Ashford Handicrafts Quality Assurance and Safety Information
We operate a formal quality assurance programme to ensure all our products are consistently manufactured to the highest standard.
Product Guarantee
In the unlikely event there is a fault in the manufacture of any part of an Ashford product purchased from an authorised Ashford dealer, we will replace that part, if claimed, with proof of purchase within 12 months from the date of purchase.
Philosophy
The company’s philosophy is to respect nature, work ethically and ensure sustainability. Our focus is on recycling, reduced energy consumption and waste minimisation. The factory has been designed and equipped to ensure healthy working conditions for our loyal, dedicated, and enthusiastic staff. We have achieved accreditation for our workplace safely management practices
Timber
All our timber is sourced from sustainably managed forests under the strict guidance of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
Most of our products are made from beech hardwood which has natural colour variations between the heart and sap wood. We also use radiata pine, hardwood ply and veneered MDF.
Unless your Ashford product has a factory lacquer finish, we recommend that you protect it by sealing with Ashford finishing wax, lacquer, or paint. Avoid exposing your product to moisture, sunlight, or excessive heat.
Health and Safety
Crafts are gentle, enjoyable activities that allow us to express ourselves creatively and practicably while engendering a sense of peace and well-being. You need to be aware, however, of safety and health precautions that need to be taken when using some of our products.
MDF
Safe Handling Information
The core of our bobbins, Kiwi and Joy wheels are made from MDF (Medium Density Fibre board) which is a wood-based product made by bonding wood fibres with a synthetic resin adhesive.
When first manufactured, the unsealed surfaces of these boards may release formaldehyde gas in concentrations up to approximately 0.5ppm. (Up to 1.0ppm is the current acceptable standard in New Zealand). In rare instances this may cause irritation if dust is inhaled or contacts the skin. We recommend wiping away any dust with a moist rag and then sealing the edges with a 3-coat application of wax, lacquer, or paint.
Health Hazards
Swallowed: Unlikely but swallowing the dust would result in abdominal discomfort.
Eyes: The dust and gas may be irritating to the eyes causing discomfort and redness.
Skin: The dust and gas may irritate the skin, resulting in itching and occasional red rash. Allergic contact dermatitis may occur.
Inhaled: The dust and gas may irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, especially in people with upper respiratory tract or chest complaints. Asthma may occur.
First aid measures
Swallowed: Drink a glass of water.
Eyes: Flush with flowing water for at least 15 minutes, if symptoms persist, seek immediate medical attention.
Skin: Wash with mild soap and running water.
Inhaled: Leave the dusty area.
Wool Sliver
Ashford wool sliver is 100% New Zealand grown and processed from sheep that have not been mulesed. It is scoured (washed) by a standard aqueous treatment at 60-70 degrees Celsius, using a biodegradable 6 mole detergent. The wool is then dyed, dried, gently opened, conditioned, carded, gilled, and combed to align the fibres and remove any foreign matter.
The dyes comply with the strict EU regulations and garments made from our sliver can be certified under the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 as ecologically safe. Detailed information can be found at https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/standard-100-by-oeko-tex.
Dyes
Ashford dyes, if used correctly, are non-hazardous to humans. They are weak acid dyes that are fixed with only common white vinegar and heat. Fibre, yarn and textiles dyed with the Ashford dyes can be worn against the skin without risk. We are in close co-operation with all our suppliers of dyes to ensure they are safe to use and wear. The dyes comply with the strict EU regulations and the manufacturers confirm that cloth dyed with the Ashford dyes can be certified under the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This standard is the most widely known standard for certification of ecologically-safe clothing. Detailed information can be found under oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/standard-100-by-oeko-tex. The dyes pose no risk the environment if the dye liquid is neutralised with baking soda before disposal in the waste water system. Full instructions for the safe use and disposal of the dyes are included with the dyes.
Safe Handling Information
- Keep containers tightly closed and out of children’s reach.
- Wear gloves and cover your arms.
- Wear a dust mask when handling dry dye powder or spraying a dye solution.
- Keep dye pots and utensils for dyeing only.
- Avoid breathing fumes.
- Cover all surfaces.
- Ensure all dyes and solutions are labelled.
- Before you dispose of the dye bath liquid, add 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda to the liquid to neutralise the acid in the water.
Health Hazard
Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
First Aid Measures
General Information: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
After inhalation: Upon inhalation of aerosol/vapour/dust, take the patient into the fresh air, if there is difficulty breathing, medical advice is required.
After contact with the skin: Cleansing with plenty of water, soap or other non-irritating cleansing agents.
After contact with eyes: Contamination of the eyes must be treated by thorough irrigation with water, with the eyelids held open. Eventually a doctor (or eye specialist) should be consulted.
After ingestion: If the product is swallowed, the patient must at once drink water repeatedly, if possible with the addition of activated carbon. If the patient feels unwell, seek medical advice.
If medical attention is required take the dye and container with you.
