The only time I've worked on a shoot with squibs, I think they used a metal plate with a leather backing underneath it (i.e. skin, leather, metal, squib). The actor said it didn't hurt at all, so I guess it was enough.

As for legality, I have no idea. But they are potentially dangerous if you don't know what you're doing.

I'm a licensed pyrotechnician. Squibs are explosives and shouldn't be used by an unskilled person. A weightlifting belt will not protect the actor. Cheap isn't the first thing a filmmaker should be considering when working with explosives places so close to an actor.

In the US it is illegal to buy, transport and fire explosives without a permit and a license.

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

Thanks guys, I was just curious. What all do you have to go through to become a liscensed pyrotechnician?

You people have held me back long enough, I'm going to clown college!

sword you should probably go on pyrotechnics.net and post this question in their Newbie section. ?:D?
And as for the clown college, it's not difficult to get into one buddy, just difficult to stay in one...
Cheers...

btw just curious why a pyrotechnician buddy???

<cue insane laughter, cut out lights>
I really...like...fire...
BWHAHAHAHAHA
<cue explosion>

Thanks mate, i'll check into it. Sounds like just the site for me

And clown college is too hard to get into, honestly, take the advice from me, you got it backwards, getting in is hard, staying is easy; you just put your mind on a permanant siesta. Or fiesta if you prefer. I like both.

You people have held me back long enough, I'm going to clown college!