Studio Safety & Accessibility Policy
The Daly Thread Studio
Gemma Daly trading as The Daly Thread Studio
Last updated: September 2026
1. Our approach
The Daly Thread Studio is a small, home-based sewing studio where I teach sewing and dressmaking classes to adults aged 18 and over.
I want the studio to be a safe, welcoming and comfortable place to learn. I also want people to have clear information about the physical environment before deciding whether a class is suitable for them.
The studio has some physical limitations because it is a small home-based space. I will consider reasonable adjustments and practical ways of supporting customers to access and participate in classes wherever it is safe and reasonably possible to do so.
If you have an accessibility requirement, please contact me before booking. I am happy to discuss your needs and what adjustments may be possible.
2. Access to the studio
The studio is accessed via five shallow outdoor steps.
The steps have no handrail.
The steps are surrounded by a wooden frame.
There is a small gravelled area at the top of each step apart from one which leads onto the decking.
The remainder of the approach to the studio is level paving.
There is currently no step-free access to the studio.
If you have difficulty using the steps, please contact me before booking.
With your agreement, I may be able to provide reasonable practical assistance when entering or leaving the studio, where it is safe and appropriate for me to do so.
I cannot safely lift or carry a person. If you require this level of assistance, please contact me before booking so that we can discuss whether the studio is suitable and whether an alternative arrangement may be possible.
3. Arrival and departure
Please take care when approaching and leaving the studio, particularly when using the steps.
The outdoor area may be affected by weather conditions such as rain, frost, ice or wet leaves. Please allow yourself enough time to enter and leave safely.
If you require assistance with the steps, please let me know in advance where possible.
4. Toilet facilities
A separate compost toilet is available in an outbuilding.
The toilet is reached via an outdoor route from the studio.
The toilet does not currently have grab rails or other specific accessible adaptations.
If you have particular toilet or accessibility requirements, please contact me before booking so that we can discuss whether the facilities are suitable for you.
5. Seating and working positions
The studio has:
height-adjustable chairs
one height-adjustable sewing desk
sewing machines positioned at individual workstations
I will do my best to accommodate reasonable requests relating to seating and working position.
Please let me know before the class if you have a particular seating requirement or need to change position regularly.
6. Accessibility and reasonable adjustments
I will consider reasonable adjustments to help disabled customers participate in classes and access the service.
Depending on individual circumstances, adjustments may include:
providing information in a different format
allowing additional time or breaks
adjusting seating or workstation arrangements
providing practical assistance where safe and appropriate
making reasonable changes to how a class is delivered
discussing an alternative way of accessing the service where the physical layout creates a barrier
Not every adjustment will be possible in every circumstance. The studio is a small home-based space and there are physical limitations that cannot always be removed or changed.
If you have accessibility requirements, please contact me before booking so that we can discuss your needs and what may reasonably be possible.
7. Communication and information
Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make information or instructions easier for you to understand or follow.
During classes, I will explain sewing techniques and equipment use verbally and demonstrate techniques where appropriate.
You are welcome to ask me to repeat or explain an instruction.
8. Sewing equipment
Sewing involves the use of equipment that can cause injury if used incorrectly.
Equipment used in the studio may include:
sewing machines
irons
fabric scissors
pins and needles
rotary cutters
rulers and cutting equipment
electrical equipment
I will provide appropriate instruction and guidance on the safe use of studio equipment.
Please follow instructions and ask if you are unsure how to use something.
9. Sewing machine safety
Sewing machines contain moving parts and sharp needles.
Before using a sewing machine, you will be shown how to operate it safely.
Please:
keep fingers away from the needle while the machine is running
stop the machine before adjusting fabric or the needle area
switch off the machine before carrying out certain adjustments or maintenance
report any faults or problems with a machine
avoid distracting other people while they are using a machine
If you are uncomfortable using a particular machine or need assistance, please ask.
10. Iron safety
An iron and ironing equipment may be used during classes.
The iron and ironing surface can become very hot and may cause burns.
Please:
take care when using the iron
follow instructions
keep the iron in its designated position when not in use
take care around the ironing area
tell me if you need assistance
I will monitor the use of the iron and provide guidance where appropriate.
11. Scissors, pins and needles
Scissors, pins and sewing needles are sharp objects.
Please take care when handling and storing them.
Pins and needles should be kept in the appropriate container or pincushion when not in use.
Please tell me immediately if you drop a needle or pin so that it can be located safely.
12. Rotary cutters
Rotary cutters have extremely sharp blades and can cause serious injury if used incorrectly.
They should only be used following instruction and with appropriate care.
