There are several safety and environmental risks associated with “Car Bash” activities. Personal injury including contusions, cuts, lacerations, puncture wounds, strains, sprains, back injuries, fractures, etc., are all a possibility associated with this activity and consideration must be given to prepare for them both during and post event. All “Car Bash” activities must be approved by MU Operations and MU Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) at least 72 hours in advance. You must adhere to the following requirements:
Vehicle Preparation
- All glass must be removed from the vehicle prior to delivery to the approved site;
- A qualified technician or individual must verify and document that following have been removed prior to delivery of the vehicle to the event location:
- All fluids, including but not limited to anti-freeze, transmission, brake, motor oil, gasoline;
- All air bags; o Any refrigerant associated with the air conditioner;
- All batteries; and
- the fuel tank(s). (An “empty” fuel tank, which could be full of vapors, still has a significant explosion potential.)
- The vehicle wheels/tires must be chocked to prevent unexpected movement.
- The vehicle must be delivered to University property on the day of the event.
Site Preparation
- The event must be located a minimum of 20’ from the nearest storm or sanitary sewer drains.
- A fixed perimeter barrier must be established at least 25’ from the vehicle to keep onlookers a safe distance away from the vehicle and potential flying debris.
Requirements during the event
- A responsible person must be designated, and have the authority to pause or stop the activity in the event any requirement is not being met.
- An injury waiver signed by each participant is required.
- Puncture resistant gloves such as heavy leather are required for all participants.
- Closed toed and heel footwear shall be required for all participants to reduce the likelihood of serious foot injuries. No sandals, flip flops, slides, etc.
- Impact goggles and/or face shields are required for all participants and others in close proximity. It is recommended the organizer purchase them for the event. EHS can assist in proper selection.
- The organizer must provide a minimum of two persons at the designated perimeter for crowd control. These persons must have the authority to maintain or increase the perimeter distance as necessary for the safety of individuals gathered. These persons must also be wearing safety glasses with side shields at a minimum.
- All “bashing” must be done with two feet on the ground of the approved site.
- Participants must not be allowed on top of any portion of the vehicle.
- Striking the wheels and tires is prohibited.
- Close attention must be paid to the condition of the sledgehammers during the event. Should the handles near the hammer head become cracked or otherwise damaged, that hammer must be removed from service immediately.
- If leakage of any hazardous materials does occur the “Car Bash” must immediately stop and action to contain the release must be implemented without delay. You must also immediately contact EHS (either directly at 882-7018 or after hours through MUPD at 882-7201) to supervise clean up and verify safety. Continuance of the event will be at the sole discretion of EHS prior to continuing.
- At no time shall the vehicle be left unattended.
Post Event
At the conclusion of the event, the location must be cleaned up and restored to the same conditions that existed prior to the event. Failure to do so may result in a restoration fee to the organizers.
- The vehicle must be removed from University property on the day of the event.