Good points. Of course, there's no way you could run something like this
without supervision.
I initially raised an eyebrow at 20,000 disposables a year, but that's only
about 65 a day, depending on how many days the museum is open. Whether the
cost is prohibitive depends on whether you make a nominal charge to groups
using the exhibit. You could make a fat profit on 20p per head, but if you
want to provide it all for free, an antiseptic wipe would probably be the
only economic method.
Best wishes,
Paul Baker
Director, Diabolus in Musica
Renaissance Musician & Entertainer
Maker of replica musical instruments and historical artifacts
Interactives, websites, audio & video work
[log in to unmask]
www.diabolus.org
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Ellam" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 11:39 AM
Subject: Re: Health and Safety in interactives - any suggestions
HI Paul and all
The difference between the situations that Paul describes and an
interactive exhibit is that with both recorders, and with disposable
mouthpieces for peak flow meters the equipment is used under
supervision - someone makes sure that the mouthpiece is changed or
the antiseptic wipe is used.
This won't happen in a gallery setting.
If you look at the disposable mouthpieces, these are designed to slip
over another piece of tube, so if you use them on this exhibit what
will happen is that people who for whatever reason haven't got the
proper mouthpiece will simply blow down the stub of tube instead, and
contaminate it.
I don't know how many visitors Aston Hall gets a year, but if they
only get through 20,000 disposable mouthpieces a year, at 6p each
that's £1,200!
OK so the bulk price may be less per each, but they are very likely
to use more than 20k a year. And don't forget that say three months
supply of mouthpieces will take up quite a lot of storage room.
The more I think about this interactive idea the less I like it...
But its a fine idea for an activity for groups where you can control
access to the equipment, and ensure that suitable hygiene precautions
are taken. Some interactive ideas make lousy exhibits, but great
demonstrations or workshop activities.
Hope this helps
Regards
Richard Ellam
L M Interactive
Science Shows and Hands-On Stuff
tel/fax 01761 412 797
[log in to unmask]
On 14 Feb 2008, at 11:11, Paul Baker wrote:
> Hi, Rosie. Hi, group.
>
> Music teachers have this problem too, when kids need to share the
> larger
> sizes of recorders, which can't be purchased in large quantities.
> They all
> seem to get by with antiseptic wipes. I haven't heard of any problems.
>
> If you want a more medical solution,
>
> http://www.firstaidwarehouse.co.uk/xpp-
> peak_flow_mouthpieces_disposable_x_500_wright.html?
> engine=froogle&keyword=Peak+Flow+Mouthpieces+Disposable+x+500+Wright
>
> Assuming about £3 carriage, these come out at 6p each. No problem
> to design
> the end of the blowpipe to accommodate them.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Paul Baker
> Director, Diabolus in Musica
> Renaissance Musician & Entertainer
> Maker of replica musical instruments and historical artifacts
> Interactives, websites, audio & video work
> [log in to unmask]
> www.diabolus.org
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Rosie Barker" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 9:55 AM
> Subject: Health and Safety in interactives - any suggestions
>
>
> Hi all,
>
> We're currently planning a new exhibition, and hope to have a 'glass
> blowing' interactive (test your strength of puff), but the issue
> has been
> raised with regard to visitors all puffing down one mouthpiece and the
> transmission of germs.
>
> Does anyone have any interactives in their museums which require
> something
> similar (i.e. mouth contact!), and if so, any good suggestions for
> getting
> around this? So far we've come up with either having a member of staff
> wiping it down after use, having disposable straws or mouthpieces
> similar
> to those used in hospital equipment - all of which will come at a
> cost.
>
> All suggestions gratefully received! Thanks very much,
> Rosie Barker
> Community Learning Officer, Aston Hall
>
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