Safety precautions for sewing machines and irons
nr 1-2/2
Jan 13, 2016
Free translation
Established upon Regulation nr 31 of Tallinn City Council of October 18, 2007
Statute of Tallinn Central Library §6(2)(5).
1. General Provisions
1.1 All users of Tallinn Central Library Sewing Room (hereinafter users)
should be familiar with and obey the safety precautions for sewing
machines and irons (hereinafter safety precautions).
1.2 Users are required to know and observe safety guidelines and maintain
awareness of potential hazards of using sewing machines, irons and
other tools.
1.3 Before starting work with the sewing machine, users have to get
acquainted with safety precautions.
1.4 Report any problems arising during work to the librarian.
1.5 A register is kept for Sewing Room users. After reading the safety
precautions the user will sign the registration form.
2. Work with electric sewing machine
2.1 Before you start work
2.1.1 Read the sewing machine instruction manual
2.1.2 Tidy your clothes, fasten any hanging parts. If you have long hair, tie it
back or use a headwear.
2.1.3. Keep the work station clean with tools and unnecessary things.
2.2 During work
2.2.1 Only use a sewing machine for its intended purpose as described
in the operator’s manual.
2.2.2 Use only parts and attachments meant for this sewing machine
and recommended in the manual
2.2.3 Connect the cord with the sewing machine first and only then with
the outlet.
2.2.4 Start the sewing machine only when the fabric is placed under the
presser foot. Otherwise you will spoil the presser foot and feed
dog.
2.2.5 You can regulate the speed of sewing with the treadle. Never place
any other objects on the treadle as the sewing machine may start.
2.2.6 Don’t turn the knobs and regulators if you don’t know their
purpose.
2.2.7 When operating the machine keep your attention on your work
and hands. Keep your hands at a safe distance from moving parts
of the machine, such as needle, thread take-up spirng and the
hand wheel. Special attention must be paid when in the vicinity of
the needle.
2.2.8 Hold the fabric firmly with both hands on either side of the needle
to avoid the fingers from striking the needle.
2.2.9 Always use a proper needle plate. Using the improper one might
cause the breaking of the needle.
2.2.10 Never use a bent or damaged needle.
2.2.11 Do not force the fabric forward or backward while sewing. This
might cause the bending of the needle and finally break it.
2.2.12 Don’t leave the switched on machine unattended. Unplug your
sewing machine at the end of the work.
2.2.13 During operating the electrical sewing machine it is prohibited to
1) remove any safety covers from the machine;
2) pile up unnecessary materials on your working area;
3) bend over the machine.
4) place the scissors and other sharp objects close to the moving
parts of the machine;
5) change the thread or the needle;
6) stop the hand wheel with your hand.
2.2.14 Always turn the sewing machine off
1) when temporarily leaving the workplace;
2) break in supply chain;
3) defect, breakdown, damage of the machine;
4) in case of fire.
2.3 At the end of the work
1) turn off the power switch, place a piece of fabric below the foot,
lower the foot and needle;
2) unplug the machine;
3) clean up the work space.
3. Electric iron safety
3.1 To avoid potential burns be careful when using an iron.
3.2 Do not immerse an iron in water due to risk of electric shock.
3.3 Keep the cord away from hot surfaces and sharp edges.
3.4 Keep the iron on ironing board on special iron rest.
3.5 Always unplug the appliance before filling the tank with water. Never
place the iron under the tap to top up with water. Always use the measure
provided.
3.6 Never unplug the appliance by pulling the cord, pull by the plug.
3.7 Unplug the appliance when not in use. Unplug the appliance even if you
plan to use it later but need to accomplish some other tasks meanwhile.
3.8 When you have finished, turn the steam regulator and thermostat knob
until set on minimum. Always rest the iron on its heel.