Construction Materials: Only lightweight, non-metallic external parts for the nose, body, and fins should be used so that the rocket does not conduct electricity. Never use “GLASS” or other breakable containers at any time. Use only carbonated beverage bottles or pressure chambers that are designed to handle the envisioned flight pressures.

Payload Materials: Payloads should never include any flammable, explosive, bio-hazardous materials or live animals.

Recovery System: Some form of a recovery system technology should be used on all rockets so that it returns safely and is less likely to injure bystanders.

Pressure Chamber: Rocket’s pressure chamber should be made of thin, ductile plastic capable of withstanding the intended launch pressure. DO NOT handle a pressurized rocket at any time during construction, testing, or launch and NEVER stand over a rocket once it is on the launcher.

Pressure Chamber Testing: Pressurization testing of all rocket pressure chambers should be preformed with the chamber completely filled with water and then pressurizing the system. It is also recommended that a protection barrier be deployed to minimize projectiles being ejected from the testing area if a burst of the chamber occurs.

Pressurization System: Use, storage, and transportation of compressed air tanks and other gas cylinders should be according to all applicable safety codes. The system in use should allow the rocket to be pressurized, depressurized (if necessary) and launched from a safe distance as described below. If the rocket does not launch when triggered, DO NOT allow anyone to approach it until the rocket has been depressurized.

Pre-Flight Inspections:

· Inspect all rockets before each launch for proper operation of recovery systems and structures.

· Do not pressurize the pressure chamber if it is crimped, dented or if there are deep scares in the pressure chamber structure. Pressure chambers showing this type of damage or showing other signs of structural fatigue due to pressure cycling should be retired from flight service.

Flight Safety:

· Rockets should not be launched at targets, into clouds or fog, towards spectators or near airplanes or automobiles.

· Do not launch rockets over or near roadways or into the path of a vehicle.

· Rockets should only be launched outdoors, in a clear open area with no obstacles (trees, power lines ext.). Do not attempt to recover any rocket from power lines, tall trees or other dangerous places.

· Rockets should be launched in safe weather conditions with wind speeds no greater than 20 miles per hour.

· Flight team members should be the only persons allowed to retrieve rockets. Do not attempt to catch a descending rocket.

· All persons within range of the rocket's launch or landing area should be made aware that a rocket is about to be launched.

Launcher: Rockets should be launched from a stable launch device that is pointed to within 30 degrees of the vertical to ensure that the rocket flies nearly straight up.

Safe Distance: Everyone should be kept at a safe distance from any pressurized rocket. The suggested safe distance chart listed below is the distance flight crew members should maintain from a pressurized rocket. Add a minimum of 10 feet or more for spectators. Spectators should always stay behind flight crew members.

It is recommended that for any pressurization above 100 PSI a safety barrier should be deployed for flight personnel to stand behind for additional protection. With the use of such protection the above safe distances could be reduced for the flight crew only.

Other Launch Safety:

· An audible countdown should be used before each launch.

· All flight personnel should wear eye protection at all times when working around the launch site.

· If uncertain about the safety or stability of an untested rocket, check the stability before flight and fly it only after warning spectators and clearing them away to a safe distance.

Launch Range: Water rockets should be launched in open clear areas of at least:

To figure the total launch area, add the Launch Pad area plus the Launch Range Area.

Definitions:

Resources/References:

Amateur Rocketry Society of America

Resources and Information/Safety

FAA-USA Federal Aviation Administration/Chapter 31.

Rocket and Launch-Vehicle Operations.

Kevin’s H2O Rockets

Safety

NAR National Association of Rocketry

Model Rocket Safety Code

NASA-USA National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Water Rocket Safety

Tripoli Rocketry Association

High Power Safety Code

Water Rocket Book

Safety

Water Rocket Garage

Water Rocket Safety Code

Water Rocket Index

Water Rocket Safety Guide

Water Rocket Playground

Safety Tips

© 2007 International Water Rocket Association.
(Revised: 02.2007)