Apprendre Fire training and safety - Steel wool sparkly Poi - saf

I'm fairly certain that many people aren't completely aware of the dangers of spinning steel wool, especially those new to HoP. Like Fire Breathing, spinning steel wool is extremely dangerous, particularly for the careless. For those that choose to spin fire, most know to have a SAFETY, fire extinguisher, blanket, first aid equipment, covered fuel cans, etc. But basic fire safety will only take you so far.

As part of a performing troupe at my uni, I spin quite a bit. Sometimes when we feel the conditions are right, and the mood warrants it, we will spin steel wool. This is undertaken in a parking lot with no cars around. Even still, accidents can occur.

One time, during a filming shoot in the late winter/early spring, a member was spinning wool and some embers that flew off happened to land in the dry leaves/brambles next to the lot. Had someone not noticed that there was light where it should be dark, it was quite possible that there could have been uncontrollable flames.

Full clothing cover is so extraordinarily important I cannot begin to stress it. Most fire spinners know, or should know, that natural fibers are better to where while twirling. This extends even more so for steel wool, as you have embers that burn hotter flying all over the place, some that land places you don't expect, and leave singe marks. My advice...if you're going to do it, cover as much skin as possible...most importantly your hair.

The intensity of the light is another thing to watch out for. Having spun several wire wools myself, even with my eyes shut, and a beanie over my head extending down to my neck and over my eyes, the light was brilliant. Even taking pictures of it leaves the eyes dazzled.

If you're not the one spinning, and are the safety, be ready to douse anything right away, but be sure you're way out of the way of the sparks, because once they start going, they fly extremely far.

And there are of course people that think you can do it anywhere, even in a small courtyard surrounded by buildings, grass, trees and the audience.

I know that it is a spectacle that is amazing to see, but even so, I fear that there are too many people that will simply go and attempt it without stopping to think what they are doing.

Spin Safe
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kyrian: I've felt your finger connect with me many times
lou kitten: sneaky little meatball..
ezz: please corrupt me more

Use the finest grade wire wool that you can, DON'T dip, and don't light!!!
Sound confusing? well just use a normal household 9V battery, that's what i use, dry wire wool and a 9V it makes an even brighter wall of wool!!!
Don't take my word for it, try it!!

frodo out
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passing through, this world still lives.

this is what we caught a field on fire doing in high school...

Do NOT mess around with this if you aren't completely confident.

Likewise, if you aren't a little nervous, you probably aren't approaching it with the right attitude.
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The only difference between people with tattoos, and people without tattoos, is that people with tattoos, don't care if you're tattooed or not.

So lots of warnings and stuff yes, which is good.

But how about actual safety?

I've been spinning for about a year and a half now and am really interested in giving sparkle Poi a go.

But in terms of clothing, what? (apart from natural fibres)

In particular, the hair and face? A hockey mask and goggles I can see protecting the face, but what about the rest? Is a hooded jumper fine?

Please give more specifics!

Cheers.

does anybody know something about the risk of doing Fire Poi, i meant breathing kerosene or other stuffs??

I was just curious if you have any instructional videos on how to create the cage for steel wool
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♫ cam ♫

Can I get a similar effect as this with fire fans??

Look up the boomfan

Hi,

I’ve spun steel wool Poi a few times. It was a while ago but I have two suggestions I wish you would add to your Fire training and safety- steel wool sparkly Poi guide. For the safety of people who are trying it for the first time please add these. ?

1. Wear a hood / hoodie With the hood up.
- the sparks falling back down from above you can land on you or even go down your collar.

2. Wear safety glasses.
- this one is obvious.
I don’t wear them with normal Poi but with steel wool Poi this is important

Just looking out for the safety of others.

Thanks

Peter