Display Safety Rules

Normal household current will be available for exhibits only when absolutely necessary to the presentation of the project. Access to power is limited, so students must specify their power requirements on the Student Exhibit Agreement Form. A computer should not be used in the display unless it is an integral part of the project itself. Electrical devices, or any bulky materials whose sole purpose is to "decorate" the display, should be left at home. The State SEF and the Intel ISEF, however, do allow the use of computers (but not active Internet or email connections) and electrical equipment, so you may want to include this information in your planning.

Unacceptable for Display

  • All living organisms, including plant materials (living, preserved, or dried) and microbes.
  • Taxidermy specimens or parts.
  • Preserved vertebrate or invertebrate animals.
  • Human or animal body parts or body fluids (e.g. blood, urine); (exceptions are histological dry mount sections, and completely sealed wet mount tissue slides).
  • All soil and waste samples, unless they are encased in a slab of acrylic.
  • All chemicals, including water (unless the water is integral to an enclosed apparatus or if the water is supplied by the Safety Inspector).
  • Poisons, drugs, controlled substances, hazardous substances or devices such as firearms, weapons, ammunition, or reloading devices.
  • Food, either human or animal.
  • Sharp items, such as syringes, pipettes, needles, knives, etc. or glass or glass objects unless they are approved by the Coordinator.
  • Any flames, open or concealed or highly flammable display materials.
  • Liquid nitrogen, dry ice or other sublimating solids.
  • Tanks which have contained combustible gases or liquids, including butane and propane.
  • Batteries with open top cells.
  • Awards, medals, business cards, personal accomplishments, acknowledgments, etc. These are acceptable if they are included in the project notebook, but they may not be on display.
  • Photographs or other visual presentations depicting vertebrate animals in surgical techniques, dissection, necropsies or other lab procedures.
  • Any equipment or apparatus which is deemed unsafe by the Safety Inspectors;
  • Active Internet or email connections, web addresses, email addresses, telephone numbers.

Acceptable for Display with Restrictions Indicated

  • Photographs of the student researcher are acceptable and do not require a permission form. Photographs of any other people require written permission.
  • All pictures, especially those of animals and people, must be deemed non-offensive by the Safety Inspector and must include a photo credit, including those from the Internet, magazines, newspapers, etc.
  • Projects with unshielded belts, pulleys, chains, and moving parts with tension or pinch points only if the equipment is not operated and could not accidentally operated by the public;
  • Class III and IV lasers if used for display only and not operated.
  • Class II laser may be operated if the following apply:
    1. must be operated by student researcher and only during judging
    2. posted sign must read "Laser Radiation: Do Not Stare into Beam"
    3. must have protective housing that prevents visual and physical access to beam
    4. must be disconnected when not operating.
  • Any apparatus producing temperatures that will cause physical burns must be adequately insulated.
  • Electrical equipment as long as it is deemed safe by the Safety Inspector and/or the Coordinator. For additional information on electrical equipment see the Intel ISEF website Display and Safety Regulations at: http://sciserv.org/isef/students/rules/safdisp.asp.