Talk Kink ~ Safety First

As a sex toy consultant, I am often asked questions on bondage from customers who would like to add a little kink to their lives.

One day Heaven and I were discussing the dangers of trying something new, especially BDSM, without having knowledge or the right materials. After our conversation, Heaven wrote a blog post on bondage safety for her “Tie Me Up Tuesday,” blog series.

With her permission I am re-posting it on my blog.

Safety First
by Heaven O'Shey

Bondage can be fun, but it can be dangerous if you do not follow safety guidelines.

Some important things to remember are:

Negotiations - Know your partner’s skills, their limitations, medical history, and that there is a level of trust between you. Make sure that a safeword or hand signal is agreed upon ahead of time.

Bondage Materials - Only use quality ropes, handcuffs, chains, tapes, or other restraints specifically made for bondage. Do not use the same rope with which you have roped the cow. Also, do not use silk ties, scarves, nylons or the plastic tie wraps, as these can tighten up, cut in the skin, or restrict circulation. This is especially true when used by inexperienced people.

Safety Equipment - Before starting any bondage activity, have on hand a safety kit, which is fully equipped for emergencies. This kit should contain blunt nose EMT bandage scissors, disposable gloves, sterile bandages and tape, rubbing alcohol, peroxide, antibiotic ointment, a portable defibrillator, and an epi-pen. These are just few suggestions. You can probably think of others things based on you and partner’s needs.

A phone should be nearby to call paramedics, if needed. If using a cell, make sure you have service in the area.

Safe Practices - If you have not taken a class in the art of bondage from a professional you should refrain from extreme forms of bondage. You must be diligent in checking your partner’s restraints to assure that their circulation is not impaired. This must be done a minimum of every few minutes. Never do bondage alone, always have back up in case of an emergency. Never mix alcohol or drugs when participating in any form of bondage.

NEVER EVER leave a person that is tied up alone, even for a minute.