I got this thought for a new thread spinning off the recent discomania thread

if you have a thought on how to work smarter

or

if you have a thought on how to work safer

why don't we compile these for the benefit of all?

i'll go first.

please join in

be safe 

wear goggles and simple face mask for airbrushing and dusting

when the dust cloud rises mixing confectioner's sugar icing and adding flour to the mixer 

you don't want to breath that

watch it when you spray the grease-the-pan sprays

you don't want to breath that either

srsly

you only get the one pair of lungs

for the most part

♥♥♥

Stay hydrated.  Wear supportive shoes.  Take a break every hour or so to keep from straining your neck/back/hands.  Don't grab a wet potholder to remove a cake from the oven.  Have fun!

APlease oh please don't lick the spoon then stir again with it!

Edited to add: for the safer side, raw eggs in the batter can make you sick.

actually for airbrush projects a dust mask would not be sufficient

maybe something like this--comes in small medium & large

http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-3390/Dust-Masks-Respirators/3M-52P71-Half-Face-Respirator-Medium

plus wearing goggles plus shielding other people from residual particles wafting into the air

(sleeping kids, infants & family)

you'd want to pick the right size mask and be sure that it fits properly

they are not always the most comfortable--or easy to breath through--

people with breathing/lung issues in the first place need to proceed with caution and probably should stop spraying or dusting anything!

for example to test it-- make sure you can't smell anything through the mask--

if you can smell it--the mask is not fitting right--it should make a seal around your mouth & nose forming a triangular seal---adjust until it's right

for example guys with beards automatically fail a fit test because the mask cannot make a tight seal onto their face

make sure you can read a paragraph out loud without breaking the seal and are not turning blue or gasping or anything--takes a little practice/adjusting

the government actually requires yearly fit testing for industries using these masks but for our purposes just making sure we use it and making sure it really fits is a much safer place for your lungs to be

what you don't breathe can't hurt you!! 

have a safe day!!!

AIf your hands are hurting from working for too long, take a break to rest your hands (and feet!). They are your most valuable tools.

this is more of work smart idea

when you are rolling out fondant or stirring egg whites on the stove

or cooking fillings or writing inscriptions on a full sheet cake or any wonky shaped cake

consider

getting a step to stand on

for rolling fondant you can use your upper body weight

and lean into the rolling pin

rather than expending your upper body strength

and for cooking and stirring if you can keep your arm

from having to reach up to do the stirring

if you can let your arm drop down into the stirring position

it makes a great difference in the long run

consider getting a small step to stand on when it benefits you ergonomically

i use the steps i got from 'the firm' exercise videos

i'm sure they're available on ebay

ergonomic thoughts for you

save your aching back!!!!

and if your writing on cakes is not on a straight line

lower the cake so you can lean over it to do the writing

write from your shoulder rather than from your elbow

have a safe and easier day!!