Dragonology 101

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Safety Practices and Concerns

General Safety

When interacting with dragons, safety, above all must be your first concern, but even more important than that is respect for this ancient race. Most, if not all recorded accidents, mamings, and tragic deaths could easily have been avoided if the victim simply displayed an attitude of reverence and respect towards dragons.

Today, no wizard or witch is allowed to interact with dragons without first demonstrating their respect for dragon-kind. I hope this course helps you to develop a healthy respect, if not a fondness for dragons.

Safety Equipment and Clothing

Smart clothing choices are of the utmost importance when dealing with any fire-breathing creature, especially ones as large as dragons. One must never don the latest synthetic fabrics, as even a mere dragon sneeze will have your North Face fleece fused near fatally to your fascia after your skin has melted away.  It is most imperative to choose all natural fabrics and coverings.

• Cotton, Linen/Flax
• Silk
• Bamboo, Ramie, Hemp
• Wool, Cashmere, Mohair, Camel Hair
• Smooth leather or suede

Shirts and trousers made of any of the above fabrics are acceptable, short pants are not allowed. Anyone arriving in short pants will be made fun of and sent away immediately.

Leather boots or shoes are a must; steel tools are a good investment if you plan to continue to work with dragons. No athletic shoes of any kind will be allowed as these contain many synthetic fibers that will liquefy when subject to dragon’s breath. Many have tried to sneak them in, much to their detriment, I won’t put up with this sort of podsnappery for a minute, I sincerely suggest you don’t try.

A buffalo hide cloak and long apron will be provided for your use during class, and must be worn at all times in the presence of dragons. If you choose to continue to work with dragons, purchasing your own buffalo cloak and apron would be a good investment, I have a list of reputable merchants available. Beware of any dragon hide products you might come across, as these are illegal and above all, highly unethical for someone working with dragons!

Leather gauntlet gloves will be provided for your use. If you decide to purchase your own, they must be long enough to bridge the gap between your hands and the end of the sleeve of your cloak, no exposed flesh!

A wooden staff will also be provided to you, first come, first serve so come early for the best choice. But again, this would make another good investment for the aspiring dragonologist!

Protective eyewear is also a must. We have a supply of welding goggles or helmets, depending on the age and species of dragon, that must be worn when working with dragons as viewing their fire breath for an extended period of time can cause irreversible damage to your eyesight. Those who choose to work further with dragons would be wise to purchase their own personal welding helmet and goggles. Again, I have a comprehensive list of merchants who provide equipment and supplies for working with dragons, and there are many wonderful styles out there to suit any personality, such as the example below.

Safety Training and Best Practices

Safety training will be provided, and you must pass all the tests before you will be allowed in the presence of dragons. More information on this will be provided as our dragon encounter draws near. If you would like to get a head start, you can visit both Wizard Safety and Health Administration (WizSHA) and Dragon Safety and Health Administration (DracSHA) websites where you will find most of the information you will be tested on, as well as general safety best practices. See information below.

Government Organizations WizSHA and DracSHA

The Wizard Safety and Health Administration or WizSHA was established in 1066 after a very unfortunate Transfiguration tragedy at a now defunct school for wizarding in Bavaria. The Wizarding High Council came together to set up guidelines and best practices for educating young wizards and for wizarding occupations. You can find a comprehensive guide to dragon safety on their web site.

The Dragon Safety and Health Administration or DracSHA was established shortly after WizSHA in 1069 when it became clear that dragons needed to have a say in safety matters regarding them. You can find an even more comprehensive guide to dragon safety on their web site.

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Please move on to the next module,  Species