Candle-making Safety 2: Working slowly & methodically

In the first part of our candle making safety series we touched on a number of safety precautions and tips to help you set up a safe, organized workspace. In this article we’ll touch on a few tips and tricks to help you work slowly and methodically to help you amplify your craft as well as create a candle making environment that’s easier to focus and safer to work in.

Take Your Time

With mass orders going in and out the door, it can eventually be difficult to really take your time and concentrate on what you’re doing. This, however, is when accidents happen. Not to mention, you’ll be sacrificing your own craftsmanship just to produce more quantity.  So, even when things get hectic, remember to:

• Create a safe workplace and make sure that nothing around will disturb your setup
• Follow instructions or a project guide – especially if you are just learning a technique, or trying a new variation.
• Keep a slow pace and avoid paces that’ll create potential dangers and accidents

Know Your Ingredients & Use Proper Caution

If you’re working with fragrances, know that many of them are toxic. If you have pets or children that might get into your ingredients, know the adverse effect and plan accordingly. Either safely conceal and pet/kid proof your workspace, or choose ingredients that aren’t toxic to ingest.

If you are working with toxic ingredients, make sure to wipe off your hands and the workspace around you. You’ll also want to:

• Be sure you understand the safety requirements of the fragrances and/or essential oils you are using and be sure you have a good understanding of essential oil safety
• Be careful with dyes and colors. Dyes, especially liquid dyes, while not toxic, can stain things quickly and powerfully. One or two drops of liquid candle dye can color a pound of wax.

Keeping It Safe and Productive