Even in the apparently benign hobby of metal detecting, injuries can happen. In this article, I'd like to discuss some of the possible hazards and injuries that can occur, as well as some of their remedies.
Although metal detectors are made as light weight as possible by manufacturers, the body and coil of the detector can weigh several pounds. When you are beginning metal detecting, you should be aware that the constant swinging of the coil for long periods of time can cause not only fatigue, but injury to your elbow and shoulder. I myself have "tennis elbow" in the elbow of my swinging arm and feel pain there all of the time. If you metal detect in the water, you have the added resistance of the water against the control box as well as the coil. To avoid elbow and shoulder injuries, slow your swing down, alternate swinging the detector with your other arm, and take frequent breaks from detecting. If possible, mount your detector body on your hip or chest. This is especially true if you detect primarily in the water. Using a chest or hip mount drastically cuts down the weight you are swinging, as well as the water resistance when detecting in the water.
Regardless of exactly where you're metal detecting, it is essential to wear the right footwear. If you're metal detecting on rough, irregular land, wearing a very good pair of boots is suggested. Make certain you have sufficient ankle support to be able to prevent ankle injuries. When metal detecting within the water, make certain you wear water shoes, or at the very least some old tennis shoes. Rusty, jagged metal and glass are frequently found in swimming locations, so correct footwear can stop severe cuts and also the need to go for a tetanus shot. When metal detecting within the ocean, correct footwear may also safeguard you from a few of the unsavory critters that may be discovered on the ocean floor. Remain conscious of potential rip currents.
Use of knives along with other cutting tools like trowels may also result in injuries. I fairly recently cut the back of my leg with my long-handled water scoop when I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing.
Whether you are detecting on land or in the water, be aware of the kinds of critters you may run up against. In the ocean, it could mean jellyfish, sharks, skates, etc. On land, it could mean poisonous snakes or insects, or animals that bite.
And although it is one thing you might not have thought of, some metal detector users have in fact been mugged. Primarily because you might be wearing headphones, it really is effortless for an individual to sneak up on you.
For the most part, metal detecting can be a enjoyable recreational hobby. But just in case, you ought to be ready for injuries and always keep a first aid kit handy within your vehicle. Have some bug repellent handy in case the bugs are biting. But most of all, just be mindful of your surroundings and what you might be doing.
Although metal detectors are made as light weight as possible by manufacturers, the body and coil of the detector can weigh several pounds. When you are beginning metal detecting, you should be aware that the constant swinging of the coil for long periods of time can cause not only fatigue, but injury to your elbow and shoulder. I myself have "tennis elbow" in the elbow of my swinging arm and feel pain there all of the time. If you metal detect in the water, you have the added resistance of the water against the control box as well as the coil. To avoid elbow and shoulder injuries, slow your swing down, alternate swinging the detector with your other arm, and take frequent breaks from detecting. If possible, mount your detector body on your hip or chest. This is especially true if you detect primarily in the water. Using a chest or hip mount drastically cuts down the weight you are swinging, as well as the water resistance when detecting in the water.
Regardless of exactly where you're metal detecting, it is essential to wear the right footwear. If you're metal detecting on rough, irregular land, wearing a very good pair of boots is suggested. Make certain you have sufficient ankle support to be able to prevent ankle injuries. When metal detecting within the water, make certain you wear water shoes, or at the very least some old tennis shoes. Rusty, jagged metal and glass are frequently found in swimming locations, so correct footwear can stop severe cuts and also the need to go for a tetanus shot. When metal detecting within the ocean, correct footwear may also safeguard you from a few of the unsavory critters that may be discovered on the ocean floor. Remain conscious of potential rip currents.
Use of knives along with other cutting tools like trowels may also result in injuries. I fairly recently cut the back of my leg with my long-handled water scoop when I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing.
Whether you are detecting on land or in the water, be aware of the kinds of critters you may run up against. In the ocean, it could mean jellyfish, sharks, skates, etc. On land, it could mean poisonous snakes or insects, or animals that bite.
And although it is one thing you might not have thought of, some metal detector users have in fact been mugged. Primarily because you might be wearing headphones, it really is effortless for an individual to sneak up on you.
For the most part, metal detecting can be a enjoyable recreational hobby. But just in case, you ought to be ready for injuries and always keep a first aid kit handy within your vehicle. Have some bug repellent handy in case the bugs are biting. But most of all, just be mindful of your surroundings and what you might be doing.
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Lastly, if you'd like to find out even more about metal detectors and metal detecting, you will find a lot of good information and facts, such as metal detecting finds and stories, at Metal Detecting Resource.com.