I'm not sure if this made it over here, forgive me if it has, but I was cruising the control booth forum when I happened across these "gems"... WOW
The bowing truss and how far forward the load is are certainly scary.
What I'm not sure of is what's being shown in the photo's of the motor/upright connections points (#'s 2,3,6). All I can figure is that the "connector block" is being use wrong in some way.
Philip "knows enough about rigging to know he only knows how to do very simple rigging safely" Roberts
One of the most curious things about this forum to me is the number and frequency of posts that include pictures of poorly executed rigging for public mockery. I frequently (privately) feel ashamed that I can't join in the jocularity because I don't understand what aspects of many of these photos are being mocked. I assume if someone took the time to post pictures there must be something wrong, since there are scant few photos of correctly constructed rigging posted.
One of the most curious things about this forum to me is the number and frequency of posts that include pictures of poorly executed rigging for public mockery. I frequently (privately) feel ashamed that I can't join in the jocularity because I don't understand what aspects of many of these photos are being mocked. I assume if someone took the time to post pictures there must be something wrong, since there are scant few photos of correctly constructed rigging posted.
One of the most curious things about this forum to me is the number and frequency of posts that include pictures of poorly executed rigging for public mockery. I frequently (privately) feel ashamed that I can't join in the jocularity because I don't understand what aspects of many of these photos are being mocked. I assume if someone took the time to post pictures there must be something wrong, since there are scant few photos of correctly constructed rigging posted.
Looking at the pictures, though, it seems that with 2 more hoists and some beam clamps, they could have done away with the ground support towers.
I agree. While in some cases, it's obvious what is wrong, there are other things that are more obscure that most wouldn't realize. Simple captions for each picture explaining what is wrong, and a suggested solution would be much more valuable as a learning tool.
Shane Presley said:Looking at that set-up over-all did you get a sense you would want to stand / work /perform under it, or run like hell... if your gut doesn't tell you to run like hell, you probably should do some more digging.
They had enough motors to just hang a front and rear truss and leave a truckload of truss at the shop.
Of course, you can't bill for truss you left at the shop, so...
I wouldn't work under this. I wouldn't even work in the same room as this. I wouldn't want to be in the same building as this when that overloaded truss snaps in the middle and dumps intelligent lighting fixtures on whoever is unlucky enough to be standing below.
I suspect (like it is here in alot of buildings Milt), that there is a contracted "in house" rigging company, and you can instantly add 5K or more on the bill to attach to the house grid. PSAV or some other company are called in to attach to the building , ANND you have to use their rigging... Alot of companies around here are coming in with ground support for that very reason...
Common sense prevails!
The setup is butt-ugly, too. I'm having a hard time imagining a client that would accept the yellow ratchet strap and visible orange cords.
I suspect (like it is here in alot of buildings Milt), that there is a contracted "in house" rigging company, and you can instantly add 5K or more on the bill to attach to the house grid. PSAV or some other company are called in to attach to the building , ANND you have to use their rigging... Alot of companies around here are coming in with ground support for that very reason...
The concepts behind rigging are fairly simply but what is considered "correct" for a given lift can vary, that's why you don't see "done right" examples in general forums like these. Don't feel badly if you don't see what's wrong, that means you should have real engineering behind any structural lifting and suspension and engage qualified persons to do the work.
To learn more, start with this book: An Introduction to Rigging in the Entertainment Industry (Applications & Techniques): Chris Higgs: Amazon.com: Kindle Store
Follow up with: Rigging for Entertainment: Regulations and Practice: Chris Higgs: Amazon.com: Kindle Store
Or this: Entertainment Rigging: A Practical Guide for Riggers and Managers: Harry Donovan: 9780972338110: Amazon.com: Books
Shane points out the techniques and principles that are incorrect in the application pictured. FWIW, the upstage towers are rigged acceptably as the hoist chain goes over the head block and is (presumed) anchored at the offstage side of the tower base. The rest? Oy vey.
Looking at the pictures, though, it seems that with 2 more hoists and some beam clamps, they could have done away with the ground support towers.
Still cheaper than lawyers and hospital bills.