Module 1 Health & Safety Considerations

Health & Safety

General Health & Safety considerations prevail in any craft technique. It is essential to have dedicated equipment whenever possible, e.g. Iron and Ironing board, a proper range of scissors, cutters, brushes, and so forth for the job in hand. When using any product or equipment follow the manufacturers' instructions. Store craft items safely, especially if temperature is an issue. Put things away when not in use.

Sewing machines and other electrical equipment should be sited with care so that electrical leads and work will not obstruct movement around the room. Machines should be on a firm table or worktop at an appropriate height for comfortable working. Soldering iron, heat gun etc.,  to be used be care to avoid accidental burns. Lighting needs to be to a standard which is appropriate to detailed work.

Use silicon paper to protect fabrics/iron/ironing board with fusible, painted and dyed fabrics, especially when using rust.  Use a heat resistant board when using a soldering iron or heat gun.

When using any cutting equipment, e.g. when using a scalpel, using a cutting mat, cut away from the body, keep scalpel tip covered when not in use.

When using paints and/or bleaching agents, cover surface with protective material, wash brushes in water (or other suitable medium if required). If using chemical cleaners (e.g. Methylated spirit),  do so in a well-ventilated room and ensure bottle is stored in a safe place; wear an overall or other protective clothing.  This also applies to using a heat gun / soldering iron to melt fabrics and other media.

Care when using bleach is needed to prevent splashes, particularly to the eyes. A supply of running water should be near to working area in case rapid washing is needed.

If using commercial dyes - e.g. Procion MX - wear a mask when mixing powders to avoid breathing in dust. Wear protective clothing and gloves to prevent staining of hands, everyday clothing, and avoiding irritants e.g. washing soda. Do not mix equipment for dyeing with equipment for food preparation.

Progression of Work & Time Log for Chapters 2 and 3

I have been keeping a Time Log of my progress as a separate document.  This is an extract ;the full log will be submitted at the end of the module.:

Date:	Actions for Module 1	Time logged	Total hours
6 Jan	Photographs & image manipulation; Sketching	4 hours
12 Jan	Updating Blog	2 hours	6 hours
15 Jan	More ideas on texture	5 hours	11 hours
25 Jan	More samples on texture	5 hours	16 hours
26 Jan	Finishing samples, writing up blog	10 hours	26 hours

Materials cost for Chapters 2 and 3

Where-ever possible I buy commonly used neutral fabrics in bulk or bin end yarns and share the cost with a friend. This means I always have a stock of materials to drawn from as projects require.  I am keeping a log of the materials i use during this module and will submit it at the end of the module.

Item	Supplier	Quantity	Cost