OTHER INFORMATION
UNWASHED AND UNSCOURED FLEECE
Information for spinners, dyers and felters
The Association of Spinners, Dyers and Weavers issued the following advice, guidance and Code of Practice in 1997. The guidance is for those demonstrating in public. It was originally circulated through their Newsletter. The advice is still valid.
1. Background – the risks
Contact with untreated fleece should be minimized and handlers must observe high standards of personal hygiene. Effective washing or scouring of fleeces will reduce or eliminate most health risks.
These are the best safeguards against
• Potential hazard from chemicals used on sheep before shearing.
o the risk in considered to be low. The Health & Safety Executive advise that sheep are not sheared for a minimum of three months after dipping and in practice this period is often longer.
o in addition fibres and particles held in fleece may carry, toxins or endotoxins that may prove harmful to humans
• Disease affecting sheep or organisms, toxins or endotoxins carried by then capable of transmission to humans.
o Examples of transmissible risks include the causant organism e.g. streptococci and staphylococci of boils or infected spots of the skin.
o E- coli infections Coliforms is a generic title for a family of organisms that assist the natural digestive process in a specific species of animal. For ease of identification organisms bearing the same characteristics and life style are known by reference numbers of which 1057 is well known. When large numbers of coliforms are transmitted to another species including humans by contaminated food, contact with excreta or poor hygiene practices, gastro intestinal infection may result.
o Less common is diarrhoea caused by the cryptosporidiosis organism which may be contracted from live infected' animals, their excreta or contaminated water.
o There have been rare examples of Q fever transmitted to humans from an infected fleece.
o Anthrax in a very rare but severe and persistent infection which can be transmitted from infected wool or alpaca fleece to humans.
o The ringworm parasite may be transmitted from affected wool to humans. The cause, a spore bearing organism, can live in the earth for periods in excess of one hundred years.
The risk of transmission is small and depends on several factors, the condition of the fleece, contact time, standards of personal hygiene Guild members must be aware of these risks and their "duty of care" to themselves, other craft-persons, their families and contacts.
2. Summary
The following 'Code of Practice,' is suggested, the principal caution is stated in point one. Guild members an individuals, or working in groups, using untreated fleece must be aware of the risks and balance these against the perceived advantages of their decision and practice.
Guidelines are given for the washing and/or scouring of fleece. Observing each point will not guarantee protection from risk but will show awareness, a responsible attitude and reasonable concern for health and safety.
CODE of PRACTICE
1. MAIN FEATURES
1.1 Unwashed and/or unscoured fleece should not be used in public demonstrations.
1.2 All spinners and felters must be aware of the health risks to those working with unwashed or unscoured natural fleece. Untreated flow* should be used in very exceptional circumstances where the end result can justify the practice. Those involved being aware of risks to themselves and their immediate environment.
1.3 Pregnant women, those with allergic reactions and/ or respiratory problems, e.g. asthma, bronchitis and skin complaints, may aggrevate these conditions by working with unwashed or unscoured fleece.
1.4 Those receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy or taking immune suppressants must avoid all contact with unprocessed fleece.
2. PRECAUTIONS
2.1 Whenever possible fleece should be obtained from disease free animals and flocks. Wool fleeces should not be handled within four months of “dipping” or similar chemical treatment.
2.2 Heavi1y soiled fleeces, or those containing loose soil or particles, should not be handled in confined spaces.
2.3 Handle fleece carefully to avoid releasing debris into the air. Avoid handling the buttock region particularly if it Is heavily soiled.
2.4 Babies and young children should not have access to areas where untreated fleece are being stored, washed or scoured.
2.5 Wash. rinse and dry hands (and arms if exposed) before and after processinq untreated fleece and visits to the toilet. Avoid scratching or touching the lips or any skin whilst treating the fleece.
2.6 Do not prepare or consume food or drink in the work area until the processes involving fleece are complete,the area cleared and thoroughly cleaned and allowed to dry.
2.7 Healthy spinners, dyers and felters should protect themselves during washing and scouring by:
• covering all skin lesions i.e. cuts, burns, bites. abrasions with adhesive waterproof dressings.
• wearing a protective (preferable washable or waterproof) apron. wear household gloves whenever possible.
• A mask worn over the nose and mouth offers some additional protection when dealing with dry or dusty fleece.
3. THE PROCEDURE FOR WASHING AND/OR SCOURING FLEECE
3.1 The work area should be cleared of all unwanted items. Work tops or the floor area on which the fleece is laid out should be covered with paper or other disposable sheeting.
3.2 The sink, bath or receptacles must be large enough to accommodate the fleece.
3.3 The soap/detergent or scouring agent is added and mixed into the water to make a solution of the strength and temperature recommended by the manufacturer, avoid splashing.
3.4 Containers of washing/scouring agents must be sealed after use and returned to a safe storage place.
3.5 The fleece must be completely submerged beneath the surface of the solution. Careful positioning will release any entrapped air and ensure a consistent effect.
3.6 Washing or scouring must be followed by one or more rinses in clear water no hotter than the original solution. Again, careful positioning will ensure a consistent effect.
3.7 The rinsed fleece may be drained and allowed to dry.
3.8 Sinks, receptacles and tanks should be cleaned with detergent, rinsed and dried before further use.
3.9 Protective coverings should be disposed of, or, if re-usable, washed and dried for further use.
3.10 Thoroughly clean the work area, allow to dry and maximise ventilation.
3.11 Remove and clean any re-usable protective clothing. Single use items can be disposed of before washing all exposed skin surfaces to reduce any reaction to splashes of chemicals, debris or organisms.
4. NOTES
4.1 Any ill effects following washing or scouring of fleece i.e. gastro intestinal disturbance, skin reaction or respiratory distress affecting yourself or others in the environment should be reported to a General Practitioner without delay.
4.2 Further technical advice of the possible risks and the procedure for handling untreated fleece may be obtained from the regional office of the Health and Safety Executive.
Reproduced May 2008
Other websites
Classes and supplies - http://www.spinningweal.co.uk/
Felted knitwear with applique - http://website.lineone.net/~teresa.searle/