What Are the Dangers of Sewing Machines?

Many household projects and chores involve the use of dangerous tools and equipment. Sewing is not one of the household chores that most people consider to be dangerous, but it can be hazardous in several ways when using a sewing machine. Sewing machines move at a high rate of speed, setting the stage for several types of accidents to happen.

Modern machines do not usually have this problem as much as the older machines. Many people who have old sewing machines use them due to the superior quality, but safety standards have changed a lot since most of the sturdy, old machines were produced. The light bulb located under the arm of these older machines can get extremely hot. It is not difficult to accidental brush your arm against the bulb, causing severe burns.

As fast as the moving needle jabs in and out of a sewing machine, accidents and slips can happen easily. If your attention is diverted for even a second and you allow the machine to run, you could accidentally slip your finger under the needle as you are holding the fabric in place. When this happens, several injuries can occur from a simple puncture wound to a piece of the needle or even thread embedded in your finger.

As the needle in the sewing machine moves through fabrics of different thicknesses and strengths, it weakens. It is commonplace for needles to break once they have been used repeatedly. The danger here is that the broken end of the needle can be hurled at you at the speed it was moving when it broke off. Other mishaps could have the straight pins you work with and even pieces of buttons or other objects flying at you as well. It is important to protect your eyes with protective goggles for this reason.