SAFETY
Emergency Services
If you or someone you know (or encounter) requires medical assistance, contact an Emergency Services Department volunteer or a Black Rock Ranger, or visit our Medical Clinic in Center Camp or at the Emergency Services Stations behind the Civic Plazas located at 3 and 9 o'clock. Trained emergency medical personnel are on duty 24 hours a day, and emergency evacuation is available. According to our medical staff, the most common problems are dehydration and lacerations from stepping or tripping on unprotected rebar or tent stakes. Please avoid injury and act responsibly. If you are looking for your friend whom you suspect may have been injured and medi-vac'd from Black Rock City, go to Playa Info for more information.
NEW RANGER & MEDICAL LOCATIONS
In Center Camp, our Black Rock Ranger Headquarters, and main Medical Station have relocated to the Esplanade frontage of Center Camp. In the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock plazas, The Ranger Outposts and Medical Stations are moving back to be on "C" street, just behind the plazas. We've adjusted the plazas to give these essential service locations continued high visibility.
BMIR 94.5 FM: Emergency Broadcast Information
Burning Man Information Radio (BMIR) is at 94.5 FM, broadcasting critical travel, emergency, and general information, 24-7. Get the REAL news, weather, events, and Black Rock City information. In case of emergency, tune into 94.5 FM. Stop in Center Camp at BMIR and record your events for broadcasting between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily. Tell the city what you're up to, live! BMIR 94.5 FM
WATER
Burning Man does not provide water. You must bring your own. Large public pools and showers will not be permitted. Water for private use that entails full body contact or consumption must be "potable" and come from Nevada State Health Division approved water sources. If you have any questions, contact the Nevada State Health Division: (775) 687-7548.
Personal Safety
While Black Rock City is built on community and cooperation, that doesn't mean citizens are protected from the actions of those with bad intentions. Maintain awareness of your personal safety at the event. Secure your valuables when away from camp. Introduce yourself to neighbors and your local Black Rock Rangers. Work together to keep your neighborhood secure. Let someone know where you're going if you wander off alone or with a new friend, and check in frequently. Make new friends, but be alert to the actions of those you meet. Be cautious about accepting drinks in open containers from strangers. Most importantly, use and trust your best instincts.
A Note From Our Friends at B.E.D.
Black Rock City can be an erotically charged environment. We want to help prevent sexual harassment and assault while ensuring that sex-positive free expression thrives! It is imperative to know and express your own sexual boundaries and to ask about and respect your partners' boundaries. As the Bureau of Erotic Discourse (B.E.D.) reminds us: Silence is not consent. Communication is the best lubricant! To find out more, get in B.E.D. at www.bureauoferoticdiscourse.org.
Fire Art Safety Guidelines
Flame Effects Definition: All flames that are automated, switched, pressurized or having any action other than simply being lit on fire; as well as projects using propane or liquid fuels.
Open Fire Definition: Art installations, when fully engulfed in flames, usually produce a tremendous amount of heat, require a Burn Shield Platform and safety perimeter, and may or may not require Ranger support.
Whichever definition of fire you decide to utilize within your art installation, it is required that you conform to the guidelines and understand the responsibilities that have been established for Fire Art. Responsibility includes knowledge that the fire that will be utilized within an art installation will not endanger the participants, art crew or members of the Performance Safety Team, the sub-department within the art department.
For public safety reasons, art installations utilizing Open Fire, Flame Effects and/or Pyrotechnic, require approval in the form of a laminate (license). Performance Safety Team will issue the appropriate laminate once the artwork has been approved in Black Rock City. But to make sure that your fire art installation is following the safety procedure, please read the guidelines and fill out the art questionnaire. The multiple-step process for approval is not to bog you down, but to insure that all safety regulations have been met.
FLAME EFFECTS can be impressive and pleasing to interact with but can also present challenges. The artist must be aware of the use of materials such as proper fittings and fuel lines that are rated for the fuels and pressures used, i.e. propane hose for propane fueled effects. The artist must also create a safety plan specific to the piece as well as provide sufficient and proper fire extinguishers and be proficient in their use. The placement of fire art on the open playa comes with the added responsibility of protecting fuel sources from vehicle traffic.
OPEN FIRE
Burn Scars on the Playa Burning anything directly on the surface of the playa will create burn scars, which are patches of discolored, hardened playa sediment, caused by the heat and smoke of carelessly constructed bonfires. They are difficult to clean up and take years to recover. Burn scars are one of the issues that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) watches closely in their role as stewards of public land.
