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I don't think this has been mentioned but worth a look http://www.bbc.co.uk/new...k-england-essex-20219157An angle grinding act were performing in a large night club venue (part of the Luminar group) when drapes above the stage caught fire. The premises were evacuated and the fire was brought under control by the fire brigade. Angle grinding acts involve drawing the spinning blade of the grinder across a metal plate or costume worn by the performer to produce a shower of sparks. See http://www.firstandforem...sparks-angle-grinder.phpI've seen it done at festivals in the open but surely it would be pretty crazy to do this in a packed nightclub. The video clip on the BBC site also demonstrates nicely peoples reaction to a fire (similar to the infamous shop scene where people are queing to pay while a fire gathers pace in the doorway). Patrons can be seen taking videos and pics on their phones while night club staff shout at them to leave. I do wonder about the risk assessment for this activity and even if a hot work permit would have been considered?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Also worth noting that there does not seem to be a fire alarm activation. Found a second youtube clip (bit of swearing near the beginning - 21sec mark).
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Rank: Super forum user
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Stevie - thanks for the information. Most interesting, partly because I confess I wasn't aware of angle grinding entertainment acts until you posted this thread.
Though there's no indication that the performers shown on the second website you quoted were performing at the night club where the fire occurred, it was mildly amusing to see their act described as "a real showstopper"!
Also the BBC Essex report mentions a man suffering burns to his lower arms. Perhaps this was the man seen in the YouTube clip standing on stage trying to use a fire extinguisher to tackle the overhead fire while pieces of molten burning plastic or similar were falling from it.
In addition, I wonder if there are any standards for the manufacture of and regular checking after use of the metal underwear/clothing used by the performers. Also, does anyone know if audiences for such acts are advised not to copy them at home? :-)
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Rank: Super forum user
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Having just posted my response above, I was amused to see on the forum listing page that the title of the thread immediately below this one was coincidentally "Eye protection for use in grinding operations". The performers depicted on the second website quoted by stevie certainly seem to be wearing goggles, though the nature of the protection for their arms and legs seems far less evident! :-)
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Quote=Graham Bullough]
In addition, I wonder if there are any standards for the manufacture of and regular checking after use of the metal underwear/clothing used by the performers. Also, does anyone know if audiences for such acts are advised not to copy them at home? :-) That would be a thickness check then !!! Maybe something for the clothing as well.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Graham, there are several videos of angle grinding acts on Youtube and in many cases no eye protection is worn by the performer. Even worse, the shower of sparks is often directed towards the audience.
The Station nightclub fire in America raised awareness of stage pyrotechnics but it seems the clubs do not seem to have carried this across to other ignition sources such as grinding. Luminar are a major operator so goodness knows what is happening in smaller venues.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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How similar was that footage to the Station Nightclub?? Scary!!!!
I am surprised that the (hopefully) flame retardant drapes burned so well. On the other hand, I recall an ex fire service colleague of mine setting his fire retardant leggings alight using an angle grinder during some training (no one had the heart to tell him so they were going well when he noticed :) )
Grinders do throw lots of energy/heat out, and combining that risk with 100s of drunk punters is fraught with difficulties. I would argue that a combination entertainment licence/hot work permit may be required !!!!!
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Rank: Super forum user
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According to this ill informed risk assessment, surrounding decor cannot catch fire - "Couldn't happen". Even better, the sparks are cold. http://tammyfirefly.com/...d_angle_grinding_briefs/interesting to see an American act using a very recognisable RA format to us Brits. PS: You may have to highligy with your mouse to make it all legible. Black on blue text just doesn't work too well.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Oh dear....i've speant many a Saturday night in that club (in my younger days of course *cough*)
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