If you are pregnant, or if you think you might be pregnant, or if you are nursing a baby, do not handle dyes & chemicals without consulting your doctor first. Pregnant women should not work on surface design projects without a doctor’s OK. Nursing mothers should not work on surface design projects without a doctor’s OK.
Do not eat dye. Do not eat food in the presence of dye. Do not eat or drink ANYTHING in the presence of dye.
Do not ever use your surface design utensils with food. Your measuring cups, spoons, etc are no longer safe to use in the kitchen. If there is a chance that you would get them mixed up, label them. Make sure to keep them separate.
If children will be present when you are working at home, make sure to supervise them closely. Do not work in the presence of animals; keep them away from your dyes and supplies. Store all your dyes, equipment and supplies out of reach of children and animals.
Do not smoke in the presence of dyes or chemicals.
Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions for all your supplies before using them. Read through the directions before you even open the bottle or jar.
Wear a dust mask or respirator when working with & mixing dye powders. If anyone in the room is mixing dye powders, everyone in the room should be wearing a dust mask. Therefore we will all mix our dyes at the same time.
Wear safety glasses or protective eyewear when there is any possibility of substances getting in your eyes.
Wear rubber or latex gloves at any time there is any possibility of substances getting on your hands.
Be conscious of your surroundings and your classmates at all times.
Wear old clothes and old shoes, or at least wear an apron.
Protect your work area with plastic or drop cloths. Clean up any spills immediately.
Do not remove manufacturer’s labels from your supplies. Label your bottles so you always know what’s in them.
If you experience signs of allergic reaction such as persistent coughing, or a rash, consult your doctor.
When working with wax, you must keep an eye on your wax the entire time you are heating it. Do not walk away from it. Unattended wax is not acceptable. Wax should be heated at 200 degrees. It should never be heated above 240 degrees. If heated too hot, wax can smoke and give off toxic fumes. It can also catch on fire. If your wax starts to smoke, turn the heat down IMMEDIATELY. If your wax does catch on fire, do not use water to put it out. Use the fire extinguisher, or baking soda, to put it out. Never heat wax over an open flame. Use a double boiler, an electric frying pan, or similar device with accurate temperature control.
Do not pour wax down the drain.