If you want to get tufting rugs at home, the first step is to learn how to operate a tufting gun safely.
Tufting guns are complex electrical machinery that are capable of stitching hundreds of times in just a few seconds. To prevent accidents and injuries it is essential that every new tufter takes steps to understand their machine and how they can keep themselves and others safe.
Safety First! Rugs Second!
This 3 minute article will give you some top things to consider to keep yourself and others safe while tufting. You’ll find out whether you really need to wear a mask, how you can protect your hearing and protect your pets, and finally, you’ll learn more about the safety standards for the AK-I Cut Pile Tufting Machine.
How can i stay safe while using a tufting machine?
When it comes to staying safe while tufting - think R.U.G.S!
| (R) ROOM 🏠 - Is my tufting space adequate? |
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| (U) UPKEEP 🛠️ - Am I maintaining my tufting gun? |
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| (G) GUARDING 🛡️ - Am I guarding my body against injury? |
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| (S) SHOCK ⚡ - Am I protecting myself from electric shocks? |
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Do I really need to wear a face mask while tufting?
Yes! You should wear an FFP2 face mask while tufting. Inhalation of yarn fibres can cause lasting respiratory illness and disease. The severity and incidence of respiratory symptoms, illnesses and chronic diseases is linked to the concentrations of airborne fibres (dust) that a person is exposed to and the number of years a person is exposed. The severity is also linked to the types of fibres a person is exposed to, for example exposure to extremely high industrial levels of cotton dusts and other dusts from vegetable fibres such as flax, hemp or sisal has been linked to respiratory lung disease (Byssinosis).
Make sure you also wear your mask while cleaning and disposing of fibre dust, for example while hoovering, emptying the hoover and while cleaning your machine. Do not try to clean your tufting area by sweeping up loose yarn and dust, this can cause a larger circulation of harmful fibres in the air. Hoover regularly or use wet cleaning techniques.
Are tufting machines loud enough to damage my hearing?
Tufting Machines are an electric power tool and make a louder noise than modern sewing machines. Long term or prolonged exposure to loud noises can permanently damage your hearing. Care should be taken to protect yourself when tufting by wearing ear protection, such as earplugs or ear defenders. Unfortunately most noise cancelling headphones are not sufficient to protect your hearing. If you would like to listen to music or podcasts while tufting, look for headphones or earbuds that provide ear protection and are compliant with European Safety Standard EN352.
How can I protect my pets from a tufting frame?
The nails on carpet grippers can cause serious injuries to skin. Securing thick foam, with a depth of 2cm or more, on all of the exposed nails on your frame can reduce the risk of contact but injuries can still occur if your frame is in an area where it is easily accessible and unmonitored. Some tufters opt for using staples instead of carpet grippers to reduce these risks, whilst others have built collapsible frames that they can safely store away when not in use. The best way you can protect any children, cats or dogs in your home is to separate them from your tufting space and keep them away from your tufting frame at all times.
Is the AK-I Cut Pile Tufting Machine Safe?
Every AK-I cut pile tufting gun sold by Tuftbox adheres to the high quality and safety standards expected for all UK machinery. The AK-I cut pile tufting gun is both UKCA and CE marked, affirming the tools’ conformity with both the UK and European standards for health, safety and environmental protection. Tufting guns are complex electrical machinery and it’s essential that every new tufter reads through the comprehensive safety information included in the manual that accompanies the machine.
Tufting guns are formidable power tools that you should always approach with caution but by following the steps outlined here and by reading the safety information in your manual - you’ll be well prepared to tackle your new hobby safely.
Stay Safe and Happy Tufting!
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Disclaimer: This guide is intended to assist tufters by providing generic safety information. You should always read and follow the safety instructions and information provided by the manufacturer or supplier of your machine. For the Tuftbox AK-I Cut-Pile Tufting Machine - detailed safety information is included in the manual that accompanies your machine. You must read this manual in full before starting your first tuft.
