Demonstration Safety

This page lists all safety precautions and requirements for demonstrations. Please read over carefully before performing any demonstrations.

Fire Demonstration Safety

Some of our demonstrations use fire. Please take the following precautions if you are performing a demonstration involving fire:

• Tie back long hair and do not wear loose clothing.
• All presenters must wear safety glasses or goggles while the demonstration is being performed. Presenters not involved in the demonstration should stay at least six feet away from the demonstration.
• If a blast shield is used, the audience must be at least six feet away. If a blast shield is not used, the audience must be at least 15 feet away. A small blast shield is required for fire demonstrations that sit on a table.
• If a demonstration projects fire in one direction, it should be aimed away from the audience and demonstrators.
• Keep fire away from flammable items such as hair, clothing, and flammable chemicals such as methanol and isopropanol.
• Keep containers of volatile combustible liquids and combustible powders closed until just before they are needed so that fumes or powders do not ignite.
• When using any device that produces fire or heat, with the exception of candle lighters and matches, wear heat-resistant gloves. If only one hand is needed to perform the demonstration, a glove is not necessary on the other hand.
• When handling any object that is currently being or has recently been heated, wear heat-resistant gloves. If only one hand is needed to perform the demonstration, a glove is not necessary on the other hand.
• Always have a fire extinguisher within easy access. Make sure you know how to operate it.
• Most fire demonstrations give off smoke. Be aware of smoke detectors and read the safety precautions for Flying Particles.

Flying Particle Demonstration Safety

Under Construction Some of our demonstrations release particles or debris during the performance. Please take the following precautions if you are performing a demonstration which releases particles:

• Use a blast shield, if possible. It will help protect the audience from any debris.
• Have a designated "Blast Radius" for the demonstration. If you have a blast shield, the minimum radius is six feet. If you do not, the minimum radius is fifteen feet.
• All presenters and volunteers must wear safety glasses or safety goggles when the demonstration is being performed. Presenters not involved in the demonstration should stay outside of the blast radius.
• If the demonstration fires particles in one direction, it should be aimed away from the audience and other demonstrations.

If a demonstration gives off smoke or any similar micro-particles, then please use the following safety precautions:

• Only perform a demonstration which gives off smoke or similar micro-particles in a well ventilated area
• Notify the contact for the event prior to the event that the demonstration gives off smoke. They may need to move your presentation to a new room, or ask for a different demonstration to replace it.
• Be aware of any smoke alarms in the room, if any, and avoid using the demonstration near one.
• Do not let anyone from the audience to come close to a demonstration that is still giving off smoke.