People putting on a magical entertainment should be aware of the possible risks involved and do all that they can to reduce these risks.

The following is a list of possible risks, this is not a comprehensive list and it will be added to as potential risks are identified.

Security of the audience and staff in and out of the building or area
The audience should be able to enter and exit the performance area in an orderly manner without risk of injury.  There should be no obstructions or obstacles to impede their exit.  All exits and walk ways must be clearly illuminated and signposted.  This is particularly important in the event of emergency evacuation of the area.

Capacity of the hall, theatre or place of presentation
The place where the entertainment is to take place must be capable of holding the number of people who have been sold tickets.  Careful control is needed on all entry and exit points, to ensure that only people with tickets are admitted to the area.  All places of entertainment should have a fire certificate which should state the maximum number of people allowed in the building at any one time.

Electrical equipment
Lighting, amplification and other electrical equipment either belonging to the building or to the performer should have a current test certificate which states that at the time of testing it was safe and fit for use.

Falling objects
Lighting rigs and other properties such as PA speakers, scenery and aerial props should be correctly secured and where possible should have additional safety chains attached just in case they become detached from their mounting brackets or rigs.  This will prevent them falling on people and will give extra time for the area to be evacuated.

Medical Emergency
In the case of a medical emergency the medical team should be able to easily reach the casualty to treat them or remove them for treatment elsewhere.

Magicians additional risks

Make sure that the magician is covered by public liability insurance.  Some of the things which magicians can do which can injure or cause damage are listed below

Cuts from sharp objects
Even simple playing cards can cause injury if incorrectly used.  A playing card spun at high speed can inflict a serious cut and could blind somebody if it hits them in the eye.  Blades and other sharp objects  used in magic props and tricks can also cause serious injury.

Falling
Some illusions involve the performer or assistants being either suspended or above ground height.  There is therefore always the risk of falling causing injury to themselves and whoever they land on.

Poison
Some magical illusions use toxic chemicals in their presentation.  Extreme care must be exercised in their storage, handling, use and disposal.  A record should be kept of what these chemicals are in case there is an accident so that the emergency people will know what treatment is required.
Toxic fumes caused by chemical reactions or combustion could also cause choking or respiratory problems in a confined area.

Choke hazards
Great care should be exercised if small prizes or other objects are handed out to children as they could cause choking if swallowed.  Some illusions can also cause a choke hazard to the performer or their assistant if they go wrong.  An escape procedure for these particular effects should be discussed with the performer before they are allowed to present them.

Allergies
More and more people these days are developing allergies to various foods and other substances.  Lots of magicians and other entertainers use balloons in their acts.  Some people have an allergy to latex so if they are handed a balloon by the performer it could cause them problems.

Fire
Various magical effects employ fire.  Some of these may be very small such as an appearing lighted candle but a naked flame is present nonetheless.  Care should therefore be taken that the effects are presented well away from any flammable materials and fire/smoke detectors.  If a sprinkler system is set off accidentally by a simple fire effect it could cause a lot of water damage from the sprinkler system.

Projectiles
Items such as streamers and confetti can be projected by compressed gases, springs, elastics, pneumatics and explosions.  Care needs to be exercised to ensure that the projectiles do not hit anybody.

Explosions
As with fire effects, extreme care should be taken in the use of pyrotechnics.  Only commercial pyrotechnics should be used and only under a strict safety code of operation.  Home made explosives and pyrotechnics should never be used.
Explosions and flashes can also be obtained from clouds of fine powder ignited by a spark or a flame.  Again extreme care needs to be taken in their use.

Flooding
Some illusions employ large amounts of liquid.  If the container is ruptured it could cause flooding, injury and property damage.

Suffocation
Some magical effects especially escape routines could cause suffocation to the performer or their assistant if they go wrong.  This is either through the chest being restricted or confinement in an airtight container.  An emergency escape procedure should be arranged with the performer prior to allowing the effect to be performed.

Firearms
Effects involving firearms of any description are dangerous.  Even blank cartridges can injure or kill when they detonate if they are wrongly used.  A loaded firearm can also detonate if it is dropped onto the floor.

Criminal Records
It is very important especially when working with children and young people that the entertainer has been properly checked for working with children and young people and that their CRB certificate is clear and up to date.