I have run some setups (component combinations) in the past simply using a plywood motor mount attached to the end of a 1" x 4" in turn attached to a work bench. I wanted to check static amps pulled with various prop/motor/rpm combos. I used a watt meter to monitor the amps. Small light objects, papers and so on should be clear of the slipstream!
At least you don't have to worry about exhaust fumes (unless you flame some components LOL).
Bare in mind that static amps will be higher than what the combination will pull in flight. ALSO you should NOT run a setup that is drawing near max capacity for any length of time!!! You may be sorry if you do!!!
Such measurements are of limited usefulness - the proof of the pudding being what you get during an actual flight situation.
I also have jury rigged a digital scale to measure the thrust generated in a static situation from a combo mounted in a model. Again this only gets you into a fairly large ballpark. The proof is in the flight situation. Some Castle Creations ESCs can record parameters during flight and this can be very useful.