Scientias · Wetenschap

Are children's scissors really safe?

Children's scissors seem safe at first glance, but how exactly does that work? And how does this relate to the safety of a plaster saw? Diederik explains the technology behind these tools.

Children's scissors are designed with safety in mind. They often have blunt tips or a plastic protective cover. The blades are made of plastic or have a rounded metal edge, resulting in less pressure than regular scissors. This principle of pressure distribution is crucial: just as an elephant exerts less pressure per square centimeter than someone on stiletto heels, a child's scissors can cut thin, stiff paper, but not the soft skin of a child. The sharpness is adjusted so that it can cut paper but not skin.

A plaster saw works on a similar principle. Although it resembles a circular saw, it is a multi-tool whose blade does not rotate but moves back and forth at high speed. The hard, brittle plaster cannot follow this rapid movement, causing it to crumble. The soft, elastic skin moves with the saw blade, preventing a cutting motion and avoiding injury.

Despite these safety mechanisms, children's scissors and plaster saws are not risk-free. Skin can get pinched, saw blades can become hot due to friction, and the thin skin over protruding bones is extra vulnerable. Plaster technicians therefore apply light pressure and move the saw continuously. It is not recommended to remove plaster independently with a plaster saw or children's scissors; this should be left to professionals.

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