Safety Guidelines

Constraints

When it comes to building your Tech Challenge device, the most important thing to remember is "Safety First!"

Use proper safety equipment and procedures when using tools and materials. Read and follow all safety instructions that come with the products you use. Be sure your adult advisor is present to supervise all work. If you need help, ask - it is OK to have someone with more experience do a part of your project for you. In addition to your own safety, be sure to consider the safety of bystanders. The judges will appreciate the fact that you put safety first!

Tech Challenge NEVER allows any of the following:

  • Flames, explosives, or containers of compressed gas
  • Use of animals (other than team members!)
  • Untethered projectiles
  • Alternating Current (AC) power sources

The judges will immediately stop any device which they feel presents a safety risk.

Operating Guidelines

You will have 2 minutes for set-up, 3 minutes for operation and 2 minutes to clear the test rig area.

Set-up time - starts when your team arrives at the Test Rig with your device. You have 2 minutes to position all your equipment and team members.

Operating Time - starts when the Judge gives the "go" signal. At this time, you can touch the device once to start it. After that, you are not allowed to touch your device.

Resets - if your device stops working and is not able to recover on its own, the Judge may allow you to do a quick "reset" to solve the problem. The 3-minute timer continues to run. Clearly, your score will be higher if you do not need to reset your device during its operation.

Finish Time - stops at the 3 minute mark, or when the device completes the task, whichever is sooner.

Remember, the Judge's decisions are final in all matters relating to safety, timing, and evaluation.