LINE SET POLICY

Production Handbook

For Operation of Counterweight Line Sets in the Mainstage

MOVEMENT

all line sets are SINGLE PURCHASE; when you pull the rope, the pipe and carriage move in opposite directions at a movement and speed ratio of 1:1
before a line set is moved
the LOCKING RING and LOCK must be taken off; after movement, both must be put back on
you must call out your movement of the line set so those on deck are aware of the movement and are paying attention to what is happening over their heads

Example: “line set 21 going out or line set 15 coming in”

you must wait for the Thank You response before moving the line setthe response must come from the far side of the stage or from a person near you, who is paying attention to the line set coming in and is watching the far side of the stage

Be aware if people are on the grid, if so make sure they acknowledge you before a line set is moved
NEAR IN, FAR OUT: When facing the fly rail, pulling on the nearest rope will bring the pipe in (down); pulling on the furthest rope will take the pipe out (up)
Whenever possible watch the pipe you are moving and do not stare at the ropes

WEIGHTS and LOADING WEIGHTS

Weights come in 2 sizes: FULL = 44 lbs and HALF = 22lbs
It is assumed that a weight is a FULL weight unless otherwise specified
All weight loading is to be done from the LOADING FLOOR, unless rigging situations make it impossible (check with the staff before loading any weight at stage level); ALL LOADERS MUST WEAR FALL ARREST EQUIPMENT
The loading of carriages will be directed from the deck by the HEAD FLYPERSON, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, or their designate
The fly rail must be clear of all people before weights are added or removed from any carriage
The “Danger Overhead” sign must be across the doors
An “ALL CLEAR” statement must be made by the HEAD FLYPERSON, or the person directing the loading, before weights are added or removed from any carriage
“COMPLETE” responses will come from the LOADER upon the weighting or the unloading of the pipes
Stored weights shall be stacked no more than 3 high, on the on stage side of the loading floor; they will be placed in piles of similar sizes

Example of a loading situation calling:

Head Flyperson (HFly) calls out what arbour to load and how many full and half weights
Loading Gallery (LG) repeats what they have heard
HFly calls back “That is Correct” if it is the same as they originally called. Go back to the beginning if it is wrong.
LG asks, “Is the rail clear?”
HFly checks the 4 things below and shouts up, “The rail is clear.”
DSR door to caliper is closed
USR door to hall has a sign & chain across the door
Beacon light is on
Nobody is standing offstage of the SR floor-pockets
When ready the LG calls out that they are starting to load.
LG calls out when loading is complete
HFly acknowledges with a, “Thank you.”

Here is an actual example:

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