Safety Guidelines

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!)
  • Alternating Current (AC) power sources
  • Lead/acid batteries

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 - Assuming the judges have no safety-related concerns, one member of the team may leave the launch circle to retrieve a device that has landed either on the floor or on the volcano side where it can be reached without climbing on the volcano. The device must be returned to the launch circle for a re-launch. You may not retrieve ping-pong balls from floor areas outside the launch circle. Any device retrieval will be considered a reset and will be so noted by the judges. The clock keeps running during any reset.

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.