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Protective Gear for Costuming

 With the wide variety of tools and chemicals you can use when making a costume, I figured it might be advisable to create a general SAFETY FIRST type post. 

Typically you'll want to be careful of: 

  • Sharp Things
  • Dust/Particles/Flying Debris
  • Hot/Flammable Things
  • Chemical/Fumes
  • Electric Things
  • Machines

General Precautions

- Research your Materials and Tools!

Before using any material or tools, check for warning labels. If you find 'em, read 'em. Usually you can find these on the product itself if the warning is warranted. You can also do a little online research. 
Common warnings are: 
  • Flammable
  • High Pressure
  • High Temperature/Hot
  • Hazardous Material
  • Irritant Warning
  • Skin Contact Warning
  • Poison
Just to name a few.

- Be Alert and Focused

One bit of advice I got from an online course is to never cut leather while upset or tired. You make a lot more mistakes if your brain doesn't have the capacity to focus and coordinate your movement. When handling sharp, hot, or dangerous items, your risk of injury goes up. I can't tell you how many times I've been stuck by a needle or broke a sewing machine needle because I was distracted or careless. 

- Cover things you want to protect

Not only your body, but things like furniture, floors, pets and other people need protection. If you rent, make sure you don't cause damage or stains. >_> I will admit I had a purple stain on my apartment floor for years. Luckily, it came out when I had to move. (Seriously though, don't risk it!) Also animals and young children don't have the capacity to understand danger of sharp tools or dangerous chemicals. Try to keep them at a safe distance.

Protecting Your Body

First, you should protect your person from the materials you may work with. The common things to cover are eyes, hands, mouth/nose, and any exposed skin.
 
Eyes - Chemical Googles, protective Glasses, Splash Guards, Welding Mask

If you wear contacts, you might switch to glasses for a bit while working. 

Hands - Gloves, Mitts, rubbery gloves, latex gloves, cutting gloves

Your hands are the primary manipulators of your project. Some protection will reduce dexterity or grip so try to find things in your size. 

Skin - Clothes, Apron, Coveralls, hazmat

Other parts of your skin or even your clothes can use protection at least from mess. 

Lungs/Mouth/Nose - Dust mask, Respirator

If 2020 taught us anything, you need to have an effective mask. ;) Seriously though, when working with any kind of chemical or fuming material, check to see what kind of respirator you need! Sometimes a dust mask is NOT enough, you need more filters. I want to harp this point a bit because there are some particles commonly used in crafting that can cause permanent damage to your lungs or nervous system that can lead to an early demise. ☠

Ears - Ear Plugs, Ear Muffs/Warmer, Earbuds/Headphones

Care about your hearing? When using particularly noisy equipment, protect your ears with appropriate products. 

Protecting Others/Environment

Storing and Disposing of Hazardous Materials
Keep your materials in a place not easily accessible by curious critters or children. It also should be in a spot that doesn't get too hot or cold, according to the warning labels. I have a lot of chemical stuff in my cupboard under the sink, but my cat doesn't open cabinets and sneak in. If he was more precocious, then I'd find a way to baby-proof those doors or store them on the high shelf in the laundry where he can't reach. 

So, an annoying thing is disposing of unused or "spoiled" materials. You should not just put it in landfill garbage. (Aerosol cans can explode...so...not cool for truck drivers or disposal workers.) Try to find a paint can recycling center near you or you can also go to a hardware supply store and ask where you can dispose them. 

- Ventilation - 

Air flow helps disperse fumes, smells, and chemicals. Concentrated amounts of these things can cause harm, but dispersed they become less dangerous. Still, even with good ventilation, wear protection on your mouth and nose. And don't spray into the wind. 

Summary

I know a bunch of this is very vague, maybe a bit freaky. I could be talking about ANYTHING. But I can't predict what you'll likely use to make a costume. 
Some of the dangerous stuff I use are aerosol paints, fillers, and varnishes. Resin both curing and sanding. (Certain types of resin dust can be very damaging to lungs! That's one I recommend you research thoroughly before use!) Knives, sewing needles, sewing machines, electric sander, box cutters and many other types of blades. Hot glue gun. My oven. 

And hey, it's going to happen. You'll nick yourself, burn yourself, cut yourself, or something. Keep your first aid kit stocked and handy for quick things. And make sure you have a phone on hand if you need further help. I once had to pull a sewing machine needle out of my thumbnail. Luckily I was able to do it myself with my hemostats. (That I use for stuffing plush toys.) A little neosporin and a bandaide did the trick in that case. But I also have a burn scar from trying to make hard candies. 

That's all for today. I'll post again next year with more costume ideas, designs and semi-tutorials. 

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