Best Practices.

[Penfold42]

So what are yours?

Me - check all items i use before each gig.....
Light bulbs, leads, etc.

Get there - check where fire exits are, check sockets.

Set up - place checked tape out, gaffa down leads....no wobbly bits...:eek:

Get the drift............what do you do to check you are OK as well as the customers.....

Over to you.
Thanks.

[Danno13]

I check all the lights are working on my van... well I do from now on, anyway!!

Not really sure that I have any kind of list that I check through really. I quite often set almost everything up and then worry about finding sockets, although thats usually because I don't really have any choice in where I setup!

[Tom]

I only check my gear if im not doing a disco for a while but i usually pack all my gear away carefully so when i go to the next gig its all ready to unpack. i take spare lamps with me so if one does blow then i just change it.

Although i do check my leads all the time with a new cable tester i just bought. I hate broken leads.

[Penfold42]

I check all the lights are working on my van... well I do from now on, anyway!!

Not really sure that I have any kind of list that I check through really. I quite often set almost everything up and then worry about finding sockets, although thats usually because I don't really have any choice in where I setup!

You must have a check list that you run through in your head......:) I know i do......

When i mean sockets, i mean are they safe before you plug in....:)

That sort of thing.......i thought if there was a few good ones you maybe able to list it somewhere as a 'Best Practice' list....only a thought.:)

BTW....you may want to put gaffa tape on your list when you go shopping....:D

[TONYTIGER]

Very good advice ,would you believe we were called out at the weekend to a mobile that had broken down (amp failure) simple soloution blown fuse did he carry any spares no:mad: cost him £ 60 will they ever learn.

[rob1963]

Before loading up the van, I check my lead case to make sure everything is there, and also check that I've put my mic in (it usually lives in my quiz box).

After loading up, I double check my bedroom (where I store my gear) to make sure that nothing is left...apart from anything I'm not using, of course.

On arrival at the venue, I check where I set up, what time I finish, location of power sockets & location of fire exits.

I don't usually use gaffa tape, as I'm usually in a corner or against a wall & find it's not necessary.

That's about all I can think of.

I don't have a physical check list though...it's all in my head (there's plenty of room in there!)

:D

[JAMdisco]

I usually set up my stand where I'm asked to then look / ask for power sockets. I always carry some fuses but don't have spare bulbs - I now know I should do as one of my lights fell out of my car on Saturday night with a horrible bulb smashing sound!!! Luckily It was after the gig. Will be buying new bulb for it along with some spares for my other lights!

That's about it really as I have loads of spare leads (probably enough for 3 equivalent set ups) I know it's probably overkill but I've accumulated these over the years and never got rid of any.

[CRAZY K]

You must have a check list that you run through in your head......:) I know i do......

When i mean sockets, i mean are they safe before you plug in....:)

That sort of thing.......i thought if there was a few good ones you maybe able to list it somewhere as a 'Best Practice' list....only a thought.:)

BTW....you may want to put gaffa tape on your list when you go shopping....:D

DONT LEAVE HOME UNTIL--

You have checked the paper check list if you have a lot of equipment, unless you are Mr Memory Man like Rob :D

Checked the transport is 100 per cent --regular tyre pressure checks, oil level etc. Full tank of fuel if going distance.

On gigdays I tend to give the transport a good run round the block to make sure its all ok BEFORE loading up.

You check you have the signed Contract, the Play List, Mobile Phone and in my case the Cowboy Hat :cowboy:

AT THE EVENT

Been covered I think but I do a quick visual risk assessment and tell the event organisers of anything that you dont like the look of and want moving, removing or changing, light levels etc. I tend to be fairly firm on this even if it makes you a bit unpopular with the staff there--your the one thats going to get blamed if anything goes wrong:eek:

CRAZY K

[CRAZY K]

Before loading up the van, I check my lead case to make sure everything is there, and also check that I've put my mic in (it usually lives in my quiz box).

