[TheForge] Safety at Events

[wmullett at bright.net]

I believe our society is failing to hold people accountable for their own actions so I almost don't like writing this but we too are accountable.  The courts usually use a term "standard of care" and I think that standard is not just what we set as blacksmiths but is what other high risk activities would follow. 

Most individuals really don't know the dangers around a forge and mothers who may be chasing their Johnny won't always see what you are doing or even hear you.  That is why at events where I setup, I usually carry short landscape hooks that I place at a proper distance around my setup and then string a rope along them.  You still have to watch out for the kids but any adult that crosses the line would do so at their own risk.

This seems to work for 99.9% of the adults and most of the children.  You also have to pay attention to the back because of the kids.