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Tools of the Trade / Re: paper mache
« on: Oct 16, 2008, 10:47 am »
sgustafson, have you begun this production yet? If so which option did you go with for the lost boys hideout?
Also, JMC, I read your post and I'm not sure the nightclub fire you mention is particularly relevant to this thread. I studied this event exclusively in class as it happened while I was in college. The foam that caught fire in the station night club was actually acoustic foam, not blue foam. The source of ignition was pyrotechnics. The placement and use of the pyro was incredibly negligent, which is what lead to the fire. Also, I didn't remember blue foam burning so readily (have actually done a flame test on it some years ago). I did a little bit of research and here's what I've found. Keep in mind these ratings are by US organizations and to US standards, I'm not sure how it would stack up to your specific location (If you're actually outside the US).
Here is the Material Safety Data Sheet for "Blue Foam" that is used by many theatres. Reading all of the information below, it's fairly clear that blue foam will not actually perpetuate its own flame. That is not to say, however, that it won't burn if there is a steady source of flame. Though the foam has a flame-retardent additive, of course it's still going to burn under certain conditions, just as wood, muslin, or any soft goods in a theatre would burn.
Under the regulatory information in Section 15 where all hazards, including fire, are required to be listed the msds reads:
The definition of "fire hazard" for the purpose of msds disclosure reads "A chemical that is likely to burn or support fire".
Also, the NFPA ratings are below. Have taken the numbers from the msds and the explanation of each number from NFPA's website.
NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) ratings
Flamability: 1. "Must be preheated before ignition can occur" (The only lower rating is 0, which reads "Materials will not burn". So basiaclly anything we use in theatre will score at least a 1
)
Health: 0. "Exposure under fire conditions would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible materials."
I don't mean to take on any type of "I told you so" attitude, just want to make sure our members are receiving accurate information.
As a side note to anyone reading this, generally I think it is a good idea to read the MSDS anytime you're working with a new or unfamiliar substance (especially any kind of chemical product). It includes valuable information about how to handle the product, and any precautions you should take.
Also, JMC, I read your post and I'm not sure the nightclub fire you mention is particularly relevant to this thread. I studied this event exclusively in class as it happened while I was in college. The foam that caught fire in the station night club was actually acoustic foam, not blue foam. The source of ignition was pyrotechnics. The placement and use of the pyro was incredibly negligent, which is what lead to the fire. Also, I didn't remember blue foam burning so readily (have actually done a flame test on it some years ago). I did a little bit of research and here's what I've found. Keep in mind these ratings are by US organizations and to US standards, I'm not sure how it would stack up to your specific location (If you're actually outside the US).
Here is the Material Safety Data Sheet for "Blue Foam" that is used by many theatres. Reading all of the information below, it's fairly clear that blue foam will not actually perpetuate its own flame. That is not to say, however, that it won't burn if there is a steady source of flame. Though the foam has a flame-retardent additive, of course it's still going to burn under certain conditions, just as wood, muslin, or any soft goods in a theatre would burn.
Under the regulatory information in Section 15 where all hazards, including fire, are required to be listed the msds reads:
Quote
U.S. REGULATIONS
====================
---------------------
SARA HAZARD CATEGORY: This product has been reviewed according to the
EPA "Hazard Categories" promulgated under Sections 311 and 312 of the
Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA Title III) and
is considered, under applicable definitions, to meet the following
categories:
Not to have met any hazard category
The definition of "fire hazard" for the purpose of msds disclosure reads "A chemical that is likely to burn or support fire".
Also, the NFPA ratings are below. Have taken the numbers from the msds and the explanation of each number from NFPA's website.
NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) ratings
Flamability: 1. "Must be preheated before ignition can occur" (The only lower rating is 0, which reads "Materials will not burn". So basiaclly anything we use in theatre will score at least a 1
)Health: 0. "Exposure under fire conditions would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible materials."
I don't mean to take on any type of "I told you so" attitude, just want to make sure our members are receiving accurate information.
As a side note to anyone reading this, generally I think it is a good idea to read the MSDS anytime you're working with a new or unfamiliar substance (especially any kind of chemical product). It includes valuable information about how to handle the product, and any precautions you should take.
