Risk Assesments

[DSA]

Hi,

 

Just trying to write a risk assessment for this thursdays event. I am in particular wanting to assess the risk of using pyrotechnics during the event.

 

I wondered if anyone had a sort of template for such an event which they could make available to me - I dont want to miss anything out!!

 

I feel that this is most important, and if I do not create one I must not use any pyros.

 

As a sort of subquestion (without starting a new post) - will theatrical flashes be the best effect to use for a rock concert? (our budget is low)

 

Thanks,

David

[Brian]

Hi David

 

Theatrical Flashes or Silver Stars are the cheapest devices at around £32/dozen. The more common effect in concerts are jets but these are nearly twice twice the price of the above devices at £53/dozen.

 

It's good that you are doing a risk assessment but I hope you are also aware of all the other rules for safe use of pyros.

 

If you PM me with an email address I'll send you an example of a risk assessment.

[PeterT]

I don't think a generic template will help you Dave as your circumstances will undoubtedly be different from theirs. IMHO the best thing to do with any risk assessment is sit down and think about what you're trying to do and effect you want to acheive and then think of what can go wrong with it either by malfunction, interference by the band/ crew, stuff getting in the way and even the public getting up on stage and interfering. Then put these risks down on a risk assessment form work out how dangerous they are then if it's too dangerous change the effect or if you feel that it's an acceptable risk go ahead. I think the most important thing a risk assessment does is to make sure you've thought about what you're doing and have taken into account every likely eventuality.

 

HTH. and if you PM me with your main email address I'll try and forward the forms we use here at the college.

[sam.henderson]

Then put these risks down on a risk assessment form work out how dangerous they are then if it's too dangerous change the effect or if you feel that it's an acceptable risk go ahead

 

Or work out a way to solve this problem, instead of changing the effect.

 

Like other people have said the best thing is to sit down and list all your problems and risks associated with the effect and then work through them,

 

for example when using Smoke;

 

Obscured viewing may cause actors and crew to trip.

In Case of emergency harder to find exits.

Deactivation of Smoke Alarms increase undetected fire risk etc. etc

 

Hope this helps

 

Sam

[Ike]

In reply to Peters comments while I don't think you can simply photocopy a generic risk assessment and shove it in the file a lot of the risks and methods of reducing them will be the same for this kind of small event, for example ensuring the system is disarmed when cartridges are being connected/replaced and making sure nobody is near them when they are being fired.