Floral Design Safety

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”

It is the condition of being protected from HURT, INJURY OR LOSS! What is SAFETY? It is the condition of being protected from HURT, INJURY OR LOSS!

Vocabulary Accident- An unfortunate event resulting from carelessness, unawareness, ignorance or unavoidable causes. Defective- Faulty. Fatigue- Weariness or exhaustion. Hazardous- Dangerous. HORSEPLAY- Rough, noisy activity. Precaution- Care take beforehand. Supervision- Under the direction of another person. Toxic- Poisonous.

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN QUICKLY AND WITHOUT WARNING!!!

Safety in the Lab is Everyone’s Responsibility… Always watch for dangerous situations for yourself and for others. Know what to look for….

Safety is of utmost importance for you and for those around you. Several factors must be considered in developing good personal safety habits. These factors include: Avoiding unsafe conditions Avoiding unsafe actions Properly handling materials Dressing Appropriately SAFETY

Types of Injury… MAJOR: permanent damage or death. MINOR: cuts and bruises.

Most unsafe conditions are obvious and should be corrected immediately. Keep the Floors and Walkways clean and free of obstructions. (EX. Water on floor, tools on floor, materials/supplies on floor) Use caution when handling knives, clippers, etc. Always cut away from you with a knife. Report any tools that are broken or damaged to your instructor immediately. Unsafe Conditions

Unsafe Conditions…. Using Sharp Tools Con’t. Never “saw” your flower stems. Damage will occur to you flower materials. Never “saw” on the tables or chairs. Do not carry the tools in your pockets. Never throw tools to another student. Never cut wire with a floral knife. Unsafe Conditions….

Unsafe Conditions… Avoiding Unsafe Conditions while using Chemicals. Always handle chemicals with adequate ventilation. Always protect skin and clothing while handling chemicals. Use gloves if necessary. Flush eyes/skin immediately if they come in contact with the chemicals. Unsafe Conditions…

Avoiding Unsafe Actions. There are many things that we can do to avoid unsafe actions. Most accidents occur due to carelessness or unawareness. Make sure that you watch what others are doing around you. Remember, their actions can affect you. Report unsafe actions to Miss Blackburn Avoiding Unsafe Actions.

Used to clean containers between use. Chemical use is minimal, but you need to utilize caution at all times. Never mix different types of chemicals. Wash hands after handling chemicals. Read the labels. Only use in well ventilated areas. Avoid getting chemicals on skin or in eyes. Store chemicals according to label instructions. (Secure ventilated area) Used to clean containers between use. Chemical Use

Chemical Use Chemicals are Identified by their warning labels….. Caution- refers to low level of toxicity. Warning- identifies a moderately toxic product Danger- indicates a highly toxic product. It is represented by the skull-and-crossbones symbol. Chemical Use

Guidelines for Storage… Use chemicals for its intended use. Always store in the original container. Keep lid tight and label attached. Keep large containers on the floor. Store in a cool, dry place. Store in locked closet. Wear protective clothing. Keep hands away from eyes and mouth Dispose of properly Do not save empty containers.

When used as recommended, chemicals are safe and effective. Improper use leads to environmental pollution and endangering ones health.

Hand Tool Injuries Are Caused By: Using tool improperly. -not using proper procedures… gripping, turning, etc. 2. Using wrong tool for the job. - using a screw driver as a hammer. 3. Using a defective tool.

Precautions While Using Hand Tools… Keep cutting tools sharp. -dull tools may stick or slide. 2. Check tools for defects or damage. -Repair or replace damaged tools. 3. Keep tools in proper place. -Never leave tools lying around. 4. Carry tools in a toolbox or holder. 5. Always clean tools. clean tools are safer and more efficient.

Glue Guns Glue Gun Safety is very important. Temperatures may reach up to 180 degrees. Third degree burns can occur if the melted glue gets on your skin. If melted glue does get on the skin surface, DO NOT pull it off. Rinse with cold water immediately. Pulling the glue will also pull off your skin!!!!! Glue Guns

2nd degree burn- Blistering/ Pain 1st degree burn- Pink/Redish swollen skin 2nd degree burn- Blistering/ Pain 3rd degree burn- No pain, charred/white Types of Burns

Toxic Plants and Materials Some of the plants/flowers that we handle could be potentially dangerous to you. Some individuals are more sensitive to certain types of plant materials. If you have an allergy or allergic reaction—let the instructor know. Never touch your mouth/face until you have washed your hands. Toxic Plants and Materials

IDENTIFYING POISONOUS PLANTS USED IN FLORAL DESIGNS Many flowering and foliage plants are used in floral designs because of their beauty and attractiveness. BUT, some plants have undesirable features which need consideration before the plants are handled and placed indoors.

Many plants have toxic parts which can lead to poisoning or irritation if the plants are not handled properly. Knowledge of toxic plants in important, especially if the plants are placed in areas accessible to small children or pets. Causes: minor skin irritation Internal disorders

Bird of Paradise- plant sap Symptoms= skin irritation Daffodil- Bulb Symptoms= vomiting, skin irritations

Hydrangea- entire plant Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting English Ivy- entire plant Symptoms: Nausea, convulsions