Well, it's not for me to preach to you all about the safety aspect of using dungeon equipment. Some of you may well be new to all this and wondering what us stalwarts get out of locking ourselves up in cages and shackles and stuff.

But, due to the nature of what we do there must be some words of warning for all, whether you be a top or bottom, an old hat to all this or your first try.

Now, as a person who has lost a slave (indirectly), he accidently hung himself off the end of his bed with a gasmask and a ligature around his neck, I know all to well the trauma this can cause. So please just follow a few tips and safety ideas

1. If you pick someone up, don't go strait off and have a bondage session, you could be pushing up daisies in a north London flat if you're not careful.

2. Always tell someone if you are meeting someone off the net or newspaper chat up lines etc. Tell them where you are going, their address and number if it is available.

3. Contrary to belief men get raped as much as women in the bdsm scene, so don't let your self get into position of where you loose control. Buy or own drinks and don't leave your drink unattended.

4. Meet in as public place in the day, a tube station or shopping centre are good for this as they have cctv watching you all the time.

5. As a extra measure before you get in a car for instance phone through the car registration to a friend.

6. When you do have a session always keep some tools around for emergencies, in particular a decent set of bolt crops for cutting chain and a decent pair of scissors for cutting rope etc.

7. Do a first aid course with your local St John's or council.

8. If you don't want to do anything, don't.

9. Anything to add.....tell me?

10. Always take a mobile phone with you.

11. If you have been assaulted always report this to the Police.