Is Your Home Workshop Safe? 

For many crafters, home is more than just where the heart is, it’s where their business began and where it still lives! Some are hand-pouring candles in the kitchen or creating resin jewellery in a garden studio while others are stitching personalised gifts in a spare room that could always do with a clear-out that never quite happens! But, no matter where in the house it is, your workspace will always play a vital role in your success. 

Thanks to WiFi, home deliveries and telecommunications, we can return once again to the days of cottage industry, although now, working from home offers flexibility and convenience, rather than being the sole choice available. One thing that has not changed since pre-industrial days is that working from home also comes with responsibilities. These days it’s probably less about raising pigs and chickens and more about being mindful of the state of specialist equipment, electrical appliances, flammable materials and chemicals that can all affect our livelihood if they’re not managed properly. 

As professionals who insure craft and crafters, we think that protecting your business (and yourself) makes a lot of sense, and creating a safe workshop doesn’t have to be complicated when you remember to take a few sensible precautions. 

Remembering Fire Safety  

If your craft involves candles, wax melts or any process using heat, fire safety should always be a priority. Sounds obvious, but life sometimes interrupts crafting and then oversights can happen. So never leave melting wax unattended and keep work surfaces clear of unnecessary clutter, particularly paper, fabrics and packaging that could easily catch fire. 

On this note, it’s always worth checking that your workshop is fitted with a working smoke alarm and that you have easy access to a fire blanket or suitable fire extinguisher. Knowing where your nearest exit is and having a simple emergency plan can make a real difference should the unexpected happen. 

Even if candle making isn’t your thing, it’s still good practice to review fire safety arrangements regularly, especially where heat guns, glue guns or other electrical equipment is being used. 

Giving Resin Projects Room to Breathe 

Resin is a versatile and popular medium, but it’s important to work with it safely. Protecting yourself is one way of protecting your business, as without you, it probably would not exist! 

Some resins release fumes during mixing and curing, so good ventilation is essential. Whenever possible, work in a well-ventilated area or use extraction equipment to improve airflow. Keeping your resin workspace separate, allowing projects to cure in a dedicated space will help create a safer environment while producing better-quality finished products. 

Checking Your Electrical Equipment 

From sewing machines and heat presses to laser engravers and 3D printers, there is often electrical equipment at the heart of craft businesses. 

In order to prolong the life of your equipment it’s a good idea to regularly inspect plugs, cables and extension leads for signs of wear or damage, replacing faulty items as soon as possible. Avoid overloading sockets and beware of extension leads – they have recommended limits and should not be plugged one into another. 

For specialist machinery, continuing to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidance is a must to keep everything operating safely and efficiently. Developing simple habits, such as making sure to switching equipment off properly when it’s not in use, can also reduce unnecessary risks. 

Keeping Tools in Good Condition 

A tidy workshop with organised tools is a safer and more productive place to create. If you use a number of tools, it helps to have a designated place where each one lives. If you are short on storage space, even a hook on the wall with a line painted around each tool shows clearly where it belongs as well as keeping tools at a safe height.  

Then there’s maintenance. Well-maintained tools don’t just make crafting easier, but they also make it safer. Dull blades or damaged tools often require more force to use, increasing the risk of accidents. Take time to clean and inspect your equipment regularly, replacing worn parts where needed. 

Storing Chemicals Responsibly 

Paints, adhesives, solvents, varnishes or cleaning products are an integral part of crafting. It’s important to always store chemicals in their original containers with labels clearly visible and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for safe use and storage. Keep them away from direct heat, naked flames and areas that are accessible to children or pets. It’s also important to dispose of unwanted chemicals responsibly, following local guidance. 

Prepare – Craft – Insure  

However carefully you prepare and however carefully you work, accidents still happen, unfortunately. 

Fires, accidental damage or unforeseen incidents can and do affect equipment, stock and workspaces, disrupting craft businesses and preventing crafters from fulfilling customer orders. As craft insurers, we know a lot about the risks involved in running a crafting business. As an occupation, it’s not quite in the same high-risk league as underwater welding, but there are still risks.  

This specific knowledge is what brings many crafters to choose cover designed specifically for craft businesses. While good workshop practices help minimise risk, insurance can provide valuable support if something unexpected affects your business. 

Does a Home-Based Craft Business Need Insurance? 

Many people assume that because they work from home, their household insurance will automatically protect their craft business. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. Business equipment, stock, public liability and products sold to customers will require specialist cover that isn’t included under a standard home insurance policy. 

If you regularly sell online, attend craft fairs, teach workshops or keep business stock at home, it’s worth reviewing your insurance arrangements to make sure they reflect how your business operates. Choosing specialist craft insurance cover means you’ll have protection that’s designed with the needs of your unique craft businesses in mind. 

Public liability insurance covers you for any claim made by a member of the public against you or a member of your team for damage to self or property. Product liability covers you for claims made for damage by one of your products. Even if this is not your fault, the insurance will still cover you, thus enabling you to have complete peace of mind. 

At Craft Insurance, we’re proud to support UK crafters and, as a family business ourselves, we communicate directly with each of our customers, so pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be keen to help. Whether you’re creating from a kitchen table, a garden workshop or a dedicated studio, we’re here to help you protect the business you’ve worked so hard to build. 

Find out more about craft insurance today and enjoy the confidence that comes from knowing your craft business has the protection it deserves.