Safe work procedures and practices are in place to ensure that everyone involved in the industry is safe. when undertaking audio operations there are many areas in which you need to be aware of the safe work procedures and practices so that you do not harm yourself or others in the work place. They include (but are not limited to):

• Audio operations

• Positioning and rigging equipment

• Working with cables and electricity

• Working with noise

• Dealing with unexpected situations or unplanned events

There are many aspects of audio operations which contain all of the catagories below but in a general sense, when operating a lightin desk we must ensure the following:

• Proper powering up and powering down procedures to reduce the risk of harm

• A clean and well maintained workspace

• All appropriate safety checks are conducted on equipment

• Care is taken to maintain physical and mental welbeing

The procedures for hanging audio equipment may require you to work from significant heights on catwalks, scaffolding, tension grids, aerial work platforms, ladders or other elevated work surfaces. Fall exposures must be identified in the planning stages and where necessary, appropriate fall protection measures (guardrails, fall arrest gear, etc.) need to be in place and used. In addition to direct training, several codes of safe practices that address fall protection must be reviewed. 

There are many serious risks associated with working with electricity. This is of particular importance when working with lighting, audio and vision, as well as using power tools during set construction.

• When working with electricity you must allows ensure the cables:

• have a current tag

• are of industrial quality and insulated

• are not twisted, crushed, kinked, frayed or have any wiring exposed

• not create any trip hazards, taping them down or using a cable tray is useful

• are protected from the weather.

High noise levels generated during rehearsals and productions can result in hearing damage and hearing loss for the performers, crew, and orchestra. Conduct sound level testing when planning high noise level events, and provide appropriate hearing protection devices when the planned noise levels reach an 8-hour time weighted average of 85 decibels.

The entertainment industry is well known for being unpredicatable. The main thing to remember is to keep calm and talk to a supervisor. Chances are they will have experienced the situation before and will be able to help you through it, or at least have the experience to effectively manage the situation. Debriefing after the event will assist in future events.

It is always important to conduct risk assessments of each event. Through doing this, you will be able to forsee a number of issues that may arise and have plans in place to deal with them. I also allows proper safety measure to be put into place for aspects of the job that may be risky.