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Posted By Zoê
Hi all,
I would appreciate any light you guys can throw on this problem.
I am the safety advisor to some large concert venues, and building up to a concert we have our own rigging staff and freelancers walk trusses, check lighting fixtures etc. etc. They have traditionally used a single latch system, which basically means they are only latched on when standing still. As soon as they move they are not latched on and a fall would almost certainly kill them. I obviously started flapping and have said we need to implement a two-point latch system or a catenary wire, however the wire is no good as there are fixtures in the way and how do we load test the guide rings that we weld to the truss? Other options I have considered are working from the MEWP or rigging up a safety net.
Unfortunately not all the work can be done at ground level, lining up of lights, lasers and so on, must be done at height.
My question is does anyone out there know of any pertinent options I haven't considered please as there is a tight turn around for these type of event and double latching on doubles the rigging at height time?
Zoe
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Posted By Mike Herbert
Hi Zoe.
We too have this or similar problems with visiting productions. Most of the time touring companies should have safety kit with them eg temporary catenery line and fall arrest blocks. This is rigged at ground level with all lighting/sound equipment. Truss is raised to show height and crew access using a caving ladder in conjunction with arrest block. Once on the truss they clip onto catenery and focus lights, make repairs or whatever. This is fine if using the correct harness and 'y' split lanyard but often the harness is for work positioning rather than fall arrest and doesn't have chest or dorsal connection points. However these riggers are on the whole very experienced, trained and responsible and as someone who has been in that position, there is nothing quite like clinging onto a truss dangling 50' above the floor to concentrate the mind.
As far as our own equipment goes we had special shock absorbing cateneries mounted on the trusses using custom attachments at each end. This catenery sits just above the level of the truss and as yet have not found that it gets in the way of any fixtures. We use full body harnesses with 'y' split lanyards so that there is always at least one point of attachment. We also have a rescue method and emergency escape system in place. Using these lanyards doesn't add much, if any additional time to rigging.
As an aside you should not be welding anything to the truss as this may affect the structural integrity through the heating process. If a catenery is attached using fixings or components of known capabilities then it makes it easier to test and inspect and maintain. If you have a MEWP then great but not many places can afford this capital cost (or storage space). Indeed with the time frames you are looking at could end up being misused and an accident occuring.
Also..I have seen pictures recently of a rigger jumping across from a MEWP to a truss whilst on the phone!!!!
As always it is the attitude of the people who do this work and their professionalism that will make the difference. It is a high risk work area in some respects and the entertainment industry is seen as a bit of a wild card but on the whole the people involved are well trained and aware of the hazards. Not that this means anything in particular. Ensuring safety is the thing.
In your position there maybe obstructions overhead etc or a cramped position for working or other factors that may require a different approach on a show by show basis but if you would like to contact me direct i will help if possible.
best regards
mike
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Posted By J Sursham
I agree with most of Mike's observations. it is a significant problem as Earls Court and others can testify. With planning and a fair bit of competence much of the work aloft can be avoided by hanging lights, sound and cables at ground level, just leaving the fixing to the motor points, focusing lamps and final safeties to be done aloft. (Using Macs seriously reduces the need for focusing).
The Working at Height Regs do at last give us something more formal to work to and set out the hierarchy. In your/lampies risk assessment you should be able to identify those jobs which cannot be done by anyother means. Otherwise its MWEP. Make sure they've got a current IPAF before they use it.
With the work at Height Regs its going to be increasingly difficult to justify free climbing.
There are moves afoot to develop a three stage competency for riggers, probably Mark Almstrong from Star may be a good first point of call.
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Posted By Zoê
Thanks very much gents! Very detailed answers and I appreciate you having taken the time.
Safety is not easy in this industry, and I think all things considered the two point latch system or the net are the way forward if the MEWP cannot be used. Now to document this in a risk assessment.
Thanks again, any more insight from others is still welcome :)
Zoe.
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Posted By J Sursham
Might be worth talking to the NEC, NIA or ECO and seeing if you can get a copy of their rigging codes of practice.
Somewhere I've got a copy of Excel's, if I can find it I'll let you know. You could also have a look at some of the Entertainment Technology Press publications on rigging.
Funny old business to be a safety practitioner in.
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Posted By Rakesh Maharaj Zoe, I may be able to put you in contact with a Safety Adviser of one of the largest theatre groups in the US and UK - hopefully he may be able to assist. Please email me at this address: rakesh.maharaj@hammonds.comKind regards R
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Posted By Zoê
Hi J Sursham
Erm I am the Safety Advisor for the NEC, NIA, Symphony Hall etc. hee hee, and not even we have a simple answer unfortunately. If you have a copy of ExCels CoP I'd be much appreciative to see it, I know they can be very innovative and they may do something we hadn't considered.
Rakesh, thank you kindly for your offer, I will drop you a line when I'm back at work :)
Cheers guys.
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Posted By Nick Higginson
Zoe
Have you tried asking someone who has got NEBOSH Diploma?
Only joking!!!!!!!!
Nick
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Posted By Zoê
Ha ha, nice one Nick. Let me just add you to my hitlist here ;)
Fortunately, my Nebosh boss is none the wiser, but our temp who has construction cert only has definately taught me a thing or twenty :)
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Posted By Ken Taylor
Y lanyards for transfers, MEWPs, nets - you've mentioned most of the options (with the possible exception of air-bags, working from safe gantries and working at ground level before raising under power) Zoe. If they fall your people will be guilty under the WAH Regs and no reference to time-saving is likely to prove persuasive. I too am a bit concerned about the aerial welding to trusses. All our connections are mechanical and we use scissir-lifts, tallerscope, towers raisable lighting bars, etc.
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