Hi, everyone! First time poster, long time lurker.
So, the events this weekend at the Indiana State Fair have gotten me thinking about safety, stages, and rigging and how I can take some basic steps to make sure the environment I am working in is reasonably safe.
For some background - I am your basic weekend warrior doing odd work as a bass player, DJ, and sound guy. I am *not* an ankle biter! I don't do sound jobs except for bands I am in or for friends and charities I support directly and, even then, know when it is time to step aside and let a real sound company do the work. I do, however, perform on many stages and venues as a bass player and ballroom dancer and have seen some rather questionable stuff in some venues or done by the sound providers.
So, here is my $64 question - What are some basic things I should look for on a stage or venue that would be warning signs that the structure, systems, or other performance-related gear I am working in or around may not be safe or physically sound?
My goal in asking this is to be able to understand and absorb some of the red flags and warning signs you pay attention to when setting up your gear in a venue. I have personally already had to stop working one room locally due to the Peavey SP1Gs hanging from the ceiling via screws in the top wood and open s hooks!
I thank you all for any advice or experience you care to share. This is all in the interest of keeping it safe out there and learning from those with more experience than I.
