Open flame performance safety checklist
Fuel Station
    Fuels
    • Fuel transport in approved containers
    • On site usage containers metal with vapor seal
    • On-Stage fuels in spill proof containers with minimum volume required.
    Location
    • Separation from performance area and public traffic
    • Walkway from fuel station to performance area cleared
    • Hard wall, spotter, sufficient distance or other means to maintain fuel-flame separation.
    Spinout
    • Adequate spinout area or devices near fuel station
    • Audience and smoking prohibited near spinout zone
    Clean up
    • Fuels are moved to transport containers immediately after show.
    • Station manager stays in area until fuel can be completely secured from the public
    • Fuel is removed to storage area or offsite as soon as convenient
Stage
    Clearance
    • Stage is large enough to accommodate production
    • Stage height is sufficient for all tools plus expected flame height
    • Delicate or flammable lighting arrays or decorations are out of reach of heat corona.
    • Extra fire extinguishers provided for drapery or foliage protection
    Audience separation
    • Audience is separated based on legal requirement or performance/audience types
      • Hand candles, finger wands, etc. require little separation
      • Swinging tools require more
      • Fire breathing and acrobatics require the most
      • Unruly audiences, alcohol drinkers, etc. often require fencing
      • Dinner theater, stage shows, etc. often require less separation.
    • Audience is kept clear of performer access to stage from fuel zone
    • Sufficient ventilation is provided to avoid flame toxicity affecting audience.
Performer
    Costume
    • Performance costumes made of Flame Retarded or High Heat material.
    • Costume has no extravagances that would interfere with operation of flame devices.
    • Feathers, fur, and other high wick potential fabrics are kept well away from fire.
    Tools
    • Tools should be in good working order
    • Tool construction should be of familiar design or tested onsite.
    • Tool type should be limited by the available stage size and audience separation.
    • Tools are kept away from audience until they have cooled after each use.
Safety Personnel
    Guards - used in crowd control situations.
    • may be required to escort performers to and from stage, limit access of audience to stage or fuel area.
    Spotters (fire safety managers for performance)
    • Should be well trained in tool extinguishing, fire extinguisher use and emergent issue management.
    • Each spotter should have a safety towel (damp or treated) for tool and emergent extinguishing.
    • First spotter is positioned between performance area and fuel station
    • Additional spotters positioned to protect audience, venue, and if needed, performer.
Draft 1 - Assembled by NAFAA.org members (July 2007)