The reasons behind the following commitments.
To ensure that local fire safety regulations, laws and bylaws are followed. - This is to ensure that you are not partaking in something that has not been approved. The event organizer will normally apply for consent with a description of what is going to happen at the event, however this will not be enough to cover your fire act.You should contact the local fire authority to gain permission/permits for what you are intending to do. These permits/approvals should always be in writing and specific to what you are doing. That way should something go wrong you will be able to prove that you were not doing or partaking in a non-permitted activity.
To ensure that there will be adequate insurance covering the performance with regard to public and property. - Even if the event appears to be insured from the organizers point of view, it will still be necessary to have your own insurance that will cover your particular use of fire in the event. You should be insured yourself for property damage and public liability, remembering that this must be specific to cover your use of fire.
To advise the hirer of safety issues and requirements required to perform with fire and work with the hirer to ensure these are met. - Upon first being contacted to perform with fire you should provide a written explanation of what you will be doing. Indicating what is required in order for you to safely perform. You should advise that permits/approvals and insurance will be have to be obtained and who will be responsible to pay for and who will apply for and obtain them. This should be part of the signed agreement/contract between you and the event organizer. You should provide copies of your safety management plan and explain who will be responsible for these duties. This will be an ongoing duty until the contract is completed.
To ensure a trained safety crew is in attendance. Which will be responsible for the performers safety within the performance stage, and fuel areas. - You should make sure that someone will be in attendance to attend to you, or the performers, safety. Some form of crowd control to stop people with interfering with or endangering the safety of the performance could be provided by yourself and/or the event organizer (please arrange this with organizer so you know who is responsible for which task). Your fire management plan should also provide how a fire will be extinguished and by who. They should know where all the safety equipment is. Have someone checking for your own safety (e.g. you may be unaware that your back is on fire). Make sure that all safety personnel know what to do in case of an emergency. Have a safety person who has a current first aid certificate.. Fire blanket, slightly damp blanket, appropriate fire extinguishers and first aid kit etc. should all be readily available.
To ensure all equipment used is free from damage or defects.- Before each performance equipment should be checked. This check should be outlined in your safety management plan. This will also include checking first aid box is fully stocked and fire extinguishers are pressurized and ready for use
To perform only what you are competent to do in a safe manner. - The most important commitment. If you are not competent with what you are doing then you should not be doing it. If it can not be done safely it should not be done. If you are not able to adhere to this commitment you are completely open to being 100% liable for any damage you may cause.
To perform without the influence of alcohol and/or mind altering drugs. - Never drive drunk goes the same for performing with fire. There are too many other lives at stake. Again if you are not able to adhere to this commitment you are completely open to being 100% liable for any damage you may cause.
©1999 - 2005 Home of Poi Ltd unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved