Sculpting and creating your own pieces and sculptures is one of the greatest satisfactions there is. Seeing how art can emerge from a simple block of stone is one of the most exciting processes in existence. Of course, as you might imagine, stone carving is no walk in the park, and it's very important to follow a series of protective measures to sculpt safely and minimize any risk. Today we'd like to focus on this topic. Would you like to stay and discover more?
If you work in an environment where stone cutting and carving is the main activity, such as a marble quarry, there are likely already established protocols to ensure the safety of all workers. But if this is a hobby, something you do in your own home, studio, or workshop, you might want to review the basic protective measures every sculptor should follow.
Before you start, you'll see that many of the steps can already be covered with our Safety set for stone carving , designed for those who are just starting out in our exciting world.
Now, let's get to it!
Preventive protection and safety measures
Preventive measures help us not only protect each individual involved in this activity but also the entire group, in case there is more than one person in the workshop/studio; and that's precisely why it's so important to take them seriously. These are some of the most basic measures:
Noise
Hearing protection is mandatory in all spaces where noise exceeds 80-85 decibels. Electrical machinery, especially if used for long periods of time, can be very annoying and, if used frequently, can be an inconvenience. Therefore, it is important for sculptors to have either protective earmuffs or, as an alternative measure, earplugs. These reduce the decibels detected by the ear significantly and the effects will be less severe.
Vibrations
Just as people are generally more aware of the harmful effects of constant noise, vibrations are not usually given as much importance as they should be. Constant vibrations can be the source of some very serious injuries, which is why some professionals use anti-vibration gloves , although it should be said that their effectiveness has not yet been 100% proven.
Handling heavy loads
We have to keep in mind that we're talking about handling very large, heavy blocks of stone. Overexertion or handling very heavy loads is one of the main causes of injury in many occupational sectors, and, as expected, it's also an aspect to consider for sculptors. To prevent these injuries, the most important thing is to be aware of your body position and try not to strain your back or lower back. If you have to bend over, it's better to keep your back straight and your knees bent. And, of course, whenever you can use a wheelbarrow or any other tool to transport heavy blocks, even better.
Dust extraction
Well yes, it is impossible to carve stone and avoid dust. Some of the dust that can be stirred up during the sculpture creation process can end up entering the respiratory tract and cause serious damage. For this reason, respiratory protection equipment is the greatest ally of any sculptor or stonemason. The most commonly used option is a half mask with a double filter system which is also reusable.
Cleaning
Related to the previous point, a very important safety measure that must be followed in any workshop is to maintain order and cleanliness. Keeping the workplace clean and uncluttered is essential to avoid tripping and damaging parts. And, of course, it's important to keep all materials on top of the work tables and not scattered on the floor. Although it may seem unnecessary to mention this, the truth is that many accidents would be avoided if a tidy and adequate space were always maintained.
We also recommend the use of a rubber hand guards to improve grip and protect your hands.
The hobby of sculpting your sculptures at home
Do you follow all these protective measures when sculpting your sculptures? If you didn't take any of them into account, we encourage you to consider these basic guidelines the next time you enter your workshop.
If you need new tools for stone carving, in Rock & Tools We have a wide catalog where you can find everything you need. From chisels to diamond blades, hammer drills, pneumatic hammers, and much more.
If you have any questions, don't worry, we'll be happy to help you choose the perfect tool for you. And, above all, safety!
