It’s that time of year again! The leaves are changing color, the air is getting cooler, and pumpkin patches are popping up all over the place. If you’re like me, you can’t wait to get your hands on a pumpkin and start carving it up. But before you do, read these pumpkin carving safety tips!
Hand Safety
Use only tools designed for pumpkin carving. Most hand injuries are due to using kitchen knives. Whether serrated or plain blades, they are sharp and can cause injuries. Tools designed for pumpkin carving are shorter, smaller, bladed, and do not have sharp points.
Make cuts away from you.
Carve away from your hand. Accidents are frequently caused by making cuts toward a hand, and the knife slips. If you are holding the pumpkin steady with your hand at the top, cut away from your hand toward the bottom. Move the pumpkin as you change the direction you are cutting.
Don’t yank on the knife
Don’t yank when attempting to remove a jammed knife. Knife jamming usually occurs with kitchen knives because they are sharp, but it may occur with pumpkin carving tools. Don’t pull sharply on the knife/carving tool when attempting to dislodge it. Yanking the knife may result in an eye injury. Instead, rock the knife and gently push it in and out. Eventually, enough rind will be removed so the knife will slip out.
Keep everything dry
Keep your hands, work surface, and tools dry when working with pumpkins. This will help prevent slips and cutting yourself from happening! Keep the pumpkin stable with one hand as you use a carving tool.
Take your time
Take your time. pumpkin carving is not a race! rushing through it will only increase your chances of making a mistake. So relax, take your time, and enjoy the process.
Older children only
Children younger than 14 can help by cleaning the pumpkin off, removing the pulp, and poking the design into the pumpkin. They should wait until they are older before using pumpkin carving tools.
Make short cuts
Make small cuts. Short cuts are less likely to cause the knife to jam. Work slowly and carefully.
First Aid Cuts
Seek medical help for a cut that doesn’t stop bleeding after 15 minutes, fingers go numb, a severed finger, or deep punctures or cuts. For minor wounds, clean with soap and water, then apply pressure to the wound until it stops bleeding. For more information on hand injuries, see Six Tips to Avoid Common Pumpkin Carving Injuries.
Every year, people get injured while carving pumpkins. But it doesn’t have to be that way! By following these simple safety tips, you can avoid becoming a statistic. And who knows, maybe you’ll even have fun in the process! So grab your pumpkin, some friends, and a carving kit, and start creating some spooky memories that will last long after Halloween.
FAQ
How can I avoid pumpkin carving injuries?
You can avoid pumpkin carving injuries by being careful and following some simple safety tips. Use only tools designed for pumpkin carving, and always carve away from your hands. Children should wait until they are older before using any pumpkin carving tools.
What should I do if I get injured while pumpkin carving?
If you are injured while pumpkin carving, seek medical help immediately. For minor injuries, clean the wound with soap and water and apply pressure until it stops bleeding.
What are some common pumpkin carving injuries?
Common pumpkin carving injuries include cuts, punctures, and hand injuries.
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Source:
On Safety–Safety Tips for a DIY Halloween
Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips | The Hand Society
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