Music Tech Health and Safety
Health and Safety in Music Tech:
Wires & Cables:
When using wires and cables it is essential that they are out of harm's way of people and that they are not a trip hazard. To do this we are must put them up high or down low. If they are kept up high during a performance/ concert this would usually be used if the cable is going to be left there for a long amount of time, not just a few days. When we are keeping cables low then we need to ensure that they are taped down. If we have to put a cable in front of the audience or in the middle of the audience or even the performers we must make sure that it is taped or boxed down. As shown in the image below you can get a box that is the same size as a speed bump this is just so that people can see what is there and that is well mixed up and is not a trip hazard.
Hearing Protection:
When working around high noise speakers constantly for a number of days and weeks this can become a threat to your quality of hearing and this can lead to partial deafness and migraines. I have been working with speakers for three years and I have had many experiences with types of noise. You as a stage crew or a sound engineer shouldn't be buying ear defence as soon as you join but for this you should be ok but if you feel unwell or if you feel that your hearing is dipping in and out then you should always ask to take a break from the lead member of the crew and if this is refused take the request higher also explain to the senior member of staff that your previous request was rejected.
Water Bottles and Cups:
When working around lots of electrical items it is not very smart to be using open topped water bottles or plastic cups because these are prone to spillages and as everybody knows water and electricity do not really mix. Despite not having open topped bottles and plastic cups near electrical items you should always remain hydrated because of you don't then this can lead to things like migraines and possibly even fainting. To remain hydrated try to bring closed lid bottles or if you are using cups then just make sure that you use them away from the electricity.
Tidy Work Spaces:
As a sound engineer or a stage crew member it is not always easy to have an immaculate work space because you may have laptops and mixing desks and papers all to contend with but the main problem is when you start letting other people place paper all over the desk. I suggest using a little plastic wallet or an empty pencil case just to place you papers in, this then allows you to now what papers are yours and if anybody else starts placing papers on the desk that you are working at it will be easier for you to find them.
Volume of Sound:
It is important that when you are playing music through the speakers to loudly this is because every speaker has a limit and this means that if the music or the singer becomes to powerful for the speakers they will cut out. This is because they have a limiter just like some cars have a speed limit speakers have a noise limit, and instead of them being measured in MPH ( Miles Per Hour) they are measured in decibels. If the speaker was to reach over it's set decibel level then the speaker will cut out and an experienced sound engineer will have to come and see if the speakers can be reset or if they will need to be written off.
Extension leads:
If you need to use more than one extension lead for whatever reason you must ensure that there are rules you must follow. The biggest on that you should always follow and this is the one that you are most likely to use at school concerts is that BOTH extension leads need to be full un-rapped to prevent them over heating and this will massively decrease the chances of a fire or power cut.
Water Bottles and Cups:
When working around lots of electrical items it is not very smart to be using open topped water bottles or plastic cups because these are prone to spillages and as everybody knows water and electricity do not really mix. Despite not having open topped bottles and plastic cups near electrical items you should always remain hydrated because of you don't then this can lead to things like migraines and possibly even fainting. To remain hydrated try to bring closed lid bottles or if you are using cups then just make sure that you use them away from the electricity.
Tidy Work Spaces:
As a sound engineer or a stage crew member it is not always easy to have an immaculate work space because you may have laptops and mixing desks and papers all to contend with but the main problem is when you start letting other people place paper all over the desk. I suggest using a little plastic wallet or an empty pencil case just to place you papers in, this then allows you to now what papers are yours and if anybody else starts placing papers on the desk that you are working at it will be easier for you to find them.
Volume of Sound:
It is important that when you are playing music through the speakers to loudly this is because every speaker has a limit and this means that if the music or the singer becomes to powerful for the speakers they will cut out. This is because they have a limiter just like some cars have a speed limit speakers have a noise limit, and instead of them being measured in MPH ( Miles Per Hour) they are measured in decibels. If the speaker was to reach over it's set decibel level then the speaker will cut out and an experienced sound engineer will have to come and see if the speakers can be reset or if they will need to be written off.
Extension leads:
If you need to use more than one extension lead for whatever reason you must ensure that there are rules you must follow. The biggest on that you should always follow and this is the one that you are most likely to use at school concerts is that BOTH extension leads need to be full un-rapped to prevent them over heating and this will massively decrease the chances of a fire or power cut.
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