Cross-posted from the G5 fire tribe:

A few of us have realized we need to tighten up on safety at Gallery5 fire performances. Failure to do so could make some of us liable for the mistakes of others, cause trouble for our beloved Gallery5 staff, and put at risk the acceptance of our performance art in Richmond and the rest of the state. Starting at tonight's First Fridays opening, we will be adhering to safety procedures. We will call a meeting soon for G5 performers to choose our new safety team and reaffirm the ground rules, but here are some common sense guidelines for tonight:

* You must sign the appropriate waiver forms before performing

* Check your tools to make sure they are in working order before you use them

* Check your clothing to make sure it is appropriate near flames and won't get tangled or trip you up

* Exercise fuel safety, many accidents happen at the fuel dump:
- spin out your tools before lighting
- always empty the spin-off bucket back into the fuel bucket
- keep the lid on the fuel bucket

* There are too many safety practices to try to codify them all, so the G5 Fire Safety Team decides what is safe and what is not. If none of them are present, you may not light up. The Safety Team may revoke your privilege to perform at a G5 Fire event for intoxication, inappropriate clothing, lack of confidence in your skill level or judgment, or any other reason at their discretion. These folks are responsible for creating a safe environment for spinning, including:
- marking the performance area with cones, caution tape, or similar
- setting up the fuel dump, insuring proper equipment is present and functioning, and insuring area is well lit
- checking performers to insure they are able to perform safely
- providing safety backup during performances
- keeping audience and pedestrians at a safe distance

We will choose the Safety Team members at our next meeting, but for now myself, Stephen, and Danny are stepping up. If you have experience with fire safety and you crave responsibility, please give me a shout.

The following documents are available for download:

Waiver of liability: docs.google.com/Doc
Parental consent form: docs.google.com/Doc
NAFAA Performer Safety Guidelines: docs.google.com/Doc

Peace, Love, and Safety,
Rabbit