Movement within a "floating ceiling"

[tomed101]

My theater has a "floating ceiling" which for those of you who don't know is where the ceiling is suspended from I beams at roof level by thin wire hooks. The hooks are designed to only support the weight of the ceiling and nothing else.

My question:
Is there any way of moving about within a floating ceiling? I would imagine that systems are available to use harnesses and other equipment to move but I am wondering about other possible ways of maneuvering without such equipment.

Tom

[Footer]

If it is the kind of ceiling that has thin steel runners and tiles dropped onto that, nope, no way no how. That system is made just to shape sound, not to do anything beyond that. If it is the fiberglass/chicken wire mesh combo then you can somewhat get away walking on it. I would not do this without fall arrest gear. If it is the newer type, don't do it even with fall arrest. If you have to get to a position (to change a house light I suppose) consider investing in a AWP genie with a super straddle.

[Charc]

Or... if your school or place of work has portable scaffolding... start clearing the house of seats! It's a pain, but that's how I was told all of the work in our house has been done. (They tend to do it during spring breaks, long weekends, summer, etc. so I can't verify it.)

[tomed101]

Originally Posted by Footer4321

If it is the kind of ceiling that has thin steel runners and tiles dropped onto that, nope, no way no how. That system is made just to shape sound, not to do anything beyond that. If it is the fiberglass/chicken wire mesh combo then you can somewhat get away walking on it. I would not do this without fall arrest gear. If it is the newer type, don't do it even with fall arrest. If you have to get to a position (to change a house light I suppose) consider investing in a AWP genie with a super straddle.

The type we have is basically a regular ceiling that would be screwed to roofing trusses if they were present but instead is screwed to steel runners and the runners are suspended from the I beams. Ours is probably better described as a suspended ceiling rather than a floating ceiling. It is also not a small section suspended beneath the ceiling of the rest of the room, the entire ceiling is suspended. It does not use tiles or any other type of modular construction, or fiberglass as was mentioned above. Every 6m or so (20 feet approx) there are manholes built in. These are steel lined industrial manholes so I would assume the ceiling is designed to be moved within.

I hope this made sense

Tom

[avkid]

Originally Posted by tomed101

The type we have is basically a regular ceiling that would be screwed to roofing trusses if they were present but instead is screwed to steel runners and the runners are suspended from the I beams. Ours is probably better described as a suspended ceiling rather than a floating ceiling. It is also not a small section suspended beneath the ceiling of the rest of the room, the entire ceiling is suspended. It does not use tiles or any other type of modular construction, or fiberglass as was mentioned above. Every 6m or so (20 feet approx) there are manholes built in. These are steel lined industrial manholes so I would assume the ceiling is designed to be moved within.
I hope this made sense
Tom

This just screams picture time.

[Charc]

Originally Posted by avkid

This just screams picture time.

Agreed, multiple large, hi quality pictures, from multiple vantage points, would clarify things.

[gafftaper]

He's down under guys... it may be an entirely different product than we have here topside.

[Logos]

My initial advice is don't go up there without seeing plans that include load ratings. Always err on the side of conservatism when risking ones neck.

[tomed101]

Thanks for the responses. When I get a chance I will take some photos of my setup (may take some time as I am very bust right now) As for plans, well they dont exist, or if they do, the school doesn't have them and neither do the construction company (the building is only 2 years old)

[gafftaper]

Look for some sort of indication of brand or model number up there... maybe that can help. It's hard to believe no one has any sort of blueprints for a 2 year old building. Perhaps you just haven't asked the right person. Maybe they are kept at some central facility not in the building.