Jump to content

Flashing light notice


nigelj

Recommended Posts

Can I please ask if it's necessary to notify audience of flashing/fading lights other than strobes?

 

I know it is required for strobes, but I'm using various movers and LEDs on a show in a few weeks that will flash and fade in/out, but don't know if it's required for these, recommended, or not necessary?

 

Cheers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Have a look about on H&S site and google site:blue-room.org.uk strobe

 

IIR its not a REQUIREMENT* and the people at the epilepsy charity/s have info on strobing, / photosensative guidelines. If you have it towards audience / at eye level its not a bad idea imho

 

*however if you dont its poor form

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi

 

Ask yourself this question; what is the cost of producing a few signs?

 

Now weigh that against the cost of a lawsuit, bad press or shouty clientele.

 

On a personal note I saw a show not too long ago where the rig mostly consisted of pan/tilt LED thingies, couldn't see what they were as the LD had them all pointing at the audience for most of the show at 100%. By the time the first act had finished I'd developed a headache which was enough to put me off seeing the rest.

 

All the best

Timmeh

Link to comment
Share on other sites

RISK ASSESSMENTS!!!

 

This is what they're all about. They're not just an admin ballache must-do bureaucracy.

 

 

Risk: Flash sensitive epileptic audience member suffering an attack from strobe lighting

 

The ideal way to mitigate the risk is to have no flashy lighting at all. However this might not be considered an 'acceptable' mitigation because it compromises the show too far.

 

So instead you are practical with your mitigation. You print signs so audience members know it may not be suitable for them.

 

Use your RA to decide whether your existing systems are sufficient or not and then design a way to make them sufficient.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

So instead you are practical with your mitigation. You print signs so audience members know it may not be suitable for them.

 

The point has been laboured before, but worth doing again regarding signage. When something 'sensitive' such as strobes will be used, it's worth putting something in the advertising blurb or point of sale. If I were epileptic, I'd be mighty p155ed off if I'd bought expensive tickets to only find out on arrival at the auditorium that strobes were in use - yes you can probably get a refund, but money isn't the point.

It's only fair to give warnings before ticket purchase if it's a potential deal-breaker (Although I can't think of any others!) - I also think access is something that should be findoutable before tickets are purchased. I suspect most places are switched on to offering information on access via their websites these days.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks chaps, I understand what you're saying.

 

But I think we've strayed a little from our case...I'm not using strobes - MAC250 wash, MAC250 profiles, LED cans for sides, plus conventionals...any flashing will be far, far slower than even a slow strobe and the FX are mostly xfade not flashing!

 

@timmeh2 - the lights will be in the audience very infrequently as it's a Revue, not a rock gig!

 

We're going to do a few signs anyway, but what are the risks with non-strobing, slower flashing / fading lights - is there a risk with this sort of lighting of triggering a medical emergency?

 

Nige

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks chaps, I understand what you're saying.

 

But I think we've strayed a little from our case...I'm not using strobes - MAC250 wash, MAC250 profiles, LED cans for sides, plus conventionals...any flashing will be far, far slower than even a slow strobe and the FX are mostly xfade not flashing!

 

@timmeh2 - the lights will be in the audience very infrequently as it's a Revue, not a rock gig!

 

We're going to do a few signs anyway, but what are the risks with non-strobing, slower flashing / fading lights - is there a risk with this sort of lighting of triggering a medical emergency?

 

Nige

 

As had been said before. Just do a risk assessment. What you've wriiten here basically is one. Just write it out properly and job done.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As has been suggested the spectrum for what can set off photosensitive seizures can be quite broad and vary between individuals. Read the advice in the link in the kids post. Putting up signs is good practice, especially if the type of show you are producing would generally not have strobe type effects. But also brief your front of house staff as to what the effects are, where they are in the show and how long they last. It may be that a client knows they can close their eyes and be fine, or will need to leave the room.

 

And as has been suggested above, from a design point constant flashy lights can get a little boring after a while.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for you comments...have written up an RA for the hazer, and another for the flashy/moving lights, and done a notice for FOH. The actions I've noted are the notices, making various people aware (cast/crew/audience), being aware of the first aid measure on the hazer fluid MSDS (such as they are), designing and using FX palettes to vary use of the FX and keep the FX fade speed at 0.6s/1.67Hz max (it is anyway!), and not to overdue use of the 'into audience' position palette. All now sent to the Society to review and approve

 

I was going to attach my RAs for you to look at, but can't find a way to do that...I probably would have regretted doing so anyway!!!

 

Cheers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.