Theatre Lighting

[boroboy]

Is anyone out there aware of the cleaning requirements regarding overhead theatre stage lights please?  
These lights quickly gather dust and I was given to understand that due to the amount of heat given off by the bulbs a special cleaning regime must be in place.

[Redone]

Worked at the RSC for 20 years never had a problem with dust, however, flying in back drops, snow storms, leaf drops and the like posed problems, an air line between shows cleared everything off.

Light layout changes for each different show allowed the lights to be cleaned off every two to half a dozen shows.

Routine maintenance performed at ground level during show set up took care of the cleaning (and the LX overtime).

A pre performance visual check by the 'flys' for anything that may contact with any heat source is a must.

[John Webb]

I've worked in drama groups on and off for some years. I have found that little dust seems to get inside the lights, possibly because they contain baffle systems to prevent light leakage while allowing ventilation. This also tends to keep out larger items but can encourage spiders if used infrequently.
Lights shining downwards at a steep angle can suffer from dust deposits on the reflector reducing efficiency and causing a rise in temperature above the average.
Besides Redone's good points I would also suggest:
Check lights have heat-resistant cables ('tails')
Ensure ordinary PVC flexes supplying lights are firmly secured to boom or stand to avoid proximity or contact with a hot light.

[boroboy]

Thanks for your input guys.

[wee brian]

When in doubt try and get a copy of the City of Westminsters guidance on theatres. Its the most comprehensive set of "rules" (they have a few theatres in the West End)

[boroboy]

Cheers for that Wee Brian.  I have a friend who works for Westmister so that shouldn't be too hard.