Discovering Stage Lighting, 2nd Edition

 

3

Lighting safely

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A theatre is a potentially dangerous environment. The relative rarity of accidents to audience, actors and technicians is the result not so much of legislation but of continual vigilance based on common sense.

Mechanical

Most lighting accidents are mechanical rather than electrical. Particular attention should be paid to the following points:

 

■ All lights suspended above the stage or auditorium should have safety chains.

■ When rigging lights on flying bars, pay scrupulous attention to detail to ensure that all hook clamps are properly tightened, with all accessories such as barndoors and colour frames firmly attached before the bar is hoisted.

■ When rigging on fixed bars, take special care when carrying ...