ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Susanna,

I have had a lot of experience dealing with Fiire Marshals as I travel with 
my show "Burning Questions: The Science of Fire."   They usually start by 
saying something along the lines of "Yes, you THINK you are going to do a fire 
show."   I always ask them to watch the show, and tell them that I will drop any 
demo that they don't like.   The demos range from lycopodium dust flares to 
sprinkling powdered iron into a flame for spark showers to using movie stunt gel 
to set my hand on fire.   In 12 years of doing this show, I have never had to 
drop a demo.   

A big part of this is in the presentation.   I follow fire safety proceedures 
very carefully, making sure that I always have a fire extinguisher on stage, 
all cloth and paper are treated with flame retardants, etc.   I carefully 
control quantities, which is also important.   For example, with your hydrogen 
balloon, be sure that your hydrogen tank is stored someplace else, and bring in 
the pre-filled balloons.   Stress safety during the demo.   I tie a string to 
the balloon, with a weight to hold it in place.   I use safety goggles, and 
ignite the balloon with a candle tied to the end of a yard stick.   Play up the 
safety angle, setting the fire extinguisher on the table before had.   

Also, be sure that the demo plays an important role in the program.   If the 
demo is vital to understanding a key point, they are much more likely to 
accept it than if it is just stuck on to add a bang to the end of the show.   Pay 
close attention to the script, making it tight and polished.

Attitude is also important.   Don't argue with them.   Be VERY professional, 
and know your stuff.   Just using the proper terms can help a LOT.   Do a 
Google search for (fire marshal fuel accelerant) and you will get sites with all 
the right words.   Instead of trying to convince them to let you do the demo, 
ask them what you can change to make it acceptable.   Even better, get them in 
on the ground floor when you develop the program.   If they have input, they 
feel connected and you will have a much easier time.

It also matters who is doing the demo.   A student volunteer doing the demo 
is not going to be nearly as likely to get approval as a full time instructor 
with a degree in chemistry.   

If you have any questions, give a yell.   

Robert Krampf
Robert Krampf's Science Shows
www.krampf.com


In a message dated 2/7/06 3:16:00 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:


> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related 
> institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
> 
> 
> Dear ASTCians,
> 
> The Imaginarium's local fire department is sorely distressed over the fact
> that we're igniting hydrogen balloons and hydrogen bubbles in our building.
> Our fire inspector is also concerned that we are doing this activity with
> and in front of children.  He's shut our combustion demonstrations down
> until we approach the Fire Marshal with some information on how other
> Science Centers deal with fire codes & children regarding this activity.
> 
> If you and your center have had close encounters with your local fire
> department, please reply with your story.  What were the fire department's
> specific complaints?  How did you satisfy them that your center was doing
> combustion demonstrations safely?
> 
> Yours in Pyrotechnics,
> 
> Susanna Mishler
> Education Programs Manager
> The Imaginarium
> 737 W. 5th Ave., Ste. G
> [log in to unmask]
> 
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