Fog machines

As far as I know (don't quote me on this, I'm not a lawyer), there's no requirement for a certificate for operating a fog machine. I've operated one at uni, and I wasn't certified (I'm in Melbourne), however if required to use pyrotechnics, rigging (not lighting rigging, but actually rigging of flies, etc) or testing and tagging of equipment, you'd definitely need a licence. I would recommend you and your teacher check out ALIA, which is an excellent resource for technical production in Australia (they have forums there too), ask the school itself to investigate (surely they have access to a lawyer or similar service), or to contact the Arts Law Centre of Australia (who I believe may still offer a free advice phone service). EDIT: I would add that regular theatrical venues might have different regulations than schools, given that schools are educational facilities with the possibility of students running, being involved, or at the least, being around, highly technical and potentially dangerous equipment. Whatever you do, I'd err on the side of caution. I used to have a copy of relevant legislation I believe, but am not sure what I did with it. My best advice is to at the very least put a notification on all venue doors that a fog machine will be used. Your source for handmade shadow puppets at Puppets in Melbourne