Burning Man's ability to return to the Black Rock Desert year after year is directly dependent upon our ability to Leave No Trace. It is also your responsibility as a citizen of Black Rock City to Leave No Trace during your time here.
THE CHALLENGE You as the artist have two choices in burning your art:
MOVE IT The first is the simplest: you can either disassemble or carry your artwork and place it in one of the community burn platforms that are placed at the terminus of the radial streets. The artwork could also be burned on the Man's platform AFTER the Man has fallen.
BURN IT IN PLACE On the playa you have a number of options available to protect the playa from direct and radiant heat to prevent Burn Scars. With some clever thinking, preparation and intelligent use of materials, this can be made to fit in with the esthetics of the installation.
Burn Shield Platforms: Enclosed Fires are simple but must insure that nothing within the art installation will be carelessly set on fire that should not be set on fire. Fire art installations that are destined to be fully engulfed in flames CANNOT make direct contact with the playa surface. The Installations must be situated upon a Burn Shield Platform and elevated at least 6 inches of the playa surface to allow for proper airflow and to not scar the playa. There are a number of options available to prevent burn scars and with some preparation and intelligent use of materials, this can be integrated with the aesthetics of an installation. Some burn platforms have utilized corrugated steel atop bricks or cinder blocks (or the like), or used heat-resistant silica fabric. When designing the platform take into account the height of the art once it falls. Art installations can also be carried to the closest Community Burn Pyre. Questions about burn shield platform and burn scar prevention should be sent to: fire-art (at) burningman (dot) com
THE DMV AND MUTANT VEHICLES
Department of Mutant Vehicles (DMV)
Citizens of Black Rock City have an opportunity to participate in the Mutant Vehicle experiences, an important piece of the art and participation at Burning Man. The DMV licenses Mutant Vehicles for driving about BRC. All prospective Mutant Vehicles, and those who wish to apply for a disabled license, MUST pre-register with the DMV before the event. In order to be granted a license, Mutant Vehicles must meet certain criteria. In addition to being visually stimulating and participatory in nature, vehicles must be safe and owners must comply with community guidelines (no dust, 5 MPH, etc.) Depending on the license type, Mutant Vehicles may be operated during the day or at night (which requires radical illumination), and within Black Rock City or on the playa. The DMV also works with the Flame Effects Team to inspect and license Mutant Vehicles that use flame effects.
That said, Black Rock City is designed for pedestrians and bicycles. Non-mutated, recreational driving is prohibited; be prepared to drive your vehicle to your campsite and leave it parked there. Vehicles driving without a proper permit may be fined by law enforcement and impounded or disabled by law enforcement or the Black Rock Rangers. Non-mutated vehicles intended for recreational driving, including motorcycles, large scooters, and ATVs, are not permitted in BRC and will be impounded at the gate. However, if a motorcycle is your sole means of transportation to the event, you may enter the city and park it at your campsite. Wind-powered vehicles with a pivoting (non-fixed) mast and a standing operator are allowed to move within BRC. All other types of wind-powered vehicles are not allowed within the city but may operate at the Black Rock Airport. Look for the airport on the BRC map. For more information, contact: dmv (at) burningman (dot) com, or visit dmv.burningman.com.
Mutant Vehicle Safety
Mutant Vehicle participants (vehicle artists, operators, and passengers) must comply with certain safety standards.
Vehicle Integrity & Mechanical Characteristics
To be licensed, your Mutant Vehicle must meet a standard of structural and mechanical integrity. This safety standard applies to all Mutant Vehicles at all times. A violation of public safety could result in immediate eviction from the event.
Mutant Vehicles must have physical integrity:
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All fluids leaking from a vehicle must be caught in a pan and disposed of properly.
There must be rails for people to hold onto.
The vehicle must be structurally safe for its occupants.
Vehicle body alterations should not pose a physical danger to anyone.
Mutant Vehicles must have certain mechanical characteristics:
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Functioning brakes
Controllable speed
A reasonable turning radius
Safe mechanical operation
Adequate lighting for nighttime permits
Fulfilling these requirements is the responsibility of the owner of the vehicle.
Driver Responsibilities:
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Drive safely.
Come to a complete stop before anyone gets on or off the vehicle. Passengers must be able to get on and off safely.
Respect the speed limit (5 mph with NO DUST).
Do not drive erratically (swerving; stopping and starting quickly).
Do not drive on pedestrian walkways, see the BRC map for details.
