At events, trip hazards are one of the most common forms of injury. Luckily ther have been few of the these type injuries at outdoor movie events but given the increasing popularity of outdoor movie events and the inflatable screen, it is a good time for the industry to look at its potential hazards and respond accordingly. Given the use of audio and power cabling at outdoor movie events, it is critical that this hazard be managed in order to reduce the risk of injury. It is one of the most basic things but often overlooked by outdoor movie operators. The bottom line is that no cabling should run through the area in which an audience is without being covered by a mat or placed in cable tray. In any case, exposure to the risk of injury and or liability should be minimized at every opportunity. It is best practice to cover anything that may be a trip hazard. Many companies online sell inexpensive outdoor rubber matting in 50' rolls. Look for heavier matting with grooves or a pattern in it. These rolls may be sliced lengthwise with a utility knife to yield 100' of cover at reasonable cost. These can be used to cover power lines coming from a generator or panel. Audio cables should be routed around the center of the audience where possible or covered. Bottom anchor tether lines coming from an AIRSCREEN inflatable movie screen (or a knockoff of the original AIRSCREEN design) should lie flat on the ground and not be tensioned in a way that they rise an inch or two off the ground. What are other trip hazards and how do we mitigate them? Comment on this post and share how you minimize trip hazards on your outdoor movie site.
These bits of advice may seem completely common sense but you would very surprised at how often they are not followed. Public safety is paramount, so act in a responsible and conservative manner. Staying uninjured and comfortable through the season is our wish for you and your audience from Outdoor Movies!
Bob Deutsch
Outdoor Movies
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Inflatable screen - Safety Part 3 - You
In this series we look at possible injuries you might sustain operating an outdoor movie screen or package. This list is by no means complete and is meant simply as thought provoking article, not medical advice. Speak with a doctor about your particular situation if you have a concern.
1. Back strain/injury - when moving heavy items, exercise basic common sense! If in doubt get help! If you haven't lifted anything over the winter, you are out of shape. Use good biomechanics or a back brace. Also, if you can get the equipment to where you will be using it, there is less wok for you. In short be careful, get help, don't be a hero.
2. Shoulder injury - any work involving stress which takes place above your shoulder involves the risk of shoulder injury. Generally speaking, while holding screen tethers, do not do so above shoulder level. This is important! Also, repeating myself, use good biomechanics. I dislocated a shoulder trying to lift a subwoofer into a cargo van, I was stooped over and turned so that the speaker was slightly behind me. You don't want to do this it hurts!
3. Sun and dehydration - doing a setup on a 95 degree day with 95% humidity will drain you. Drink fluids to the point where you urinate every hour up to one liter of fluid per hour. Take breaks and know your limits. Do not wear a black outfit and use a baseball cap as well. It is tempting to forgo sunscreen when doing an install because you sweat it off pretty quickly and its sticky nature just makes more dirt stick to you. Use the sunscreen anyway! And reapply frequently.
These three bits of advice may seem completely common sense but you would shocked how often they are not followed. Staying uninjured and comfortable through the season is our wish for you from Outdoor Movies!
Bob Deutsch
www.outdoor-movies.com
1. Back strain/injury - when moving heavy items, exercise basic common sense! If in doubt get help! If you haven't lifted anything over the winter, you are out of shape. Use good biomechanics or a back brace. Also, if you can get the equipment to where you will be using it, there is less wok for you. In short be careful, get help, don't be a hero.
2. Shoulder injury - any work involving stress which takes place above your shoulder involves the risk of shoulder injury. Generally speaking, while holding screen tethers, do not do so above shoulder level. This is important! Also, repeating myself, use good biomechanics. I dislocated a shoulder trying to lift a subwoofer into a cargo van, I was stooped over and turned so that the speaker was slightly behind me. You don't want to do this it hurts!
3. Sun and dehydration - doing a setup on a 95 degree day with 95% humidity will drain you. Drink fluids to the point where you urinate every hour up to one liter of fluid per hour. Take breaks and know your limits. Do not wear a black outfit and use a baseball cap as well. It is tempting to forgo sunscreen when doing an install because you sweat it off pretty quickly and its sticky nature just makes more dirt stick to you. Use the sunscreen anyway! And reapply frequently.
These three bits of advice may seem completely common sense but you would shocked how often they are not followed. Staying uninjured and comfortable through the season is our wish for you from Outdoor Movies!
Bob Deutsch
www.outdoor-movies.com
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