Please keep the blade closed or protected when the cutter is not being used.
Do not leave a rotary cutter unattended with the blade exposed.
If you are not comfortable using a rotary cutter, please ask for assistance.
13. Electrical equipment and cables
The studio contains electrical equipment including sewing machines, irons and other equipment.
Please take care around electrical cables and do not use equipment that appears damaged or faulty.
Report any damaged equipment, plugs or cables immediately.
14. Keeping the studio tidy
The studio contains sewing equipment, fabric, tools and other materials.
Keeping work areas tidy helps reduce the risk of trips, falls and accidents.
Please keep bags, coats and personal belongings in the areas provided and avoid leaving items in walkways.
15. Clothing and footwear
Please wear clothing and footwear that allow you to move safely around the studio.
Particular care should be taken with loose clothing, long scarves or other items that could become caught in equipment.
For outdoor access, particularly in wet or icy weather, footwear with suitable grip is recommended.
I may ask during the winter months that you change into slippers to use the studio to keep it clean and tidy - if you are physically unable to do this or just prefer not to, that is completely your choice. Slippers will be provided and will be washed between classes.
16. Personal belongings
You are responsible for your personal belongings while attending the studio.
Please keep valuable items with you or in a safe place.
The Daly Thread Studio cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.
17. First aid and accidents
A first aid kit is available at the studio.
If you have an accident or injury during a class, please tell me immediately.
I will provide appropriate assistance within my level of competence and seek further medical assistance where necessary.
Any significant accident or incident will be recorded and reviewed where appropriate.
18. Fire and emergency procedures
The studio has fire safety arrangements appropriate to the space.
In an emergency, you will be asked to leave the building promptly and follow instructions.
The usual exit route will include the outdoor steps.
If you have a disability or other requirement that could affect your ability to leave the studio safely in an emergency, please discuss this with me before attending.
Where reasonably possible, I will consider what assistance or arrangements may be appropriate.
19. Medical conditions and allergies
Please let me know before attending if there is anything relevant to your safety or participation that you would like me to be aware of.
You do not need to provide medical information that is not relevant to your participation.
If you require medication during a class, you are responsible for bringing and using your own medication unless another arrangement has been agreed in advance.
The studio may contain fabrics, fibres, dust and other materials that could cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some people.
If you have a significant allergy or sensitivity, please contact me before booking so that we can discuss the materials and environment involved.
20. Food and drink
You may bring food and drink to class.
Please keep drinks away from sewing machines and electrical equipment.
Where food is provided or shared, relevant allergens will be communicated where reasonably possible.
If you have a significant food allergy, please let me know in advance so that I can notify other attendees who may be bringing food.
21. Behaviour and respect
Everyone attending the studio is expected to behave respectfully towards other people.
Bullying, harassment, discrimination, threatening behaviour or deliberately unsafe behaviour will not be accepted.
I reserve the right to ask someone to leave if their behaviour creates a safety risk or significantly affects other customers' ability to participate.
22. Children and young people
The Daly Thread Studio currently provides classes for adults aged 18 and over.
Children and young people under 18 are not currently permitted to attend classes unless a specific arrangement has been agreed in advance.
23. Reviewing accessibility and safety
I will review the studio's safety and accessibility arrangements periodically and when circumstances change.
Where practical and proportionate, I will look for ways to improve access, safety and comfort within the limitations of the studio.
I will also consider feedback from customers when reviewing arrangements.
24. Liability
We take reasonable care to provide a safe environment and to ensure that studio equipment is maintained and suitable for its intended use.
Customers are responsible for following all studio safety instructions, using equipment only as instructed, and taking reasonable care of themselves and others while using the studio.
Customers must immediately inform us of any accident, injury, damage to equipment or property, or other safety concern arising during their visit.
We cannot accept responsibility for injury, loss or damage arising from a customer's failure to follow studio safety instructions, misuse of equipment, or disregard of instructions provided by studio staff.
Nothing in these terms excludes or limits any liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited.
25. Feedback and concerns
If you have a concern about accessibility, safety or your experience at the studio, please raise it with me as soon as possible.
I welcome constructive feedback about things that could be improved.
If an adjustment you requested could not be made, you are also welcome to discuss this with me so that we can consider whether another approach may be possible.
26. Contact
The Daly Thread Studio
Gemma Daly trading as The Daly Thread Studio
For accessibility questions, safety concerns or to discuss a reasonable adjustment before booking, please contact me using the contact details provided on the website.
This policy is intended to provide clear practical information about the studio and its current arrangements. It does not replace or limit any rights you may have under applicable law.