Safety is important in all activities, and some of the dangers particularly related to origami should be part of the reminders of anyone who is going to handle paper on a regular basis.
1. The most obvious danger is the paper cut: it can be very painful and inconvenient because the most common paper cuts are in parts of the hand that are used a lot. A good approach to avoiding paper cuts is to take one's time handling the paper. I have found that many paper cuts result from rushing and hurrying.
2. As we will see, many modern and classic pieces are based on a traditional square of paper. The sharp instruments used to make your own "perfect square" must only be used with supervision, whether it is a knife blade or paper cutter. Rotary cutters when used correctly are generally safer than the traditional large blade paper cutter.
3. When young folders are first learning to fold, they should be reminded to ask what paper is allowed to be used for folding.
4. Most paper sold as "origami paper" for folding are manufactured avoiding toxic materials, but it is good practice to avoid any transfer of colorful dyes or paper coatings to one's mouth (don't lick the paper, or wrap food in paper unless you know it's safe; for example, wax paper made for handling food). Certainly wash hands regularly, before and after folding, as a healthful practice.
At any time, return to Table of Contents.
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2012-01-08
Copyright 2012
