In three minutes, a YouTuber strips and refinishes a piece of furniture, an Instagram influencer builds a birdhouse, and a TikTok content creator makes a ceramic wall hanging.
Social media can make hobbies look so simple that it’s easy to feel inspired. But are you thinking about safety, too?
“The highest risk for injury for a hobby is when you’re first learning it,” said Ryan Stanton, a physician and board member of the American College of Emergency Physicians. He’s treated plenty of hobby-related injuries.
Another dangerous time for hobbyists? “When you think you’ve mastered it,” Stanton said. That’s when people can become too casual about protecting themselves.
“Injuries can often happen faster than we can even respond,” he added.
Here’s a look at common hazards associated with various crafts and hobbies.
Hot stuff
Will you be working with any equipment that generates heat?
Stanton has advice: “Assume everything is on at all times. It doesn’t take an extreme temperature to cause damage.”
Heat guns used in embossing and hot glue guns for various crafts can generate temperatures above 350° F. Small kilns for ceramics can reach over 1,700° F!
Allow plenty of time for heat-generating equipment to cool after use. Keep equipment unplugged when not in use, and place it – and any cords – out of the reach of kids and pets.
If you’ve used soldering irons to build models, do metalwork, or repair cars or electronics, you know they can splash hot materials.
“I’ve burned myself many a time,” said emergency physician Steven Haywood, another ACEP spokesperson.
Think heat-resistant gloves and safety glasses whenever you’re working with heat-producing equipment.
Tool time
If you’ve never used a sander, drill, nail gun or circular saw, learn about how it operates – including reading the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s easier than you think for these tools to quickly get away from you.
“Try to find a safety class that you can take,” Haywood said. “Don’t skip the safety part of the YouTube video where they talk about how to use the equipment. Most of the people at the big-box hardware stores are more than happy to help you.”
As with any tool, “treat it with respect,” added Stanton, who’s a woodworker in his spare time. He also recommends wearing safety glasses and hearing protection, and keeping any safety features turned on. On his “no” list: loose clothing or jewelry, and hair that isn’t tied back.
Sticky situations
Epoxy resins, glues and adhesives are often used to make crafts.
They can be used in model-building; on radio-controlled airplanes; in jewelry making; and for epoxy tumblers, art and photography. Glues and adhesives also have uses in making furniture, hanging wallpaper and other home projects.
Take a few minutes to read the instructions carefully before starting your project.
Other tips: keep adhesives off your skin, use them in a well-ventilated area and put on safety glasses to protect your eyes.
Chemical exposure
From heavy-duty cleaners and photography chemicals to furniture stains and finishes, chemicals are commonly used for various hobbies. And they come with plenty of warnings.
“Follow the instructions,” Haywood said. “Don’t mix anything, especially if they’re cleaning products. You can create some pretty toxic things. It can damage your lungs permanently.”
If you’re using any chemicals, do it in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, and invest in a good respirator to protect yourself.
Know that hot and cold weather can affect how chemicals react. For example, in extreme temperatures, Haywood says, “volatile substances can get even more volatile.”
DYI home repairs
So, you want to save a few bucks by taking on some home renovation projects? Do you have an older home?
For structures built before 1978, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns of lead exposure when remodeling, repairing or painting.
Another concern: asbestos, which is common in older homes. This toxin is dangerous when it has worn down over time or becomes damaged. Sanding, grinding, drilling, sawing or making physical contact with older products such as spray-on insulation or ceiling textures can release asbestos fibers into the air.
Call a professional to inspect your home before starting a project. Or, if you encounter asbestos during a project, close off the area so the fibers can’t move to other areas of your home, and then contact a removal service.
Safe brewing
Home brewing and distilling have become popular among beer and spirit afficionados. But they’re not without their own safety issues.
Hazards include lifting heavy objects, the potential for bottles to explode, and electrical shock when using pumps or heating elements.
Make sure any electrical devices are plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, outlet when working with liquids.
Eight states allow legal alcohol distilling, so check your state’s laws before embarking on this hobby. The hazards can include exposure to methanol (a poisonous gas) and flammable vapors. Have a fire extinguisher and heat protective gear nearby and always distill outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
