5.2. Safety Requirements
Safe operations are a priority for the SUAS organizers. All considerations to maintain safety for operators and the surrounding environment must be made. These guidelines are the minimum requirements for all teams and their vehicles during the competition.
Local Safety Requirements: UAS power systems must follow the safety rules and regulations of the host country as well as the team’s home country.
Operations Suspended: SUAS staff may suspend team operations at any time for safety considerations. The staff is not required to advise the team prior to the decision to terminate the run attempt. In all matters of safety, the decisions of the SUAS staff are final.
Safety Material: Teams must have available personal protective equipment (PPE) (tools, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, etc.), safety risk mitigation (training, checklists, radios, etc.) and equipment to support rapid response to accidents (first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.) as needed.
5.2.1. Safety Inspections
Before taking flight, all UAS must pass a safety inspection. This includes, but is not limited to:
A Safety Inspector completes a safety checklist, verifying successful operation of all safety features.
Teams demonstrate compliance with all the requirements, to include all required FAA documentation.
Refer to Safety Inspection for the criteria for the safety inspections
5.2.2. Battery and Fuel Guidelines
Teams are required to understand and follow battery/fuel safety best practices based on the battery/fuel chemistry selected by the team. For questions or assistance, please contact Cheri Koch at ckoch@robonation.org / 850-642-0536.
Batteries
All batteries can become a hazard if not handled properly. Lithium-ion chemistry batteries may become damaged and create a hazard if misused/abused, representing the greatest risk to people, facilities, and the environment. The following safety rules and requirements must be followed:
Teams must submit battery specifications, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and proper disposal procedures, sourced from the battery manufacturer for all batteries.
Teams must keep a hard copy of the battery safety documentation for all batteries on-site at all times.
Teams must bring a LiPo safe bag(s) adequate for the lithium batteries used.
Each team must understand and follow their own country’s regulations as well as those of the host nation.
All batteries must be stored, used, and maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
Teams are required to inspect their batteries daily for signs of swelling, heat, leaking, venting, burning or any other irregularities. Lithium batteries that become too warm during use or have become swollen or malformed must be removed from use and reported to the Technical Director or RoboNation.
Lithium batteries that do not hold a charge must be removed from use and reported to the Technical Director.
A team member must be present at all times to monitor charging batteries.
At the competition site, if any of the above battery conditions are observed students must immediately notify the Technical Director or RoboNation and provide the battery specifications and safety information.
Failed or failing Lithium-ion batteries must be handled in accordance with manufacturer’s safety and disposal guidelines. In the absence of specific guidelines, batteries must be placed in a LiPo safe bag, which must then be placed in a bucket, covered with sand, and placed in a designated safety zone.
Fuel
Only use approved containers for fuel storage and handling.
Store flammable liquids in well-ventilated areas and away from heat.
Don’t store more flammable liquid than is needed for 1 day’s operation.
Always power off equipment while refueling.
Teams must provide their own fuel specific spill kit in the event of a fuel spill.
Ensure that fuel caps remain properly closed whenever not actively refueling.
No smoking is allowed.
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