Given the steep rise in interest around BDSM and the myths surrounding them, putting together a list driven by experience and some research.

M not a master of the act, but looking to spread awareness after realising through posts and several DMs that we're always scratching the surface, which could cause serious jeopardy to the players involved.

Just a disclaimer though; what can be safe or unsafe varies a lot depending on your knowledge and skill. This stuff isn't all necessarily terribly unsafe, but it's definitely unsafe and difficult to manage risk well for without a fairly high knowledge and skill level.

• Necks are really, really fragile. That fact often gets overlooked. Be mindful of vertebrae and ligaments when slapping, grabbing necks or leashes, and especially during impact play.

• Know which medical conditions can affect what is safe (diabetes, high or low blood pressure, blood clots, and heart issues all come to mind). If you're going to play with someone who does have medical issues make sure you understand the condition and how it may affect what you're doing. Don't assume everyone, especially newbies, understands the risks associated with their own health conditions in relation to certain types of play.

• If you can't control where and how hard it's going to hit don't hit people with it.

• Don't trust other people to explain the risks of what you're doing to you, especially as a bottom. Do your own research, check multiple sources, and don't assume that just because someone is experienced or well respected they aren't misinformed, or full of shit. An idiot with 20 years of experience is still an idiot, they're just a well-practiced one.

• Check for numb fingertips in difficult bondage/suspensions. By the time you have that weird funny bone feeling in an arm you likely already have nerve damage. The second that touching a finger to your thumb feels a bit numb the person should be coming down. Also, if you're not touching something you're unlikely to notice it's numb. If you're suspending someone have them check.

• If you're going to hit people in the face make sure their head is secure. Again, necks are fragile, and brains don't enjoy being bounced around.

• Learn first aid beyond the basics, and think through what to do if things go wrong. Having some plan in mind can help keep you from panicking if they do.

• If you're not sure if a doctor's opinion is needed then a doctor's opinion is probably needed.

• The backs of the knees, the inner arms, and the armpits are full of poorly protected nerves and blood vessels. Treat them accordingly.

• In terms of bondage cuffs being safer than handcuffs and such: bondage is safer period if you have a decent grasp of anatomy and what you're doing.

• People faint for all sorts of reasons, or fall over. If you have someone standing cuffed to something consider what would happen if they suddenly fainted. Would they dislocate a shoulder? When you take someone down from a standing position be ready for them to fall, because they often do.

• The vast majority of the really serious damage that gets done to people is emotional and psychological. Physical risks are a lot easier to control for, and most people's bodies can take a fair bit of abuse before the damage is lasting. The same can't be said about a lot of people's psyches.

• If you're going to play with breathplay and choking learn how to reduce the risks. It's never going to be 100% safe, but doing a blood choke properly is a hell of a lot less likely to hurt badly someone than cutting off their airway.

• Don't play drunk. Don't play with people who are drunk.

• Assume everyone is an idiot when it comes to safety, both yours and their own, until proven otherwise. If you're a top don't assume a bottom you don't know well knows their own limits, what to watch for that may indicate a problem, or can or will safeword when they should. If you're a bottom don't assume a top you don't know knows what's safe, can tell if they've injured you, or will know when you can't take any more. A lot of people aren't idiots, but a lot are.

• Go ahead and vet people, but don't assume that good references ensure anything. Feel people out for yourself as well. A casual meet over a drink/coffee ensures the vibe check and legitimacy

• Basic emergency essentials: glucose source, safety sheers, gauze, tape, band aids, something to clean wounds, latex and non-latex gloves, steristrips.

Saying again, and can't stress enough that this isn't exhaustive and varies from people to people and conditions. Baring in mind consciously helps you prevent any untoward circumstances and go a long way in enjoying your kinks and fetishes than otherwise.

Keep exploring, keep learning, keep enjoying!