Laquered Products
Our water-based lacquer once applied to products has no significant signs or symptoms of any health hazard as a result of small ingestion.
PVA Glue
Safe Handling Information
No precaution for use although gloves and a mask are optional.
Health Hazard
Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
Swallowed: No significant signs or symptoms indicative of any health hazard are expected to occur as a result of small ingestion.
Eyes: Not known. May irritate the eyes.
Skin: No significant signs or symptoms indicative of any adverse health hazards are expected to occur as a result of skin exposure.
Inhaled: No significant signs or symptoms indicative of any health hazard are expected to occur as a result of inhalation exposure.
First Aid Measures
Swallowed: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Give plenty of water to drink. If you are concerned seek medical advice.
Eyes: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, blinking as often as possible. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
Inhaled: Not expected to present inhalation hazard under anticipated conditions of normal use.
Spinning OIl
Safe Handling Information
Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin. Avoid inhaling vapour and/or mists. Properly dispose of any contaminated rags or cleaning materials in order to prevent fires. Store locked up. Dispose of contents/container to an approved waste disposal plant.
Health Hazard
DANGER - Contains white mineral oil (petroleum).
Swallowed: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. Ingestion may result in nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
Skin: Mildly irritating to skin. May cause a burning sensation and/or a dried/cracked appearance.
Eyes: May cause irritation.
Inhaled: Inhalation of the vapours (generated at elevated temperatures) could cause breathing difficulties and/or fever.
The onset of respiratory symptoms may be delayed for several hours after exposure.
First Aid Measures
Swallowed: Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical advice.
Skin: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Obtain medical attention for any persistent skin irritation or abnormality.
Eyes: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, blinking as often as possible. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Inhaled: Seek medical attention if irritation persists. No treatment necessary under normal conditions of use.
Finishing Wax Polish
Safe Handling Information
Gloves may be worn.
Health Hazard
Slightly toxic if swallowed. Slight irritant to the eyes.
Ingredients
Beeswax and tree oils
First Aid Measures
Swallowed: Give water to drink. Seek medical advice.
Eyes: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, blinking as often as possible. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin: Flush skin with running water. Seek medical advice.
Yarns
Ashford yarns are dyed using Oeko-Tex compliant dyes. The mills confirm that all dyes used to produce the Ashford ranges of yarn comply with the strict EU regulations and garments made from Ashford yarns can be certified under the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 as ecologically-safe. Detailed information can be found at https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/standard-100-by-oeko-tex.
Electrically Operated Products - GENERAL WARNING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
e-Spinner, e-Spinner Super Jumbo, e-Ball Winder
- Always follow the safety operating procedures.
- Ensure children and pets are always well clear when in use.
- Always unplug the AC/DC adapter from the wall when not in use.
- Never leave unattended without switching OFF at the ON/OFF switch.
- Ensure they are switched off before removing the foot switch plug.
- Do not use them in damp or wet conditions.
- Do not use after market accessories or flyers.
- Never open the electronic compartment without first disconnecting it from the power supply.
CE - Ashford Handicrafts Ltd declares that these products comply with Directive EN 55014-1:2006 as well as other applicable directives and fulfils the requirements for the CE marking. This product contains electrical and electronic components that should NOT be disposed of using standard refuse collection. Please separate these components and dispose at an appropriate recycling point in your country.
e-Carder 30
- The EDC30 can cause serious injuries. Always follow the safety operating procedures.
- Only use the supplied 24Vd.c. 5A power pack MODEL BX-24005000.
- If supply cord, power pack or foot switch are damaged they must be replaced by the manufacturer or authorised Ashford Dealer.
- Ensure children and pets are well clear of the EDC30 when using it.
- Never leave the EDC30 unattended without switching it OFF using the ON/OFF switch.
- Always unplug the power pack from the wall when not in use.
- Never use the EDC30 for normal carding without the safety cover in place.
- Immediately select the FORWARD mode after blending or removing the batt.
- Do not wear any loose clothing or accessories when operating the EDC30.
- Do not attempt to hold the drums by hand while operating the EDC30. This can cause serious injuries.
- Regularly clean and lubricate the EDC30 as detailed in the manual.
- Do not use the EDC30 in damp or wet conditions.
- The EDC30 should not be used by children or persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of knowledge unless under strict supervision or instruction. Children should not play with the EDC30.
- Do not use the EDC30 if you are fatigued, ill or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Always use the PUSH STICK provided to feed the fibre into the small drum.
- We recommend wearing thick gloves and the push stick when in use.
- The EDC30 is designed for home use only and not for commercial use.
- Do not discard the manual.
CE - Ashford Handicrafts Ltd declares that this product is in compliance with Directive IEC 60335-1 as well as other applicable directives and fulfils the requirements for the CE marking.
This product contains electrical and electronic components that should NOT be disposed of using standard refuse collection. Please separate these components and dispose at an appropriate recycling point in your country.