Well, said. It is the same thing I've said about stunts and explosions in the movies since they can be computer generated now without causing harm to anyone. And this is the rational, money-saving, life-saving thing to do.
That said, It isn't going to happen in the movies and is isn't going to happen in the science education either. And I have a longer perspective than the rest of you because I worked in circuses as a child. It is deep in the heart of every child to take a risk. If you've raised a couple or even been around the little bastards for any length of time, you know I'm right. And most adults will pay good money to see others take a risk.
In my business, I have had to content myself with at least trying to reduce that risk as much as possible. I hope you are right and I'm wrong, but I'm betting you will be watching these demonstrations on TV from your wheel chairs in the old folks home.
Monona
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Palluzi <000006c59248530b-dmarc-request**At_Symbol_Here**LISTS.PRINCETON.EDU>
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU
Sent: Sun, Jun 14, 2020 9:24 am
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Demonstrations
I would encourage the membership to read Chapter 12 of NFPA 45 Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals in its entirety before doing any demonstrations. The number of accidents this has caused led the committee to add significant restrictions and responsibilities.
On a personal opinion note, it is 2020 and why can't you show a video instead of creating a needless hazard. While I am sure we all have vivid memories of these type demonstrations, particularly the less well planned and executed ones, how many of us can truly say this is what made us decide to go into science? I suspect few if any. These things, particularly the larger and more spectacular scale ones, are just not worth the risk. With all due respect to Michael Faraday and all the other greats who came before us, times have changed and I don't see anyone suggesting that we should all throw out hot plates and ovens for Bunsen burners or get ride of our cars for horse drawn carriages. I think it is time to rethink the need for hazardous demonstrations and consider if new technologies can't allow us to do something a lot safer.
Richard Palluzi
PE, CSP
Pilot plant and laboratory consulting, safety, design,reviews, and training
Richard P Palluzi LLC
72 Summit Drive
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
rpalluzi**At_Symbol_Here**verizon.net
908-285-3782
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