CO2 Tank Does Pirouettes at a Wedding in New Jersey

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I agree and as cool as I think those CO2 guns are, I would be very hesitant to use one myself. Just like, in the 12 years since we inadvertently started a paintball course, I wouldn't be so flip to just throw out a contract and some regulations and say that was good enough.

I'm not aiming this at Taso, who by all indications and from his videos, seems to take as much precautions as he can, I am merely stating that some people are going to be cautious and some aren't and it is up to us to decide if this is a service we want to offer or are willing to try if a client insists, and if so, what precautions we can and should take.
I really do take as many precautions on everyhting I offer, I even tell my clients who shoot the gun to NEVER shoot at people directly and always above them to prevent freezer burn... and you're right there are many that don't take precautions at all. It's like asking how many of you put sandbags on your lightstands or tripod stands. I actually bring 2 sandbags in my van for times when I have equipment near high traffic areas that someone can trip over. Even dancing on the clouds has a liability aspect to it, as moisture builds around the machine, and if not cleaned up right away, can create a very wet surface and cause someoene to slip... which is why we have a rag or towel to clean right after we're done.
 
I'm not suggesting you can't use or sell this effect to client's who want it. I'm just in awe at the lackadaisical regard for safety. Taso's description shows no more regard than an 18 year might toward driving drunk. Sure just stand there holding the tank (until you drop it of course and break the valve) no code violations there.

There are very simple and easy ways to do this safely. Yet, I see the majority of DJs treating these devices with all the levity of a pinata. I can't be the only adult in the room watching this and thinking: "Just one small mis-step for man - and life as he know it ends."

I'm pretty sure that if you follow up in 2 or 3 years with the DJs in the referenced news story, you'll find they were put out of business, held personally liable for fines owing to code violations, and possible still facing litigation over damages and personal injury suits. One you're all alone and on the hook - the idea that "everyone is doing it" fades pretty fast.

The other issue is my own exposure. If I'm working and event, I reserve the right to walk away from the job if another vendor presents a safety hazard or is clearly violating safety codes. It doesn't matter that I'm not the one using the effect; if I'm part of the event I'm immediately enjoined in the liability unless I take clear action to sever myself from the prohibited threats.
 
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I'm not suggesting you can't use or sell this effect to client's who want it. I'm just in awe at the lackadaisical regard for safety. Taso's description shows no more regard than an 18 year might toward driving drunk. Sure just stand there holding the tank (until you drop it of course and break the valve) no code violations there.

There are very simple and easy ways to do this safely. Yet, I see the majority of DJs treating these devices with all the levity of a pinata. I can't be the only adult in the room watching this and thinking: "Just one small mis-step for man - and life as he know it ends."

I'm pretty sure that if you follow up in 2 or 3 years with the DJs in the referenced news story, you'll find they were put out of business, held personally liable for fines owing to code violations, and possible still facing litigation over damages and personal injury suits. One you're all alone and on the hook - the idea that "everyone is doing it" fades pretty fast.
So for those that advertise the led robots who shoot co2 on the dancefloor... how do you advise that they offer their service? Keep in mind, unless you have a siphon tank (which is what I use) regular co2 tanks have to be held upside down to draw the liquid. Or just in general how does a company offer co2 cannons that are handheld.

I understand the concept of co2 jets which are permanent... but guns are mobile and therefore the tank needs to be mobile depending on where the client wants and needs to utilize it.
 
So for those that advertise the led robots who shoot co2 on the dancefloor...

lol...another trend i find worrysome... men or women....blinded by lights...head in a helmet.... on 3 to 4 foot stilts...dancing amongst children and elderly people...

Imagine they topple...take out two or 3 little kids (who are consistently the first to gravitate toward this spectacle) on their way down.

just imagine stepping on a tiny hand with said stilt...

now add to that a co2 tank...

Hindenburg disaster.jpg

i think the question isnt....how do we find a loophole for these vendors to do this... but instead....really soul search and figure out just how far dj's have veered from the music to create profitable add ons...

ya know...these guys can stop this nonsense anytime they want...and still have profitable businesses.... but once again... they will milk it until disaster... and look back in anguish

cc
 
I understand the concept of co2 jets which are permanent... but guns are mobile and therefore the tank needs to be mobile depending on where the client wants and needs to utilize it.

The nozzle needs to be mobile, not the tank.
Safety isn't about what's convenient or affordable - it's about what reduces injury and saves lives.

The reason you have compressed gas cylinders on the site won't alter the local or state codes that dictate how they must be handled or stored. If you don't know what your exposure is then ask a local fire marshal to come and view what it is you are doing. Take whatever risk assessments he points out and run them past a personal injury lawyer who can tell you exactly what he would pursue for a client should any of those risks become a reality for you. It may cost you $300-$400 to do this but, that's probably no more than the cost of the C02 guns itself.

I don't know the full measure of the liability, but when you are spraying compressed cold chemicals in the direction of a crowd I'm almost certain a $2M liability policy doesn't even come close to the risk assessments. Damages are typically claimed on the basis of lost income or earning potential. If you blind a child still in school - that calculation would run to age of 65 years. Injure someone just accepted at a medical school - and you can see why the sttlements can be so large. Pain and suffering comes on top of that, enumerating all the joys of life that person will not experience as a result.
 
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i just want to add that... some of my favorite dj's utilize both co2 and led robots at their performances...i love it...its an amazing addition to these events they do...energy through the roof.... i point that out because i dont want to give the impression that i dislike or am jealous of the bigger companies use of innovation.... not at all...

i just hate to see someone hurt...or a dj lose their livelihood over something silly and unnecessary.

cc