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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Unfortunately even a signed wavier provides the host
institution very little protection, particularly when you are
forced to sign them or are refused admission. A judge
and/or jury will seldom accept a wavier if there are
circumstances that are considered dangerous. A wavier
for instance would not release you from having bare
electrical wires that people could touch or if you didnšt
have a handrail on the edge of a sharp drop of 10 feet
or more. So it comes back to the question of ŗdid you
take the necessary provisions to provide a safe environment
for your visitors?˛ This is where some onešs comments
from the other day come in. Have a regular inspection
schedule (that is documented) and reasonable repair
procedures. This will help you more than a wavier.
Dave Taylor
From: "Kerkman, Mike" <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Mon, 20 Oct 2003 14:35:01 -0700
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Accidents & injuries
Yesterday, coincidentally, I visited the Geffen Center of the MOCA here in
LA, and for one exhibit I had to sign a waiver acknowledging the risk of
personal injury, waiving my rights, etc, etc.
Well, of course I had to sign it so I could see what kind of museum exhibit
required a personal injury waiver! It was a wandering converted warehouse
with lot of low ceilings, darkness, and small spaces. A house built to
provide the experience of a journey through this artist's mind...
it wasn't life threatening or even out and out dangerous, but still I
can't imagine the discussions they had to have with the insurance companies.
Anyway, I guess we could all go this waiver route. Probably some day we
will have to. Sign a waiver for a tug o' war...
Michael Kerkman
Botanical Educator
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
San Marino, CA 91108
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