Wednesday, September 7, 2011

A Few Common Detecting Injuries to Be Aware Of

By Paul Duncan


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.

Though metal detectors are built as light weight as feasible by makers, the body and coil of the metal detector can weigh a few pounds. When you are beginning metal detecting, you should know that the continual swinging of the coil for extended periods of time can result in not merely fatigue, but injury to your shoulder and elbow. I myself have "tennis elbow" within the elbow of my swinging arm and experience discomfort there most of the time. For those who metal detect in the water, you've got the added resistance of the water against the control box as well as the coil. To prevent shoulder and elbow injuries, slow your swing down, alternate swinging the metal detector utilizing your other arm, and take frequent breaks from metal detecting. If doable, mount your detector body onto your hip or chest. This really is specifically accurate for those who metal detect mostly while in the water. Making use of a chest or hip mount drastically reduces the weight that you are swinging, as well as the water resistance when metal detecting within the water.

Regardless of exactly where you might be metal detecting, it is very important to wear the proper footwear. In case you are metal detecting on rough, irregular land, wearing a very good pair of boots is suggested. Ensure you have sufficient ankle support so that you can evade ankle injuries. When metal detecting while in the water, ensure you wear water shoes, or at the very least some old tennis shoes. Rusty, jagged metal and glass are typically found in swimming locations, so appropriate footwear can avoid significant cuts as well as the need to go for a tetanus shot. When metal detecting within the ocean, appropriate footwear may also shield you from a number of the unsavory critters that could be discovered on the ocean floor. Remain mindful of potential rip currents.

Use of knives and other cutting tools such as trowels can also cause injuries. I 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 is really a enjoyable recreational hobby. But just in case, you need to be ready for injuries and always keep a first aid kit handy inside your automobile. Have some bug repellent handy in case the bugs are biting. But most of all, just be conscious of your surroundings and what you're doing.




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