Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Some Common Detecting Injuries to Be Mindful 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.

Even though metal detectors are produced as light weight as feasible by producers, the body and coil of the metal detector can weigh a couple of pounds. When you are beginning metal detecting, you should know that the continual swinging of the coil for lengthy periods of time can result in not just fatigue, but injury to your shoulder and elbow. I myself have "tennis elbow" within the elbow of my swinging arm and really feel discomfort there all the time. When you metal detect in the water, you've 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 with the other arm, and take frequent breaks from metal detecting. If feasible, mount your detector body against your hip or chest. This really is particularly accurate in the event you metal detect mostly within the water. Utilizing a chest or hip mount drastically decreases the weight you're swinging, as well as the water resistance when metal detecting within the water.

No matter where you are detecting, it's important to wear the appropriate footwear. If you are detecting on rough, irregular land, wearing a good pair of boots is recommended. Make sure that you have adequate ankle support in order to avoid ankle injuries. When metal detecting in the water, make sure that you wear water shoes, or at the very least some old tennis shoes. Rusty, jagged metal and glass are often found in swimming areas, so proper footwear can prevent serious cuts and the need to go for a tetanus shot. When detecting in the ocean, proper footwear can also protect you from some of the unsavory critters that can be found on the ocean floor. Stay aware of possible 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.

Regardless of whether you might be metal detecting on land or within the water, be mindful of the kinds of critters you could run up against. Within the ocean, it could mean jellyfish, sharks, skates, for example. 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 a fun recreational hobby. But just in case, you should be prepared for injuries and keep a first aid kit handy in your car. Have some bug repellent handy in case the bugs are biting. But most of all, just be aware of your surroundings and what you are doing.




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