Quote:
Originally Posted by Bongle
Actually, I can completely understand the shops needing to carry insurance, now that I think about it. If someone slices their arm off because of a poorly-maintained band saw in some team's trailer, someone is liable. Who is that someone? It's definetely not FIRST from FIRST's perspective, but since it occurred at a competition held by them through tool-sharing that they certainly encourage, a jury might find them liable.
Hopefully the steps required to become FIRST-approved are reasonable. Perhaps on practice day you'll just have to have it inspected, show your liability policy, and have your shop crew tested.
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We sign waivers before being allowed to compete at the venues that release FIRST from any liability for injuries and death short of gross negligience or willful misconduct. Something tells me that improper use of a tool does not qualify as either of those on their account.
The form also releases "FIRST's Cooperating Entities". I'm no lawyer, but I'm assuming this includes the competition venues.
I still think, regardless, that tool inspection is a great idea. The only major constraint I can see would be a lack of volunteer manpower to do the job.