Aaron Clarke
Well-Known Member
Afternoon group!
So its time I make the push for a little increased safety in my theatre. Our fly system was installed in 1992 mostly by a 'well informed' community member rather than the whole system being designed by and installed by professionals. Over all they got very lucky as there are only a few minor deficiencies.
The largest safety deficiency I have to the moment that I can address is the ladder access to the loading bridge and the lack of any safety devices. Its a ~50' climb up an aluminum ladder (kid you not, actual extension ladder extensions) bolted to the wall, no cage, no safety lines. This is my target for the first step to a more safety minded attitude as I want to start season to require use of a harness and safety line when accessing and working the loading bridge.
Keeping in mind all those working here are volunteers, very amateur level. Introducing them to fall arrest gear isn't going to go over well at first but I have the board behind me. You can all hear the "we've never had a problem in the 27 years so far" argument but don't give a sh!t, its time to step it up.
Okay- Backstory down, now the question(s):
Keeping in mind they are all volunteers and I can't afford a dozen various sized and types of harnesses to have around. Does any have any recommendations towards a universal fit style harness at a reasonable cost? A style with just 3-4 on hand would cover just about any size/shape of person even if two of the same size/shape was going up together.
I've looked at BMI and Sapsis and pretty much all have to be ordered in specific sizes. I really like the options from Sapsis (and will most likely buy my own from there) but for general volunteers I'd like something more universal. They don't have to be pretty, just safe, easy to use and actually hold them should they fall.
My next question is going to veer towards self retractable lines. I'm figuring attaching two of these up top and keeping them clipped at the bottom will be the easiest install without getting an outside company taking the cost far beyond what I can squeeze out of them. Note the main steel for our head blocks is right above the ladder so I know I have a capable mounting location for the lines.
If anyone has recommendations on reliable, good quality self retracting life lines in the 50' range that won't break the bank I'd appreciate input.
I understand this whole topic walks the liability, I don't want to get sued, if you don't know hire someone and just because you saw it online doesn't mean its true territory so I'm fine with non specific or off line answers/questions. I would love to hire a safety company to do an assessment and install, but we just can't afford it and I myself have had a close call so I want something better than nothing asap, then down the road as we look at some major structural repairs to fly loft, we can nudge replacing the access into that project.
So its time I make the push for a little increased safety in my theatre. Our fly system was installed in 1992 mostly by a 'well informed' community member rather than the whole system being designed by and installed by professionals. Over all they got very lucky as there are only a few minor deficiencies.
The largest safety deficiency I have to the moment that I can address is the ladder access to the loading bridge and the lack of any safety devices. Its a ~50' climb up an aluminum ladder (kid you not, actual extension ladder extensions) bolted to the wall, no cage, no safety lines. This is my target for the first step to a more safety minded attitude as I want to start season to require use of a harness and safety line when accessing and working the loading bridge.
Keeping in mind all those working here are volunteers, very amateur level. Introducing them to fall arrest gear isn't going to go over well at first but I have the board behind me. You can all hear the "we've never had a problem in the 27 years so far" argument but don't give a sh!t, its time to step it up.
Okay- Backstory down, now the question(s):
Keeping in mind they are all volunteers and I can't afford a dozen various sized and types of harnesses to have around. Does any have any recommendations towards a universal fit style harness at a reasonable cost? A style with just 3-4 on hand would cover just about any size/shape of person even if two of the same size/shape was going up together.
I've looked at BMI and Sapsis and pretty much all have to be ordered in specific sizes. I really like the options from Sapsis (and will most likely buy my own from there) but for general volunteers I'd like something more universal. They don't have to be pretty, just safe, easy to use and actually hold them should they fall.
My next question is going to veer towards self retractable lines. I'm figuring attaching two of these up top and keeping them clipped at the bottom will be the easiest install without getting an outside company taking the cost far beyond what I can squeeze out of them. Note the main steel for our head blocks is right above the ladder so I know I have a capable mounting location for the lines.
If anyone has recommendations on reliable, good quality self retracting life lines in the 50' range that won't break the bank I'd appreciate input.
I understand this whole topic walks the liability, I don't want to get sued, if you don't know hire someone and just because you saw it online doesn't mean its true territory so I'm fine with non specific or off line answers/questions. I would love to hire a safety company to do an assessment and install, but we just can't afford it and I myself have had a close call so I want something better than nothing asap, then down the road as we look at some major structural repairs to fly loft, we can nudge replacing the access into that project.
