Article about circus performers who fell to the floor while attempting to hang by their hair:
Don't Try This at Home
This happened in Providence Rhode Island and the problem turned out the be the caribener they used. You'd think that the performers in this act would personally check to see if the
caribeners were fastened securely before the act even begins.
At the time of this incident it got alot of coverage,
and many of the participants expressed a desire shortly after to return to the circus and continue the act. I would mention that in this instance it is probably safe if they had used more than one caribener and made sure everything was fastened
securely.
I've personally never tried this, but they have the safaty equipment there for a reason, but they only work if they are used properly. In this type of act never assume someone else took care of it or they did it right.
You'd think that the circus would have someone check the safety equipment, and then each member of the act check it also.
And use more than one caribener according to industry standards.
I saw lady do a hair-hanging circus act at a boat show when I was a kid and the memory of it still makes me cringe. I think they should do like magicians who do such stunts-- cheat.