Tangled line set

[chriskreidler]

No, we didn't do anything stupid, but something went wrong on the grid. I was lowering our midstage curtain... well, about to. When I started to fly it in, there was an unusual grinding noise. I went on the roof of our performing arts center, and opened a couple of the smoke escape hatches to take a look at the rigging. The cables were tangled, so I'm not quite sure how to fix that without a 60-70' ladder.

[derekleffew]

ControlBooth's Safety policies forbid us from discussing specific rigging issues. I suggest contacting gafftaper who can put you in touch with Jay Glerum, who wrote the book, literally: Amazon.com: Stage Rigging Handbook, Third Edition: Jay O. Glerum: Books, on stage rigging.

When in doubt, contact a qualified industry professional.

[icewolf08]

The way you fix it is call in a professional rigger or rigging company. Why? They will have the skills and the tools required to make the repair safely. I assume by the fact that you had to go up on the roof and open the smoke chimneys (which you really aren't supposed to do) that you don't have a grid. That being the case, you are right, you probably don't have the tools or training to safely effect a repair.

You should not attempt to fix this issue if you don't have the proper training to do so.

[sobenson]

Bill Sapsis @ Sapsis Rigging
Jason Melchert @ BMI Supply
Anyone at JR Clancy

[waynehoskins]

+1 for call a pro rigger. Jay Glerum and Bill Sapsis are two names I can definitely recommend.

In fact, I'm looking at Jay's card from a few years ago, and I note that he's in Seattle and you're in Seattle. That's a no-brainer to me.

[derekleffew]

I proposed Mr. Glerum as I suspect he is the closest geographically. For a broader list, I suggest: http://etcp.esta.org/cert_technicians/search.php.

[Grog12]

Originally Posted by chriskreidler

No, we didn't do anything stupid, but something went wrong on the grid. I was lowering our midstage curtain... well, about to. When I started to fly it in, there was an unusual grinding noise. I went on the roof of our performing arts center, and opened a couple of the smoke escape hatches to take a look at the rigging. The cables were tangled, so I'm not quite sure how to fix that without a 60-70' ladder.

This post hurtrs my brain....(this comment is not directed at you chris but your prediciment)

WHY THE BEANS DAVE!?!? WHY?

[Footer]

Could be a multitude of things, from broken blocks to who knows what. Stay away from the entire system, don't fly anything. I would even consider avoiding the stage entirely until it gets inspected.

[avkid]

Lock out the system, but only if you can do it safely.

Master Lock® Safety SeriesT Locks, Tags and Other Products and Services

[cdub260]

Originally Posted by avkid

Lock out the system, but only if you can do it safely.

Master Lock® Safety SeriesT Locks, Tags and Other Products and Services

When using a standard lock out/tag out procedure it is acceptable to only tag out a system if it is not possible to lock it out. If it's possible to lock it out, you must lock it out.