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.
• Fire demonstrations are never to be aimed towards the audience or demonstrators.
• Keep fire away from flammable items such as hair, clothing, and combustible powders and liquids (CPLs).
• Keep containers of CPLs closed until just before they are needed so that fumes or powders do not ignite.
  • CPLs should be measured out with ignition sources turned off and at least six feet away.
  • After they are measured out, close the container and remove it from the demonstration area before turning on the ignition source.
  • If possible, pre-measure the amount needed for the demonstration so the bulk container does not need to be brought.
  • Any spilled CPL should be taken care of immediately using a proper spill agent. Ignition sources should be turned off/extinguished if they are on/lit, and should not be turned on/lit until after the spill is taken care of.
• When using any device that produces fire or heat, with the exception of candle lighters and matches, wear heat-resistant gloves.
• When handling any object that is currently being or has recently been heated, wear heat-resistant gloves.
• 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.

Dry Chemical Demonstration Safety

A dry chemical is a chemical substance that is not suspended in a liquid, most commonly water. Dry chemicals are most commonly found in powder form. If you are dealing with chemicals in a liquid form, please see Liquid Chemical Safety.

• When handling dry chemicals, safety goggles and rubber gloves must be worn at all times.
  • It is highly recommended that a lab coat is also worn while handling dry chemicals.
• Be aware of the properties of the chemicals used in a demonstration, as well as any safety hazards they might pose.
• Do not use any chemicals that you have not been trained on the use of, or are unfamiliar with.
• See Fire Demonstration Safety for additional guidance if the chemical is used to create a flame.
• See Flying Particles Safety for additional guidance if the chemical creates flying particles, including smoke/fumes.
• Dry chemicals should be kept in sealed containers at all times
  • The containers should not be opened until they are needed, and should be closed immediately after use
• If a dry chemical is spilled:
  • Scoop up as much as possible of the spilled chemical and place it in a plastic bag or other non-reactive, sealable container.
  • Wet a paper towel and wipe down the area.
  • Place the paper towel along along with the rest of the spilled chemical in the plastic bag or other container.

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.