Halloween Project Safety Tips

Safety

Safety is important when it comes to Halloween projects. Unfortunately, the web has plans for lots of projects that are either fundamentally dangerous or potentially dangerous if not properly handled (especially some of the projects that require A/C power). Some of these are due to carelessness. Some are because people just don't know any better. I think you'll find the projects here safe and enjoyable. Of course, I can't guarantee safety. Some projects require power tools, paint, glue, and electricity. You must use your common sense. Children attempting these projects must have adult supervision.

Here are some guidelines that I hope you'll use when you attempt any Halloween project. (This is not necessarily a complete list.)

Power tools and hazardous materials are required in many projects. I've tried to minimize the use of hazardous materials in my projects.

• Follow all of the directions that came with your power tools.
• Wear eye protection.
• Use gloves when handling sharp items (like unframed glass).
• Consider ear protection.
• Lots of things, like paint, shellac, and epoxy create toxic fumes. Melting foam and solder also produce dangerous fumes. Make sure you have plenty of ventillation and/or use a respirator.
• Many of these same materials also give off flammable vapors.
• Pay attention to what you're doing.
• Make sure bystanders also have appropriate protective gear and are also paying attention.
• Give yourself plenty of room to work.
• Use a quality extension cord so you aren't restricted by the short cord on a power tool (and be careful not to cut into it).
• Keep your tools in good repair.

Electricity is dangerous. Regular house current in the U.S. is 110 to 120 volts A/C. That can easily kill you. Electrical wiring problems are the cause of a large number of fires every year. At holidays, the fire danger is elevated because of flammable decorations, overloaded circuits, and inappropriate use of indoor electrical components outside.

• If you don't know much about electrical wiring, get help from somebody who knows or find another project. Don't let the bozo who wrote up a project on his web site be your only source of electrical knowledge.
• Beware of projects that require makeshift rigging of high voltage circuitry.
• Don't try to save money on electrical components. If you're going to use your project outside, buy waterproof components and proper extension cords and do it right.
• Consider a low-voltage solution.
• Never bypass the grounding or polarization on a plug.
• Don't mix water and electricity.
• Consider putting a ground fault interrupter (GFI) in your holiday displays, especially the outdoor ones.

Safety is still important even after construction. Nothing ruins a Halloween party faster than a house fire.

• Consider using low-voltage lights rather than candles, especially in your Jack O'Lanterns. There are good battery-powered substitutes available. They are often sold with those kid-friendly carving sets. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Check the batteries in your smoke detectors.
• Keep at least one working fire extinguisher handy. Know how to use it before you need it.
• Consider treating your projects with a flame retardant coating.
• Many projects on other sites use compressed air. Know what you're doing if get involved with these.
• If you get trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood, make sure their path to your door is well lit and free of obstacles. Consider that masks may greatly reduce their field of vision.

Have a fun and safe Halloween.