Several Common Detecting Injuries to Be Conscious 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.

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 as well as other cutting tools for example trowels may also bring about 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 or not you're metal detecting on land or within the water, be conscious of the kinds of critters you might run up against. Within the ocean, it could mean jellyfish, sharks, skates, and so on. On land, it could mean poisonous snakes or insects, or animals that bite.

And though it's something you may not have considered, some metal detector users have actually been mugged. Mainly because you are wearing headphones, it is easy for someone 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.




About the Author: