Safety Guidelines

When it comes to building your 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!

The Tech Challenge NEVER allows any of the following:

  • Flames, explosives, flammable liquids, or compressed gasses. The latter includes pressurizing of devices at the test rig using portable tire pumps.
  • Use of animals (other than team members!)
  • Alternating Current (AC) power sources (120 Volt power outlets)
  • 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.

Resets - Assuming the judges have no safety-related concerns, one member of the team may leave the 10 ft. by 6 ft launch area to retrieve a device that has malfunctioned . The device must be returned to the launch area before the test can continue. Teams may not leave the launch area to retrieve your thrusters from floor areas outside the launch area, but may retrieve them if it can be accomplished from within the control area. The clock keeps running during any reset. Any device retrieval will be considered a reset and will be so noted by the judges.

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.

NOTE: As Tech Challenge progresses, participating teams as well as Tech staff may well discover issues requiring changes/additions be made to the guidelines listed above. Any changes will be posted on the Tech Challenge website and teams are encouraged to monitor the website for any revisions to the guidelines.