, I'd always recommend wearing an apron to protect you and your clothes from any hot metal, chemical splashes, sharp bits of wire or filing dust. Also, if you tend to drop beads a lot (I do!) It's easier to catch them in an apron than to crawl around looking for them on the floor. I love my thick, suede, bench apron from JM.

Safety Glasses

Some types of jewellery making don't require safety glasses but, as they're inexpensive and useful for all sorts of activities, it's a good idea to have some. Certainly, if you're filing or drilling metal, or if you want to do soldering or casting, they're an effective way to protect your eyes. Safety glasses come in various designs, depending on your preferences and whether you wear glasses already. I ask my students to use them when they're using a blow torch, or a rotary tool like a Dremel, and when they're using chemicals such as pickle after soldering.

Masks

There are different masks for different jobs. If you're just filing and buffing, you might only need a disposable paper mask. These come with or without filters and help prevent you breathing in particles. If you're working with powdered chemicals, such as powder flux, or you're drilling pearls or shaping gemstones, you're better off with a proper respirator. These have replaceable filters, so you don't have to buy a new respirator very often. The dust from some gemstones is very toxic when you file or cut them, so always check before you work with them, and shape them in water to trap the dust.

Gloves

Just as with masks, there are different gloves for different jobs. If you're using any polishing compounds, pickle, flux, etc. You might want to wear disposable gloves, especially if you're prone to allergies, dermatitis or eczema. If you're using rotary tools or drills, metal can get extremely hot, so wear suede or leather finger protectors. If you're exploring the world of fusing and casting, check out heat proof gauntlets; a splash of molten silver will give you a serious burn that will need medical attention.

Workspace

Another important aspect of safety is where you work. We aren't all lucky enough to have a dedicated craft room, but we can make our space as safe as possible. If you use a blow torch, keep a fire extinguisher close by - I have both an extinguisher and a fire blanket by my bench. Make sure you're working on a surface such as a silicone mat to stop your tools from damaging your table or countertop, prevent things from rolling away. Silicone is light and rolls up, so you can take the mat with you to craft meets, holidays, or workshops. If you have chemicals such as flux, liver of sulphur, or pickle, keep them clearly labelled and dispose of them according to the instructions as some are harmful if poured down a domestic drain. And, needless to say, don't play with fire on your carpet or beside your curtains!

While it's not the most exciting part of jewellery making, safety is super important. Nothing cramps your creativity like having burned fingers or eyes full of metal dust! Take these few simple steps to keep yourself and those around you safe from harm, and get busy making beautiful jewellery. Don't forget to share your creations in our "Jewellery Maker Share Your Makes" Facebook group, and why not enter a photo into our Wall of Fame too!

- A blog by guest designer Carol Vickers