1 Keep in mind that safety is the primary consideration.
2 Persons using whips, floggers, etc. have a clear path of instrument travel, with little likelihood of striking anyone–or anything–else. Note the area BEHIND the travel of the flogger or whip.
3 Needles are taken from sterile packages and properly disposed of in containers.
4 Knives and other “sharp” things are not left where someone else may be injured.
5 Sheets or ground cloths must be used under scenes involving waxing, blood, fire or any messy scene. No plastic, nylon or synthetic drop cloths around fire play – must be cotton or canvas.
6 Always ensure adequate universal precautions are used for blood play.
7 Suspension scenes will have mats beneath the submissive.
8 Protection of vital organs...not just genitals; no activities, which can injure vital organs. This is particularly true for neck area, kidneys and liver. Watch for poorly aimed whips, floggers.
9 No irreversible damage; no significant damage of any kind that the submissive did not knowingly consent to.
10 Bondage/circulation. Be alert for blue lips and fingernails. If submissive is wearing lipstick and/or nail polish, DM can’t see blueness. Tactfully check for cold skin, and numbness. For example, if you see a bound submissive whose hands appear bluish; wiggle the flashlight beam on the floor to get the Dominant’s attention. Then, using the beam as a “pointer,” shine it on the submissive’s hands to indicate your concern. Any true Dominant will appreciate your attentiveness.
11 Be particularly aware of breathing, and NO bondage ropes around the neck or suspension of the neck. Ever!
12 Suspension. Every chain, trapeze, chain fall, etc. used in the dungeon has been installed properly, and with great care and checked prior to any play party. However, not every suspension sling or bondage technique may safely hold the weight of the person or persons being suspended. Be certain that suspension bonds and weight are properly distributed. Make sure there is a mat under the person who is suspended.
13 In scenes involving body wrapping (mummification) with saran wrap, etc., the “mummy” must be monitored very carefully for over-heating and dehydration, which can occur very quickly. The “mummy” will need frequent water (bendable straws work best).
14 Safe words. The IMAS play party universal safe word is "Red". As a DM, be aware that it is not unusual for a submissive to not use a safe word. This could be out of fear of disappointing the Dominant, or being in subspace to the point of being oblivious to almost all pain and not realize that a safe word is even necessary. More is said about this further on.
15 Safe/Unsafe impact zones. Never allow a whip or flogger to be used above the shoulders. Eye and ear injuries can be severe, especially with a novice or overzealous Dominant. Make sure that whips, floggers, etc. are not “wrapping” to impact against kidneys, liver, spleen, and other vital organs.
16 “Heavy” scenes. These include any activities in which there is intense pain. It could be cock and ball torture, blood sports, piercing, whipping or fire play. Virtually anything where there may be loud noises accompanied by exquisite pain and the presence of bodily fluids. While the idea of "heavy" scenes will vary with perception, players are expected to advise you when a heavy scene is to be played.
17 Bodily fluids. These include urine, blood, saliva, semen, tears…virtually any secretion that could contaminate the environment. See the Section concerning “Universal Precautions.”
18 Fire: candles, branding, flash/burn, etc. Know where the fire extinguishers are throughout your shift.
19 Expect the unexpected – think: “What would happen if this thing broke?”Anticipate problems -- try to spot “accidents waiting to happen.” Remember that Murphy lurks behind every cranny in the dungeon.
20 Biohazardous items must be double bagged prior to placing in trash containers.
21 Carry knife and/or paramedic scissors, flashlight -- no toy is worth the cost of a person's well being. If you decide that a rope needs to be cut, or a body wrap is causing claustrophobia and the “mummy” needs to be freed quickly, let the Dominant know of your observations and let the Dominant do it. Be prepared to help the Dominant if necessary.
22 No unlicensed weapons are permitted in the dungeon. Knives are okay as part of a scene; however, use your own discretion about knives being unsheathed in the observers’ area.
23 Sane. The play we engage in is expected to be sane; that is, activities that present no unreasonable or unrealistic threat to life, limb or psyche. If someone is doing something that appears unrealistic or just stupid, don’t hesitate to check it out and stop it if necessary. This is supposed to be pleasurable!
24 There’s pain and there’s PAIN! It takes experience to tell when a submissive is experiencing pain that goes beyond what is expected. Look for body language such as:
a. Crying – not just tears of joy!
b. Not breathing appropriately for the experience; e.g., gasping for air or gagging
c. Muttering a safe word, and not being able to get it out.
d. Licking lips…is the submissive thirsty? Perhaps you’ve noticed that the submissive hasn’t had a drink of anything for last half-hour. Ask someone to bring a cup of water and a straw to you, and discreetly put it on the floor – without interrupting the scene – so the Dominant can see it. The “message” will get through.
e. Submissive moving away from the whip.
f. Other body language that says the submissive is undergoing a procedure or activity that is beyond his or her limits.
g. Severe bruising or bleeding.
h. Signs or symptoms of shock or impending loss of consciousness. See First Aid section..
