DarkSide sales director Simon Ellison worked closely with the venue to complete the project. "This permanent curved system is a real innovation in theatres, and makes lighting set-up a much safer operation," said Ellison. "Previously, the industry option was a temporary life-line. These are great for straight lines, but can't work around the curves of a balcony. So you've had technicians risking their safety by clipping on and off truss or, worse still, balcony handrails - which are completely untested for strength or their ability to cope in a fall situation."
DarkSide's solution is three twin line permanent systems by Tractel. The systems glide smoothly round the curve of The Quays theatre auditorium, with a steel sliding traveller to attach a work positioning lanyard to. This means the technicians never need to clip on and off whilst working along one level, and allows the team complete freedom to walk round the underside of any of the auditorium balconies.
"At DarkSide, we choose to specialise in rigging and height safety," explained Ellison. "Being a specialist means we understand there's more to this than just selling someone a fall arrest block - clients need a complete solution, and that's what we've brought to The Quays by also supplying Working at Height training, fall arrest harnesses and work positioning solutions."
"The Lowry Centre had the vision to look for a new solution in height safety," said Ellison. "We see curved systems like this becoming an essential in the future as Health & Safety regulations become better observed within the industry. DarkSide is proud to work with such a forward thinking venue."
(Lee Baldock)