Make sure your BRC-DMV license is properly displayed on the rear of your vehicle.
Pedestrians and bicycles have the right of way.
Violation of these rules can result in fines, impounding your vehicle, and/or eviction
from the event.
Do not drive when visibility is obstructed in "white out" conditions.
Passenger Responsibilities:
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Do NOT board or exit from any moving vehicle.
If the vehicle doesn't look safe, don't get on. Listen to your instincts.
If you are feeling uncomfortable, you have the right to safely leave the vehicle upon request.
Scooters and Go-Peds
Large, seated, street-legal "Vespa" type scooters, like motorcycles, are not allowed to drive in our pedestrian and bicycle city.
Small motorized scooters (two wheeled, lightweight, standup, small, no-seat, off-street type) and go-peds are allowed in Black Rock City but they are subject to the same rules as any other motorized vehicles - drive 5 MPH and have front and rear lights at night. BLM Rangers will issue citations for non-compliance.
Airport And Pilot Policies
Just like Mutant Vehicles, airplanes provide art resources such as aerial photography, performance art, and basic transportation. Also, like Mutant Vehicles, outside regulations and playa rules must be followed to create a safe and considerate aviation community. All pilots, including ultra light pilots, must receive a briefing at the event covering overflight rules, areas that are off-limits (e.g. all Black Rock Desert hot springs), general guidelines, and safety. Pilots who do not attend a briefing will not be allowed to fly locally. This will be stringently enforced. Landing restrictions begin before the start of the event on Friday, August 22nd, 2008.
First stop for information: The Airport. Contact airport (at) burningman (dot) com or call the Airport Manager at 408-297-9795 well before the event if you have more questions.
FUEL SAFETY
Fuel and Hazardous Materials Storage
All participants using combustible fuels in an art installation or storing fuel in camp must comply with the following practices for storing and handling these materials:
Storage of Compressed and Liquefied Gases (CO2, oxygen, propane, nitrogen, etc.)
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All gas cylinders must be secured in an upright position to prevent tipping.
All cylinder valve caps must remain on the assemblies unless in use with plumbing or regulator set.
Main shut off valve (Key Valve) must be marked.
Storage of Liquid Fuels (gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and white gas)
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20 gallons or more of flammable liquid must be kept within a secondary containment area, such as a petroleum resistant tarp rolled up to provide a berm.
A supply of cat litter or other fuel absorbent material must be kept on hand near any spills basin.
All liquid fuel containers must be clearly labeled. Original labels are preferred. Liquid fuel containers in camping areas require a 30 ft. safety perimeter, and unobstructed access for ESD vehicles in case of fire.
Note: A petroleum, flammable liquid fire burns at the surface of the material. Water will spread the flaming liquid over a wider area, vaporizing it rapidly, spreading the fire.To put out such a fire, cut off its air supply or interrupt its chemical chain reaction using carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical powder. Both are effective, but dry chemical is best for outdoor use; it's not subject to wind, has a longer range, and can extinguish pressurized leaks of gas and liquid. For good all-around fire protection, use an ABC or all-class fire extinguisher.
MORE FUEL SAFETY REMINDERS
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Store fuel away from running generators.
Turn generators OFF before refueling.
Use a pump when transferring fuel. Do not siphon using your mouth. A mouth full of fuel could be fatal. Wash hands after fueling.
Keep all equipment in good condition. Watch for leaks, deterioration, or damage.
If fuel is spilled on clothing, move away from any ignition source, and allow clothing to dry. Use waterless soap for hands. If fuel should splash in eyes, use water to flush.
Be aware of static electricity. Any spark can ignite gasoline vapors. Always fill containers on the ground, not in or on vehicles.
Always use a bonding strap when transferring flammables and combustibles between containers.
The Emergency Services Department (ESD) must be notified of fuel presence and location of acetylene cylinders of any size.
Acetylene cylinders should not be stored in a horizontal position and must be separated from oxygen cylinders by 20 ft. unless plumbed or on a cutting cart.
Propane cylinders of 100 gallons or more are NOT permitted within the city limits.
Compressed flammable gases stored in camping areas require a 30 ft. safety perimeter, and unobstructed access for ESD vehicles in case of fire.
Signage stating "Flammable Fuel" must be easily seen.
A dry chemical fire extinguisher must be kept visible near, but not on top of the storage location of any liquid fuel.
For more information send an email to: fuelsafety (at) burningman (dot) com. For ESD questions email 911 (at) burningman.com
