Introduction / General / Pre-event / Fire / Seminar / Audience / Fire Walk

Introduction

FIRE WALKING is rapidly increasing in popularity in many countries both as part of management training and motivational programmes, as a fund-raising event, and simply for enjoyment.

Although many people have either walked on fire themselves (as many as 2 million), know someone who has, or have seen it done whilst on holiday in India, Sri Lanka, or the Pacific Islands, many more will be attending seminars for the first time. Most of these will until shortly before committing to the seminar have considered such actions as ‘foolish’ or the product of ‘trickery’ or stage magic.

There are a number of theories as to how it is possible for people to walk unharmed across coals at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. These range from the mystic through the pseudo-scientific to those based in conventional science. We examine many of these during the seminar.

If properly organised and conducted a firewalk can be conducted in relative safety despite the heat of the fire. Any injuries that do occur are usually restricted to minor blisters (embers between the toes for example), or hot spots. We have not experienced more serious injuries, and nothing requiring medical attention.

FireWalker ensures that the training seminars are optimised to encourage participants to walk in the manner and at the speed best suited to reduce the risk of injury. Tolly Burkan undertook the training of Firewalker.co.uk personnel in California. Tolly is universally acknowledged as the man responsible for introducing fire walking to the western world over the last 30 years.

The following Risk Assessment examines risk and consequent preventative or pre-emptive measures in respect of property, spectators, and staff as well as participants.

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General

Inexperienced Operation
Fire Walker uses only Certified Fire Walking Instructors who have undergone extensive training with accredited organisations. All fire watchers, spotters and other staff undergo adequate training and continued professional development.

First Aid Issues
Requisite numbers of holders of First Aid at Work certificate. Provision of qualified First Aid (St Johns Ambulance or Red Cross) at the discretion of the facility/sponsor.

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Pre-event

Fuel Problems
Fuel (logs or boards) is obtained only from known sources. No recycled materials are used, All deliveries of wood are checked for foreign objects (nails etc), and only suitable varieties of timber are used. Where possible FireWalker uses timber from managed sources.

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Fire

Lifting Injuries
All lifters trained in proper technique, where possible mechanical aids such as wheelbarrows will be used.

Fuel Problems
Fuel (logs or boards) is obtained only from known sources. No recycled materials are used, All deliveries of wood are checked for foreign objects (nails etc), and only suitable varieties of timber are used. Where possible FireWalker uses timber from managed sources.

Accelerants
Petrol is NEVER used to light the fire. Paraffin dispensed from suitable containers and stored well away from the fire is used. If this is not possible then cooking oil is used.

Buildings & Structures
The fire is always located a safe distance from any structure having regard to wind and weather. Where possible a pre-event site survey is undertaken.

Surface
Two layers of turf are used to protect any surface liable to heat damage.

Fire Spread
The fire will always be sited to minimize risk, and a water hose with trigger action will always be available at the fire site. The fire will always be extinguished at the end of the walk, and debris cleaned up at the end of the event

Foreign Objects
Fire watchers and spotters will attend the fire from building to site clearance to ensure that there is no external interference with the fire.

Sparks
There is a risk throughout the event of flying sparks, this is especially relevant when the coals are being raked, and beaten to for the walkway. Fire watchers and spotters will warn spectators to stand well away, and a water hose will be on standby during this activity.

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Seminar

Falling or Slipping
The floor of the training room must be suitable, and swept or vacuum cleaned by the facility prior to training commencing. All participants must wear suitable footwear - trainers, shoes or sandals.

Cuts and Abrasions
Participants must wear suitable clothing and shall be encouraged NOT to participate in any activity with which they are uncomfortable.

Distraction
Training MUST take place in an area isolated from the view of non-participants. Blinds will be dawn and doors closed throughout.

Drugs & Alchol
Any participant who in the opinion of the trainer or any other member of FireWalker is under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted to fire walk. In this matter the opinion of the trainer is final.

Participant Withdrawal
Participants will be advised throughout the training, and at least at the commencement and immediately before walking on fire that they may withdraw at any time. Fire walking is a voluntary action.

Fire Exits
Prior to the training the trainer will acquaint him/herself with the proper fire exits and shall advise all participants of these.

Other
In the event that there are other factors of which participants should be aware the trainer will ensure that these are properly communicated to them.

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Audience

Vehicles
If the fire walk cannot be sited away from car parking areas, a section will be clearly marked out as out of bounds to traffic during the times that the fire is lit.

Falling or Slipping
Suitable lighting of the area must be effected. Where this is not possible, participants, fire watchers and spotters will be required to use torches.

Scorching
A barrier of rope or more substantial construction will be employed to keep the audience no less than 5 metres from each end and 5 metres from the centre of the fire.

Saffety Barriers
Fire watchers and spotters will ensure that non-participants are kept behind the safety barrier.

Exit from the Walk
Fire watchers and spotters will ensure that non-participants are kept away from the end of the fire area to ensue a safe and unimpeded exit from the coals.

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Fire Walk

Training
Participants who in the sole opinion of the trainer are not sufficiently trained or otherwise unprepared will NOT be permitted to fire walk.

Untrained Walkers
No person not in attendance throughout the seminar shall be permitted to fire walk. Fire watchers and spotters will ensure that members of the audience do not at any time enter the fire area.

Falling or Slipping
FireWalker will ensure that the surface of the fire bed is levelled and compacted. Only the trainer can decide that the fire is ready and authorise the first walker. The trainer may at any time suspend walking to make necessary repairs to the coal bed.

Burns & Blisters
Significant injuries are unlikely. All participants will be warned verbally and in writing of the possibility of injury. Advice will be given on the care and treatment of blisters in the de-briefing session.

Other Foot Injuries
Participants must keep suitable footwear on at all times unless in the fire area itself. This area will be checked before the event and monitored during proceedings to ensure a safe surface to avoid cuts, and reduce tripping hazards.

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