ire safety is of utmost importance for both the audience and performers. We at FireStorm take a number of precautions at each performance to ensure that the event runs smoothly. This includes the provision of a Fire Safety individual to assist the group with the equipment and any other precautionary measures during every fire performance. The Fire Safety is familiar with FireStorm and with all of our equipment, and is typically a member of our group. Because of the emphasis we place on safety during the performance, the Fire Safety individual is provided free of charge. Additional fire safety measures we adhere to including the following:
Firestorm is fully certified by Santis UAE in the use of Fire Safety
All of our fire performers are appropriately trained in the art of fire dancing and understand the risks involved in fire dancing and fire breathing.
Prior to the performance, we view the location and assess whether the amount of space, weather conditions and overall performance area is appropriate for fire dancing. If deemed unsafe, we either liaise with the event organisers to establish a more secure location, offer an LED performance as an alternative to fire or cancel our performance at the event. (Cancellation applies only if the weather conditions are unsafe and in consultation with the client).
We work with the event organisers to establish a location for our equipment and fuel; this location is well away from the crowd, with adequate distance from the stage.
In this area, we prepare our equipment by giving it a thorough check to ensure all parts are locked in and secure and that we have all of the necessary fire safety items (fire extinguisher, wet towels, fire blanket and first aid kit including burn spray) on hand in case of an incident.
We fuel our equipment by soaking the fire toys in the paraffin and ‘spinning off’ the excess fuel to ensure that little or no excess fuel comes off during the performance. By doing this, and by ensuring our performance space is adequate, the crowd is not affected.
At the end of the performance and depending on the length of the set, the fire dancers will either ‘spin out’ or put out the flame with the wet towel that is on hand. All equipment is re-checked for the next fire set, or if the performance is finished, the equipment is left to cool off and then packed up. Fuel is put back into the original storage units using a funnel and all equipment is accounted for.
Risk Assesment
| Significant Hazards | People at Risk | Safety Controls |
| Stilt Walkers | ||
| Falling and Tripping | Performer Audience | Pre-show assessment of performance area to identify stairs, stages, slopes and other hazardous features. Plan show to minimise danger accordingly. Knee pads are worn. Stilt walker trained to control fall. |
| Pushed or tripped by member of public | Performer Audience | Where appropriate and available, member of security staff to accompany performers. Extra vigilance by performers |
| Equipment Failure | Performer Audience | Use of high quality equipment fit for use. Regular equipment check prior to each use. Knee pads are worn. Stilt walker trained to control fall. |
| Bright lights and lasers can damage eyes. | Performer | Pre-show risk assessment to identify location of lasers and lights. Avoid looking directly at lights and lasers. |
| Collision with overhead features such as scaffolding, lights, joists, speakers. | Performer | Pre-show risk assessment to identify overhead features that may course a hazard. Avoidance of such features. |
| Strains, sprains, pulled muscles and other damage to body. | Performer | Full warm-up and stretch prior to each show. |
| Fire Performers | ||
| Equipment Failure | Audience | Sturdy construction of equipment and high quality materials used. Regular checks of equipment. Pre-show risk assessment. Reinforced nylon safety straps worn with chain retainers. Safe distance of 3M from performer to audience. |
| Loss of grip | Audience | Reinforced nylon safety wrist straps worn with chain retainers. Safe distance of 3M from performer to audience. |
| Clothing catchingfire | Performer Audience | No loose clothing worn that could get caught. Avoidance of most highly flammable materials. (i.e. nylon and fleece) Fire blanket and fire extinguisher readily available. |
| Hair catching fire | Performer Audience | Long hair is tucked into clothing or tied back. Fire blanket and fire extinguisher readily available. |
| Fumes and smoke from extinguished equipment | Performer Audience | Fire bucket for used fire equipment, covered with damp cloth to kill smoke. Safe distance of 3M from performer to audience. |
| Paraffin flying off from fire equipment during show. | Audience | All fire equipment is shaken-off prior to each use to remove excess paraffin. Safe distance of 3M from performer to audience. |
| Venue catching fire | Performer Audience | Hazards are assessed prior to show with focus on dusty drapes / curtains and likely flammable banners / displays. These are best avoided. |
| Burns from flames and hot equipment | Performer | Performers are trained to handle equipment responsibly. Hot metal parts are avoided. Fire blanket and fire extinguisher readily available. Performer is basic Health and Safety trained to deal with burns. |
| Paraffin spillage | Performer Audience | Paraffin kept in appropriate metal container. |
| Strains, sprains, pulled muscles and other damage to body. | Performer | Full warm-up and stretch prior to each show. |