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This information is reprinted from the For Beginners column
of Hand Papermaking Newsletter #36 (October, 1996).
To learn how to order Hand Papermaking bi-annual magazine
and quarterly newsletter, click
here.
Safety
While papermaking in general is among the safest of crafts,
there are a few considerations that will help avoid accidents
and injury. As in all endeavors, a neglect of common sense
is the biggest safety hazard. For example, it should be
obvious that allowing fingers to dangle near Hollander beater
blades can have severe consequences. The following observations
cover less drastic concerns, but they are important nonetheless.
Since the papermaking process involves large amounts of
water, be cautious of slippery surfaces and electrical hazards.
Wear rubber-soled shoes and take care to avoid splashing
water near extension cords or electrical outlets.
Additional concerns arise once you start adding things
to the water. Some plants cause skin irritation. When using
alkaline soda ash (safer than lye) to break down plant materials,
avoid skin and eye contact. Add alkali to the water, not
the other way around. Use stainless steel or enamel containers
and utensils for cooking--never aluminum. Use of chlorine
bleach as a lightener will not only degrade fibers, but
is not as safe as hydrogen peroxide (3% solution). Some
pigments can also be hazardous. Wearing gloves or skin-barrier
cream and goggles is prudent when using any chemical additive.
Having protected your skin and eyes, don't neglect your
ears and nose. Earplugs will bring the sound of a noisy
beater down to tolerable levels. A mask will help filter
airborne pigments or harmful vapors when an alkali solution
is on the stove. Cook in a well-ventilated area.
Finally, read any manufacturers' precautions--Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available upon request. You
might also consider purchasing a reference book on safety
in the arts. And, don't forget common sense.
Copyright 1996 Hand Papermaking, Inc.
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