SAFETY REGULATIONS

Certain basic restrictions must be followed to ensure the safety of all science fair participants and visitors. Failure to follow the following regulations will results in disqualification of projects and participants during the screening of applications and during the set up / registration evening. Participants are invited to outline, in an appendix to their application forms, the steps they have followed to ensure the safety of their exhibits. If in doubt about the safety features of a project, students are advised to contact the Rules and Regulations chair well in advance of the Fair. Photographs of materials and procedures can be used effectively to represent the steps and materials used in any scientific experiment or study.

GENERAL SAFETY

1. Any potentially hazardous elements of an exhibit should be shielded and posed with warning signs. Such elements may be displayed during the half-day judging period only and not left unattended by the student.

2. Remove or otherwise protect all sharp edges or corners on prisms, mirrors, enclosures, glass and metal plates.

3. Lengths of hoses or extension cords must be kept to a minimum and out of the way to eliminate tripping hazards. Use tape for securing them.

4. Aisles and exits should not be obstructed.

5. Syringes, pipettes, and similar devices are PROHIBITED.

FOOD AND TISSUE

2. The display of vertebrate animal parts (other than teeth, hair, nails, and liquid tissue slides) is PROHIBITED.

3. The display of invertebrate animals or animal parts in covered containers is permitted during the half-day judging period only.

4. Disease-causing organisms are PROHIBITED.

5. The display of microbial cultures and fungi in sealed containers is permitted during the half-day judging period only.

FIRE SAFETY

1. Devices capable of producing temperatures in excess of 100C are PROHIBITED. Low voltage light bulbs are acceptable.

2. Papers on display boards should be firmly attached.

3. The use of styrofoam should be avoided.

4. NOTE: In future years, in pursuance of fire hazard regulations, it is expected that stringent restrictions will be placed upon the construction material of displays and the methods of attaching paper materials to displays. At this time, care should be taken to construct stable, wooden display boards and to affix papers to the displays securely.

CHEMICALS

1. Toxic or flammable chemicals or materials are PROHIBITED.

2. Dangerous chemicals, including prescription drugs, are PROHIBITED.

3. Use safe substitutes to demonstrate toxic or corrosive materials. (ie., Use water in place of alcohol or molassess in place of oil.) Indicate that substitues have been displayed. (ie., Examples of prohibited materials are: sewage samples, sludge, petroleum products.)

ELECTRICAL AND X-RAY

1. 110-volt AC, single phase service will be available.

2. Exhibits should keep voltage as low as possible.

3. All electrical connections should be disconnected when student leaves exhibit.

4. Only properly grounded extension cords in good repair and with CSA approval may be used. It is the responsibility of the students to supply such extension cords.

5. Where practical, it is recommended that pilot lights be used to indicate when voltage is on.

6. Cord connected electrical applicances should have a 3-wire conductor with ground.

7. Electrical devices must be protectively enclosed as far as is possible.

8. The enclosure must be non-combustible.

9. No exposed live parts over 35 volts are allowed.

10. Bare wire and exposed knife switches may be used only on circuits of 12 volts or less; otherwise standard enclosed switches are required.

11. Electrical connections in 110-volt circuits must be soldered or fixed under approved connectors and connecting wires properly insulated.

12. In the case of exhibits featuring equipment capable of emitting radiation, the following are necessary:

a) equipment must be registered with the Provincial Government.

b) submission of plans for structural protection to the Provincial Government and a request for approval must be made by exhibitor who must have approval certification on hand at the science fair.

LASERS

1. Class three and four lasers are PROHIBITED.

2. Class one and two laser may be displayed during the half-day judging period only, but student must be present during all operation of such lasers.

3. Class two lasers must have protective housing or barricade which prevents human access to the beam during operation.

4. During operation, class two lasers must be accompained with a sign which states: "LASER OPERATION - DO NOT STARE INTO THE BEAM".