After loading up, I double check my bedroom (where I store my gear) to make sure that nothing is left...apart from anything I'm not using, of course.

On arrival at the venue, I check where I set up, what time I finish, location of power sockets & location of fire exits.

I don't usually use gaffa tape, as I'm usually in a corner or against a wall & find it's not necessary.

That's about all I can think of.

I don't have a physical check list though...it's all in my head (there's plenty of room in there!)

:D

I never trust my memory--just have a paper check list--easy:D

Do keep a careful eye on your Transport---especially before you load up check it starts!

At the event I do a visual risk assessment and point out things I want changing, moving etc if I dont like them.

Any resistance to your suggestions is easily squashed by ---

So your going to take responsibility for that then are you John :D

Frankly the buck stops with you if theres a problem so make sure you are happy with everything safety wise.

CRAZY K

[rob1963]

I never trust my memory--just have a paper check list--easy:D CRAZY K

I don't need a paper check list.

When I've loaded up the van, If there's no gear left in the bedroom then I haven't forgotton anything!

:D :D :D

[CRAZY K]

Very good advice ,would you believe we were called out at the weekend to a mobile that had broken down (amp failure) simple soloution blown fuse did he carry any spares no:mad: cost him £ 60 will they ever learn.

This intrigues me.

I have owned and used Band and Disco amps for 40 years:eek:

Never had a fuse blow.

I have owned Selmer, HH, Marshall, Peavey etc.

Am I just Mr Lucky--I never carry a fuse--just a spare amp.:D

CRAZY K

[TONYTIGER]

This intrigues me.

I have owned and used Band and Disco amps for 40 years:eek:

Never had a fuse blow.

I have owned Selmer, HH, Marshall, Peavey etc.

Am I just Mr Lucky--I never carry a fuse--just a spare amp.:D

CRAZY K

Just lucky:)

[CRAZY K]

I don't need a paper check list.

When I've loaded up the van, If there's no gear left in the bedroom then I haven't forgotton anything!

:D :D :D

Very sad--but like my "Office" here :D :D :D

CRAZY K

[robbiedj]

Obviously, always make sure the fuel is more than I need (just in case).

On arrival:-
Check location of power, fire extinguishers and fire exits. If needed, bring in my own extinguisher. Water extinguishers are not good with electrical fires.

I carry a tester and check the sockets in all new venues as I have met circuits that were not properly earthed before now. I once tested 6 points until I found one that was safe. :eek:

Setting up, I check lights before mounting on goalpost. I have a tray of mixed replacement lamps in one of the light boxes and batteries for the radio mics.

I have 2 boxes of "bits", fuses, spare bolts, screws, connecters, adapters etc. and a box of assorted leads. I even carry 4 mics, just in case.

At a recent wedding I asked them to move a table because it was blocking a fire exit, to be told they hadn't noticed that! :bang:


I must point out that, by day, Carol is a Health & Safety officer, so is always spotting things that need attention.

[CRAZY K]

Just lucky:)

I thought it might be buying quality brand names, not abusing the equipment by overloading or over driving and generally looking after the kit maybe?

CRAZY K

[TONYTIGER]

I thought it might be buying quality brand names, not abusing the equipment by overloading or over driving and generally looking after the kit maybe?

CRAZY K

No what ever make of gear you have a fuse is a fuse nobody has control over the electricity supply ie power surge ,mains spike, and so on fuses blow in our houses all the time other wise the makers of fuses would be out of business it is there for your safety and protect your gear.

[Excalibur]

I thought it might be buying quality brand names, not abusing the equipment by overloading or over driving and generally looking after the kit maybe?

CRAZY K

Call me Mr Smug? :p

[CRAZY K]

No what ever make of gear you have a fuse is a fuse nobody has control over the electricity supply ie power surge ,mains spike, and so on fuses blow in our houses all the time other wise the makers of fuses would be out of business it is there for your safety and protect your gear.


Ah well call me Mr Smug then---im sticking to my plan :D :D :D

CRAZY K