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Two additional ideas about demo safety.
 
1.  You are probably familiar with the cooling effect of firing a  carbon 
dioxide fire extinguisher.  Hydrogen gas is somewhat unique and  different.  It 
heats rather than cools during adiabatic expansion.   The danger, therefore, is 
auto ignition if there is an uncontrolled  release.
 
2.  The explosion of a two to one mixture of hydrogen to oxygen is a  
detonation (not a deflagration) and can be deafening.  Be sure  to provide a warning 
and some form of hearing protection.
 
3.  LSI has a publication on science demonstrations: safety and  liability.
 
Regards, ... Jim
 
PS. LSI is participating in the DCHAS Speakers Bureau and can provide free  
presentations on science safety.

 
******************************
James A. Kaufman,  Ph.D.
President/CEO
The Laboratory Safety Institute  (LSI)
Safety in Science and Science Education  

192 Worcester Road, Natick, MA 01760
508-647-1900  Fax:  508-647-0062  
Cell: 508-574-6264 Res:  781-237-1335
[log in to unmask] 
www.labsafety.org   

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