Safety:
Blacksmithing has a number of dangers associated with it, keep them in
mind and, especially when trying something new, take a moment and
imagine what could go wrong, what could fly, what could drop, what's
going to be hot and where, then adjust your actions to minimize the
repercussions.
Smithing can be loud, ear protection is a really
good idea.
We're working with fire, you can get burned. Either by the fire
directly or by things that have been heated in it.
Many things are sharp, you can get cut. Either by tools that are
supposed to be sharp, or by bits of work that may or may not be
intentionally sharp.
Lots of force is being applied in sudden fashion. Sometimes things fly.
Sometimes they're small. Eye
protection is required. Sometimes they're bigger and drop
more than fly. Solid shoes are a good idea.
Proper attire will be required: closed toe shoes (preferably leather,
preferably high-topped),
natural fiber clothing, long pants that cover the tops of the shoes.
(If you think in terms of having hot gravel tossed at you and not
wanting it to lodge anywhere [like in a shoe] that will give you the
right idea.)
Dangly things like long
hair and some jewelry will need to be restrained.
Aprons, safety
glasses, and earplugs
will be provided.
We have a water cooler and a small fridge with sodas and teas. Feel free to bring a bottle of water, you'l want it.
Oh, and it's work.
You will sweat, you will get
dirty, dress
accordingly. The first time out, you will end up sore, and
there's a fair chance you'll get a friction blister or two on your
hammer hand.
This is the text of our...
RELEASE
AND
WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY
BLACKSMITHING IS AN INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITY AND, AS SUCH,
PROSPECT HILL FORGE LLC REQUIRES ALL PERSONS ATTENDING PROSPECT HILL
FORGE LLC CLASSES, SEMINARS, OR WORKSHOPS OR USING ANY PROSPECT HILL
FORGE LLC EQUIPMENT OR FACILITIES TO SIGN THIS
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY.
I understand that blacksmithing is an inherently dangerous activity and
acknowledge that there are risks inherent in its practice, including
without limitation:
(1) the use of and exposure to hot coals and high temperature iron and
steel
(2) handling hot metals and flux
(3) exposure to sharp objects
(4) exposure to power tools
(5) exposure to falling objects
I understand that my negligence or failure to act within my abilities
may contribute to or result in an injury.
PROSPECT HILL FORGE LLC ("PHF") hereby specifically disclaims any and
all responsibility or liability for, and I hereby irrevocably release
PHF from, any and all claims, whether known or unknown, which I may
have relating to: (i) any and all damages to the student or any
personal property of the student, including without limitation,
indirect and consequential damages or injuries as a direct or indirect
result of the inherent risks of blacksmithing; (ii) any liability
relating to instruction, construction, design, use of any PHF equipment
or facilities, manufacture of any product, or any other activity
undertaken in conjunction with classes, workshops or seminars offered
by PHF or as a result of the use or application of information given or
contained in any class, workshop or seminar offered by PHF or contained
in any writing given to me by PHF or (iii) any actions taken by me
while on the PHF premises with respect to construction, design, use of
equipment or facilities or manufacture of any product.
I HEREBY REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT I UNDERSTAND THAT BY SIGNING THIS
DOCUMENT, I MAY BE WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS. I UNDERSTAND THAT I
WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL ACTIONS TAKEN AT THE PHF FACILITIES,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, USE OF EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES. I
UNDERSTAND THAT I AM SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY AND ALL DAMAGES,
WHETHER DIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL, FOR THE USE AND APPLICATION OF
INFORMATION GIVEN AT ANY SEMINAR, WORKSHOP OR CLASS OR CONTAINED IN ANY
WRITING DISTRIBUTED BY PHF.
signed
_____________________________________________________
date ___________________
printed ____________________________________________________