Safe storage and transportation of balloons filled with a hydrogen-oxygen mixture is a very risky undertaking. There are few scenarios that do not involve enclosed spaces (e.g., a car) and the potential for static discharge. Perhaps a mesh bag would work, as long as sufficient ventilation is ensured. Nonetheless, using lecture bottles and filling balloons on-site seems to be the safest method. Yet if the floor in the demonstration area were carpeted, enough static could be generated to ignite a balloon. The demonstrator's greatest fear is that a child might ask to participate in the demonstration, then reach out to touch the balloon and have it detonate in their face.

The demonstrator feels fortunate that his injuries were relatively minor (no respiratory damage). He urges that a full risk assessment be performed prior to balloon storage/transportation and setup/performance of this type of science demonstration. Guidance for undertaking a hazard analysis and risk assessment can be found in the Hydrogen Safety Best Practices Manual.