7 Safety Tips for Balloon Decorators

Before we go for an actual setup in the venue chosen by the customer, Balloon Decorators plan ahead of time on what to bring and what to do to please the customer with a nicely done setup. Aside from making the clients happy, we should make sure that we are also free from harm and can still work the following day so we can make the upcoming customers happy and not stay at home – or worst in the hospital – by hurting ourselves during the actual setup of the balloons and other items that we are decorating. Below are seven Safety Tips for Balloon Decorators to make sure we are still in one-piece (LOL, “good health” should be a much better word) after our bookings.

1. Always make sure you use a sturdy chair or ladder – Because most balloon decorators nowadays love to decorate the ceiling with drapes, cloths, buntings, balloons, pompoms, etc, using a ladder is a must. Because not all venues or function rooms offer a ladder and most balloon decorators do not like to bring their own, they result in using a monobloc chair or wooden chair to add to their height and reach the ceiling. Using a chair or ladder must be done with someone else so the assistant can hold the object you are stepping and can easily give you the things that you need. Falling down means bruises and/or injuries.

Ceiling Balloons at Play Maze Park Mall

2. Always watch for the “Wet Floor” sign – If you see a wet floor sign, be sure you are moving slowly and with care. Slipping can cause harm to your body. It can injure your back, hand or head if you are not minding this sign. In most cases, where there is an event prior to the one you are serving, the venue staff usually clears the floor and mops it with water to remove the dirt caused by drippings of food and softdrinks. Make sure you avoid the “Wet Floor” or wait for it to be dry to avoid any injuries. Sometimes, janitors no longer put this sign so it is better if you check the floors first before moving forward while carrying your items.

Mark’s bruises after falling

3. Keep away from open wires, damage lights & outlets – By being mindful of the wires and the lighting systems of the venue, you will keep yourself away from electrocution. Most open wires can be found on top of the ceiling areas where the lights are hidden. Most of the time rats eat the insulation of the wires and make it susceptible to electrocuting you. Avoid damage outlets too and make sure you only connect on a correct voltage-rating outlet. Here in the Philippines, we use the 220V outlet but sometimes Balloon Inflators, Bubble Machines and Fog Machines that came from outside of the country uses 110V.

4. Balloons inflated with Hydrogen are flammable – Because hydrogen is much cheaper compared to Helium, most balloon shops in the Philippines uses Hydrogen to make flying balloons. Because Hydrogen is lighter than Air (Breathable Air), it can make a balloon fly but the negative thing about this is that it can cause fire. Health concerns about Hydrogen is a critical issue but because of the few instances of accidents using it makes it a lesser concern to many – but the truth is that it can cause fire and worst, burn the whole party. Make sure you keep the hydrogen balloons away from open flames, incandescent lamps, cigarettes, etc. Read: Helium vs Hydrogen for Flying Balloons.

100pcs Small Flying Balloons for a Birthday at Cebu Country Club

5. Make sure you always use the correct tool – Using a sharp knife to cut a cotton thread might be ok but using a scissor is better. Cutters can cut your fingers if you are not being careful during slicing of your decorations such as styrofoam backdrops, flowers, etc. Use approved balloon inflators when inflating a balloon and not a tire inflator or your mouth. Inflating a balloon using your mouth might be OK at the first few balloons but soon you will realize that your mouth is itchy because of the preservative powder of the balloons or it might give you mumps.

Mark & Lai at SM-Cebu (Balloon Columns)

6. Bring water to quench your thirst – It is a fact that several hours before the actual party, most venues will not turn on their air-conditioner or even the electric fan. This makes the room very hot and tiring. Sweating is good but it can also dehydrate you. To make sure you are hydrated, you must drink plenty of water or any liquids that can help you through the decoration time. This will surely make you think more clearly and make your balloon decorations more desirable and festive.

7. Always be early in the venue – By getting out of your house or store earlier, you can drive in a relax mode and avoid road accidents. Make sure you are in the venue 2 to 3 hours earlier so you will have enough time to decorate the place and chat with the client later. Early preparation keeps you away from stress and worries if ever you forget something because you still have the time to make a solution to your problem. You can also avoid being late if ever there is a traffic jam or road accident along the way. By being early, you can think of more things to add to your decorations, satisfy your clients so they will order again, and refer you to their friends and families for a job well done.