Health and Safety risks:
- Tripping
- During a gig it is easy to trip on cables and other pieces of equipment, as the lighting is often low and these things become almost invisible. To prevent accidents like this from happening you can use cable ties or tape to ensure that they are neat and out of the way.
- Make sure all guitars and instruments are on stands and out of the way.
- Hearing damage
- When speakers/instruments are too loud it can cause slight hearing damage. It is important to make sure that this is avoided, by keeping the volume below 85 dB and by wearing ear plugs when necessary.
- Make sure when setting up the EQ system that you are minimising any feedback from speakers.
- RSI
- Repetitive Strain Injury
- To avoid this, it is best to take breaks regularly and warm up.
- Living heavy items
- Most people know what their limit is when lifting heavy items, to stay safe and reduce the risk of strain, you should always make sure there’s more than one person carrying heavy equipment.
- Crushing
- To avoid being crushed, make sure that rigging and equipment is fully secure.
- Risk of electric shock
- It is important to ensure that all equipment is regularly PAT tested.
- Keep all water and liquids away from equipment.