I guess this is the correct place to post this ...
I regularly have kids at school (in the UK) look through solar scopes have run three solar outreach events for the local Astro Society.
I have had the question raised about safety and potential liability. I generally burble on about insisting on use of the correct equipment, designed for the job with secure filters and everything checked before public use. I can't see that I can go much further than that.
What approach do others take?
AndyG
Outreach ...
- solarchat
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Re: Outreach ...
I have done over 600 events with almost half a million students and never had an accident.
I do carry 5 million dollars of liability and accident insurance on the van and equipment for coverage at outreach events.
The main reason for the safety is that I NEVER allow anyone to use anything that can be taken off the scope quickly or blown off by the wind like objective baader filters or glass filters. No thumbscrew etalon adaptors on the end of scopes, etc... Everything is very secure. I also never use any wobbly small mounts that can be knocked over by a 5th grader.
This coupled with a lot of discipline and watchful eyes usually keeps things very safe.
I do carry 5 million dollars of liability and accident insurance on the van and equipment for coverage at outreach events.
The main reason for the safety is that I NEVER allow anyone to use anything that can be taken off the scope quickly or blown off by the wind like objective baader filters or glass filters. No thumbscrew etalon adaptors on the end of scopes, etc... Everything is very secure. I also never use any wobbly small mounts that can be knocked over by a 5th grader.
This coupled with a lot of discipline and watchful eyes usually keeps things very safe.
Stephen W. Ramsden
Atlanta, GA USA
Founder/Director Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project
http://www.solarastronomy.org
Atlanta, GA USA
Founder/Director Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project
http://www.solarastronomy.org
- swisswalter
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Re: Outreach ...
Hi Stephen
thanks for the hints, outreach is another league then modding in the own garden
thanks for the hints, outreach is another league then modding in the own garden
Only stardust in the wind, some fine and some less fine scopes, filters and adapters as well. Switzerland 47 N, 9 E, in the heart of EUROPE
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Re: Outreach ...
I do outreach within the school I work at, and within other local schools, when doing this are covered by my employers insurance - not that there has ever been any need to use it.
http://brierleyhillsolar.blogspot.co.uk/
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