Inspections and Maintenance:
                                     Sustaining Safety in the Factory

Although performance venues are places for the presentation of a variety of art forms, the stage itself performs a workhorse role as the factory that supports the creation of the event.  Stages, arenas and multi-purpose facilities must be well equipped and stand ready to adapt to the production needs of a variety of different presentation types.
 
Overhead lifting has for years been considered the bane of safety programs everywhere. Whether there’s a crane on a jobsite or a gantry at a shipyard, steel mill or manufacturing plant, everyone is wary when a heavy load goes into the air. This is an activity that is commonplace in the theatre and is taken for granted, but it can never be taken lightly.  Inspecting and maintaining the rigging components, whether they are operated manually or automated, is fundamental to maintaining a safe work environment.

Bill Sapsis, President of Sapsis Rigging, Inc., Tom Young, Vice President at JR Clancy, Inc. and Charles Swift, a Consultant with years of technical experience will relate examples of safe practice, bad habits and poor decisions and also discuss the trials and tribulations of trying to change  attitudes of complacency and neglect with those of awareness and action.