Many don’t realize it but stage lighting is a hazardous profession. With all the connections, cords, outlets, degrees of volts and the like, safety is or should be a top priority. There’s not much room for error. A light with a lot of voltage too strongly focused on a thin piece of fabric could easily ignite. Along with handling heavy lights within dark surroundings connected to high-voltages, electric outlets are easily an accident waiting to happen. Fortunately it doesn’t happen too often. Because of these very accidental possibilities lighting design staff have worked out numerous measures and policies to assist in protecting themselves, colleagues and thespians from harm due to flames, hanging lights, electrocution and etcetera. Here are a few safety procedures put forth:

– Fire Management
There have been numerous deaths in the theatre because of vulnerable fire situations. Theatre lights are hot and their heat can be increased with lenses that are used in them. Using professional equipment is the best way to avoid any catastrophes. Any other means to change lighting colors or the silhouette of the light can put everyone at risk for fire. Pyrotechnics are also a danger and should be eliminated indoors altogether. Check all heating sources and be sure none are concentrated on anything that could flame up quickly such as plastics, paper, flammable furniture and thin synthetic materials. Stage lighting utilizes lots of electricity so the risk of electrocution is astronomical. Therefore lighting equipment must be examined frequently. Stage hands and others could be at jeopardy of electrocution.

– Ceiling Lights
Another frequent cause of stage injuries is from hanging ceiling lights. Stage lighting rigs are weighty. On average they are hung high enough that the weight of their fall can severely injure or kill a person. Each light should be professionally tenable by a qualified stage technician familiar with the proper procedures for hanging stage lights. Safety cables should be administered to be sure ceiling lights are hanging safely.

– Crew Contact and Confirmation
When stage lights are being adjusted and moved about, contacting crew members to be sure the “coast is clear” is crucial. After contacting the crew members the individual/s adjusting the lighting rig should wait to hear a confirmation from those who are being made contacted. This should be done before each stage lighting rig is being repositioned. Many times stage work is maneuvered in the dark, so even if you think all is okay try giving a call-out to be certain. This protocol should also be expended when using heavy equipment such as forklifts or when adjusting any onstage fixtures.

– Informing About Potential Hazards
It’s important for stage personnel to be attentive to any potential vulnerabilities to sustain a safe stage environment. All reported safety risks should be taken sincerely. The stage crew has a lot of responsibility on their shoulders and should not hesitate to report any potential or existing malfunctions and/or hazards.

– Actions
If an urgent situation occurs a professional crew should know exactly what to do. Fire extinguishers and first-aid kits should always be immediately on hand to resolve hazardous issues along with the proper means to contact any outside help if needed.

Author Bio: Edward Kendricks writes on behalf of CTS, UK suppliers of stage lighting equipment.

Category: Advice
Keywords: audio visual, stage lighting, stage lighting equipment, theatre lighting, theatre