Safety in the Sewing Room – JSS1 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (First Term)

Safety in the sewing room means taking precautions to avoid accidents, injuries and damage to our projects.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. State why safety matters in the sewing room.
2. List the general rules for behaviour in the sewing room.
3. Handle needles, pins, scissors, sewing machines and pressing irons safely.
4. Describe what to do when a small accident happens.
5. Name the checks to make before leaving the sewing room.

Why is safety important in the sewing room?

Safety is important because the sewing room has sharp tools and electrical equipment that can cause injury if used carelessly.

• Sharp objects: needles, pins and scissors can cut or prick the skin.
• Heavy and electrical equipment: sewing machines and pressing irons can cause injury, burns or shocks.
• Damage to work: spilt drinks, scorch marks and lost pins can spoil fabric and garments.
• Careful habits: a good fashion designer is a careful designer.

What are the general rules of the sewing room?

The general rules are simple habits that every student follows to keep the sewing room safe.

• No running: never run in the sewing room. You could trip and fall onto a sharp tool or a heavy machine.
• Keep the floor clear: pick up pins, scraps of fabric and thread at once. People can slip on fabric or step on pins.
• No food or drinks: keep snacks and water away from the sewing area. A spilt drink can ruin fabric or cause an electric shock if it touches a machine.
• Concentrate: focus on your work. Do not talk to friends or look away while using a machine or scissors.
• Good lighting: work in a well-lit room so you do not strain your eyes or sew over your fingers.
• Dress sensibly: tie back long hair and avoid loose, hanging clothes near the machine.

How do we handle sewing tools safely?

We handle tools safely by using each one only in the correct way and keeping it in its proper place.

1. Needles and pins

• Keep pins out of your mouth: holding pins in your lips is dangerous. You could swallow them or get cut.
• Use a pincushion: put pins back in the cushion. Never leave them scattered on the table.
• Dispose of broken needles: wrap the pieces in a bit of paper and put them in the bin at once so no one gets pricked.

2. Scissors and shears

• Pass them safely: hold the closed blades and offer the handle to the other person.
• Keep them closed: when not in use, close the blades and lay the scissors flat on the table.
• Cut away from your body: always cut in a direction away from your fingers and body.

3. Sewing machines

• Mind your fingers: keep them a safe distance from the needle and the presser foot while the machine runs.
• Stop before you adjust: switch off the machine, or take your foot off the pedal, before threading the needle or changing the bobbin.
• One person at a time: only the person sewing stays at the machine. Others stand back so they do not bump the operator.

Summary table of tool hazards

How do we handle the pressing iron safely?

The pressing iron makes our sewing look neat, but it can cause serious burns or fires if handled carelessly.

1. Check the cord: make sure the wire is not frayed or broken.
2. Keep water away from the plug and socket: wet hands and electricity can cause shock.
3. Stand it upright: when you are not ironing, stand the iron on its heel. Never leave it face down on the board or fabric.
4. Unplug after use: never walk away and leave a hot iron plugged in.
5. Let it cool: allow the iron to cool before putting it away.

What should we do if an accident happens?

If an accident happens, give simple first aid for small injuries and report it to the teacher at once.

• Small cuts: wash the area and apply a plaster.
• Pin pricks: clean the spot and check that the pin did not break off inside.
• Small burns: hold the burnt part under cool running water and tell the teacher.
• Report it: tell your teacher at once about any injury or broken equipment.

What should I check before leaving the sewing room?

Before leaving, check that the room is tidy, tools are stored and all equipment is switched off.

• Workspace: is my workspace tidy?
• Pins: are my pins in the pincushion?
• Equipment: did I switch off the iron and the machine?
• Scissors: are my scissors closed and put away safely?

Evaluation

1. Why is it dangerous to hold pins in your mouth?
2. Describe the correct way to hand a pair of scissors to a classmate.
3. Mention two things you should do before leaving the sewing room at the end of the day.
4. State three rules for using the pressing iron safely.

Assignment

Write five safety rules for your school sewing room. Beside each rule, give one reason for it.