Liability

For many this is considered an unsavory topic. BUT.........

If you are going to demonstrate blacksmithing in front of the public you need to know: If something bad happens, who is legally responsible?? In today's litiguous society you have to protect yourself.

In many cases, when we demonstrate in front of the public we have, at most, a rope strung between stancions to separate the public from our work area. I have seen many a small child slip under that rope and in a second he/she is right there: up close and personal.

If I am demonstrating on my own (not under my Guild's umbrella) I specificly ask the person inviting me to demonstrate whether they assume liability if there is any kind of accident. In most cases I ask for it in writing, signed by a responsible person. If they will not agree to this, than I politely decline to participate.

Our local Guild, Blacksmith Guild of Central Maryland, is working up policy for what constitutes Guild sanctioned demonstrations away from our home forge. If the demonstration has Guild approval, if something were to happen, it would be covered by the Guild's insurance policy.

-- AlbinDrzewianowski - 27 Jan 2008