@BillConnerFASTC Also so the system calls the fire department as early as it ascertains a need.
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard
Flammable powder accident in Taiwan ?
- Thread starterJD
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Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard
MPowers
Well-Known Member
There's an old saying, if you don't study history, you're doomed to repeat it. In farm country, dust fires and explosions in grain silos and storage bins for wheat and flour, have been known and reported for well over a century. Stage magicians have used it as a "safe" flame effect since before the american revolution. How could anyone in the entertainment business not be aware of the potential for disaster? How could any promoter not have someone who's only job is to check these things out?
There are similar events all over the place. Color Run, Color Vibe, etc, are both 5K's with cornstarch-based powder that culminates in a party/concert at the end where there are clouds of color powder in the air. As far as the event planners were concerned, this was probably like dozens of other events they've hosted or seen others host. Only difference is these guys had an ignition source.
Blind spots like this are why we have organizations like the Event Safety Alliance, though I'm not sure they have any verbage on this specific area of risk.
Blind spots like this are why we have organizations like the Event Safety Alliance, though I'm not sure they have any verbage on this specific area of risk.
@MPowers ESA was formed as a direct result of the various festivals where stages collapsed on people. I believe they started organizing somewhere around the time of the Indiana State Fair collapse. They've since put out the Event Safety Guide, and continue to host summits and training events. Topics include crowd safety, emergency planning, how to put an organizational structure in place so decisions can be made in a timely manner as issues develop.
I myself can't speak to what kind of impact they're having. It's hard to tell if event planners are really engaging with ESA, or if the sorts of rogue outfits who created problems in the first place continue to do their thing until enough accidents happen that regulation forces them to up their game or fold their business. At a minimum this will keep awareness at a simmer and will help inform those regulations if/when they develop so that they are effective.
I myself can't speak to what kind of impact they're having. It's hard to tell if event planners are really engaging with ESA, or if the sorts of rogue outfits who created problems in the first place continue to do their thing until enough accidents happen that regulation forces them to up their game or fold their business. At a minimum this will keep awareness at a simmer and will help inform those regulations if/when they develop so that they are effective.
There is a related issue I've wondered about. With the 5K runs, the runners run thru a cloud of the airborne colored cornstarch and I doubt they are holding their breaths. Has anyone researched the hazards of breathing this mixture, are some of the coloring ingredients possibly carcinogenic or otherwise harmful?
Why yes, yes they have. Likely nobody is paying much attention to the results though.
https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/the-waiting-room/the-color-run-powder-health-risk/article/425380/
The Color Run's official statements:
https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/the-waiting-room/the-color-run-powder-health-risk/article/425380/
The Color Run's official statements:
BillConnerFASTC
Well-Known Member
Well, I'm certain it is carcinogenic in California.
Or race in Chicago - I'm sure you'll get shot before the cornstarch does you in.
Bah. Humbug.