Safer use of Tallescopes
HAZARD INFORMATION SHEET: TALLESCOPES
Tallescopes are used widely and safely throughout the theatre industry, but, as with all access equipment, there are a number of hazards which must be considered if tallescopes are to be safe in use. These notes are intended to give a few pointers to assist.
Maintenance:
- Do not expose the tallescope to corrosive substances, avoid storage outdoors and keep the tallescope clean, especially moving parts.
- Lightly oil locking casters and locking pins.
- Regular inspection for damaged or missing parts is essential.
Before use:
- Ensure that the tallescope is not damaged, that locking collars and locking pins are effective.
Use:
- Do not accumulate tools and materials on the tallescope platform or in the bag.
- If equipment is pulled up to the top of the tallescope, it should always be kept within the wheelbase of the tallescope.
- Do not stand on kickboards or rails to gain height.
- Keep tools in the bag.
- Do not clutter up the platform with equipment.
Different considerations apply depending upon whether the tallescope is to be used by a single technician or when it is intended to move the tallescope with someone in the cage.
Solo Static Use:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely.
Ensure that the tallescope is level. Adjustable legs must not be used to gain height and at least one, preferably two – and ideally four – of the legs must be fully retracted. If used on a rake the long axis of tallescope should be up and down the slope of the rake.
Before climbing the tallescope ensure that both outriggers are fixed and locked into position so that they make firm contact with floor.
Ensure that the castor brakes are engaged on all wheels.
Ensure that leg and ladder locks are engaged.
If scenic constraints or other reasons prevent exact adherence to the above working then additional safety measures may be necessary.
Mobile Use:
Moving a tallescope with a technician in the cage can only be justified where prevention of fatigue and the associated risk of falling from the access ladder justifies not leaving the cage between movements of the tallescope. The manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed or other measures adopted to ensure an equal measure of safety.
Ensure that the tallescope is level. Adjustable legs must not be used to gain height and at least one, preferably two – and ideally four – of the legs must be fully retracted. Do not adjust the legs with a technician on the tallescope.
Before climbing the tallescope, ensure that both outriggers are fixed and locked into position so that they are just above the floor. Make sure that the castor wheels are unlocked and that the tallescope is held at the base by at least two people (four on a raked stage).
Before the tallescope is moved, it is essential that the technician in the cage has demonstrated a clear knowledge of stage location terminology so that the technician can clearly instruct those at the base as to the nature and destination of any move.
It is essential that those at the base have likewise demonstrated an ability to follow locational instructions and are aware of the likely risks and how to minimise them.
Do not move the tallescope with someone in the cage unless the stage surface is free from dangerous irregularities including electrical cables.
There must be an established routine for such use known to all operatives. A possible routine is:
The technician in the cage directs all movements; the crew – at least two people – moving the tallescope acknowledges the instructions before moving the tallescope. The technician in the cage faces the direction of travel; the person pushing the tallescope watches the direction of travel, paying particular attention to the evenness of the floor; the person pulling the tallescope watches the cage. If movement is suspended for any reason, the technician in the cage should be warned; only the technician in the cage should signal the resumption of movement.
- Apply force near the base when moving the tallescope.
- On a level stage move the tallescope along the line of the long axis.
- With a raked stage it is essential there are sufficient people handling the base of the tallescope to prevent unintentional movement and to ensure stability whilst moving in any direction.
- Supervision should be provided whenever this activity is taking place. The supervisor will need to assess the number of individuals required at the base in relation to the task and the height at which it is being performed.
- People with hearing difficulty should not engage in this activity.
- If scenic constraints or other reasons prevent adherence to the above working then additional safety measures are necessary. These might be the use of independently supported safety harnesses or of additional strong crew to stabilise the tallescope. If the last option is chosen it is likely that at least four trained people will be needed to attend at the base.