Version: 2027 — Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair
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Download Safety PDFThe Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair (QRSTF) is committed to providing a safe environment for all participants. These guidelines apply to all student exhibitors, teachers, mentors, volunteers, judges, and visitors. Failure to comply with these safety requirements may result in a project being modified, removed from display, or disqualified until safety concerns have been corrected.
Every project exhibited at QRSTF must adhere to baseline structural and operational safety standards:
Projects should fit comfortably within the assigned display space. Display boards must stand securely without additional support, not exceed maximum dimensions specified in the exhibitor handbook, and not obstruct neighbouring displays. Large equipment requires prior approval from the Fair Committee.
| Category / Item | Permitted Conditions & Requirements | Strictly Prohibited Items |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Safety | Good working condition, commercially manufactured power supplies, insulated wiring, no exposed conductors. Extension cords must be CSA or UL approved. | Exposed conductors, unapproved homemade power sources, unapproved high-voltage setups without committee review. |
| Batteries | AA, AAA, C, D cells, rechargeable packs, sealed lead-acid batteries, commercial lithium-ion contained in finished products. Never charge while unattended. | Damaged batteries, swollen lithium batteries, homemade battery packs, exposed battery terminals. |
| Chemicals | Small sealed samples of common household materials only if explicitly approved. Use photographs instead of actual chemicals whenever possible. | Strong acids, strong bases, flammable solvents, toxic chemicals, explosives, oxidizers, radioactive materials. |
| Biological Materials | Commercially prepared microscope slides, preserved specimens from educational suppliers, plant material, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Clean, odor-free, safely contained. | Human blood, human tissue, human bodily fluids, professionally unpreserved animal tissue, live microorganisms, unsealed mold cultures, medical waste. |
| Animals & Plants | Plants are welcome if free of insects, non-poisonous, non-odor/pollen heavy, and water-safe. Use photos/videos for animal projects. | Live animals in displays unless specifically authorized by the Fair Committee. |
| Lasers & Fire | Low-power demonstration lasers only (beams must never be directed toward people or mirrors). | High-powered lasers, open flames, candles, matches, lighters, fireworks, pyrotechnics, smoke generators, combustion demonstrations. |
| Pressure & Mechanical | Small commercially sealed components with prior approval. Moving parts must include guards and prevent accidental contact. | Compressed air tanks, CO2 cylinders, propane, butane, aerosol demonstrations, high-pressure systems. |
The following items are strictly prohibited from being displayed at the fair unless specifically authorized in advance by the Fair Committee:
Exhibitors: Each student is responsible for ensuring their project complies with safety rules, remains safe throughout the event, and that safety concerns identified by inspectors are corrected promptly.
Fair Committee: The Safety Committee has full authority to inspect exhibits, request modifications, remove hazardous items, disconnect electrical equipment, and remove projects presenting unacceptable safety risks. Committee decisions are final.
Questions regarding project safety should be directed to the Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair Committee prior to the event to allow sufficient time for review and approval. Thank you for helping make QRSTF a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience for everyone! qrstf@live.com
