My friend has started doing deadlifts, says they are great for your legs and butt, but they look dangerous to me - are they safe?

They are not dangerous per se, but they are one of the more risky exercises - so don't do them if you have a history of back injuries, and be sure you have someone show you how to do them properly.

Some exercises just aren't worth the risk - there are safer alternatives, so why do something that's risky?

As long as she's doing them correctly, it shouldn't be a problem.

I think there are small numer of exercises that have higher risk potential, especially for people with back problems - deadlifts, good mornings, hyperextensions.  It's just not worth doing them if you have concerns or a history of injury.

DEADLIFTS are a fantastic exercise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do them, just find someone who can show you the correct technique, don't listen to people who say they are dangerous, crossing the road blind folded thats dangerous!!!!!

Just get the technique, the majority of commercial gym instructors are frightened of free weights, and know nothing about them, so search out a weightlifting website for demo videos.

DO THEM, THEY ARE GREAT..........!!!!!!