13 Essential Pyrography Safety Tips
When you work on wood burning projects and the heated pen or fume bothers you, it is easy to get distracted. Pyrography safety – it is essential to learn and practice. On top of that, it prevents your art from ruining.
You must wear some guarding gear, choose a well-ventilated room, and keep flammable items away from the burner. You should also tie back your hair, necklace, and headphone wires to prevent hazards. And never change tips until they cool down completely, and use non-treated wood only.
But that is not all when it comes to ensuring 100% safety during pyrography. So in today’s article, you will get to know some of the essential defense tips regarding wood burning.
Safety Instructions For Woodburning
Whether you have a young pyrography enthusiast at home or if you are a hobbyist or even a professional, there is no alternative but to take safety measures. Since pyrography is about dealing with heat and flammable items, make sure to follow these safety tips.
Air flow must be very well in the room
Burning wood emits fumes and, often, toxic gas. With enough air passing through, it prevents eye burn and suffocation as well.
Keep Flammable Items Away
When doing pyrography, you will need several things. Thus, it is natural for the working desk to get crowded with items, including other random things you might have on the desk. That is why it is important to pay attention to what things you have near the burner tool. If there is anything flammable, it has a hazardous risk and should be removed.
Tie Back Your Hair, Headphones Or Hanging Necklaces
Some of us like listening to music with our headphones on when working. But when you are burning wood, you must ensure the wire does not come anywhere near the burner tool or pen. The same goes for loose hair or a necklace that can get in the way if you bend during work.
Blow away the fumes forcibly
If your workplace does not have a proper ventilation system, you need to find an alternative to keep the fumes away and ensure air circulation. And the solution to such a problem is to get a mini fan and set it on your work table.
Fume Extractor
It is a nice and compact device for sucking away the fumes. It is a very basic device runs on DC current, like that of a cooling fan of a computer CPU. You can make it at home using an AC/DC converter, a motor and a compatible plastic propeller/blades set.
Choose a Flat and Hard Surface
You should never burn wood on random places like the couch or bed because the last thing you want to leave on them is burnt holes. So always choose a flat and hard surface to work on, like a table.
Wearable Safety Materials
Don’t forget the essential safety devices, such as protective leather gloves, finger shields, and pen corks to protect your hand and skin. You can also wear a respiratory mask (pyrography respirator) and safety glasses to prevent inhaling the fume and causing eye burn.
Change Pen Tips With Tweezers/Pliers
If you are using different burner pen tips, you need to change from one tip to another to work on burning, filling, shading, etc. However, you should never touch the tip until you are sure that it has cooled down. And always use a pair of tweezers or thin pliers to change the tip.
Use Burner Pen Stand
If your burner set does not come with a pen stand, make sure to get yourself one separately. The stand helps you keep the pen upright when not in use, ensuring safety as it will not accidentally burn anything.
Use short wire
Try to plug your pen near your table so as to not leave wires lying around to trip over.
Choose The Right Wood
Never use treated wood for pyrography. Such wood contains chemicals and emits toxic gas and fumes as you burn them. So choose a wood that is well-tried and free of all sorts of chemicals.
Turn Off The Burner Immediately
When you are done with your project or taking a break from work, make sure to turn off the burner tool immediately. There is no point in keeping it turned on as it is a risky thing to do.
Seclude yourself from kids
It is a must if your home has junior members and if you are doing it indoors.
In addition, this video will definitely help you to comprehend the necessity of safety materials in pyrography.
Final Words on Pyrography Safety
Pyrography might be something you pass your time with. But it is essential to follow pyrography precautionary rules, whether it is a light or heavy project. So make sure to work in a well-ventilated area with enough light sources, wear your safety equipment, choose the right workplace and do your work carefully.
FAQs
Do I need a mask for pyrography?
Yes, you will need a mask for pyrography. Usually, a dust mask or respirator helps protect your lungs from the smoke that is created while burning.
What kind of mask do you need for wood burning?
You should wear a mask with a rating of P-95 or better.
Do you need gloves for wood burning?
Yes, you should wear gloves while doing woodburning. A pair of heat-resistant gloves can protect your skin from getting burnt. This is highly recommended if you are a beginner.
How do you protect your fingers when burning wood?
You can wear gloves to protect your fingers while burning the wood. Leather gloves are preferred.
What safety risks should you be aware of when doing pyrography?
You should be aware of different types of health risks, like, inhalation of smoke and soot and toxic fumes, having electric shock, having burnt finger, getting eye-sore.
