technical

Method statement for Silk acts:

Aerial Silk is a length of fabric suspended from a structural point and used as equipment upon which an act can be performed. The performer usually begins the act on the floor at the base of the silks and climbs the fabric to perform aerial choreography for a duration of approx. 5 mins. At the end of the act the performer descends the silks and steps back onto the floor.

For Risk Assessment using HSE point system please download pdf

General statement of risk for silk acts:

At all times during the act described above, the performer is in contact with the silk (i.e. the silk bears weight while looped/knotted around the foot, body, leg(s) or arms) so the risk of a fall is very low. There are no release and catch moves in our silk acts. If any external circumstances (e.g. fireworks or inclement weather) dictate that a performer feels unsafe to perform a move or continue the act, he/she will not execute that move or will descend the silks carefully. Our performers do not perform above 10m from the ground/stage without a safety line

The lengths of silk fabric are purchased from Unicycle in France, who are suppliers of circus equipment. (www.unicycle.fr). All of the relevant hanging equipment (slings, karabiners etc) has been tested and/or manufactured to a static load of performer's weight in kg x 5. The performers in Viva have all been working as aerialists for a minimum of 5 years without incident and have extensive aerial and technical experience with silks and with rigging in general.

Rig and de-rig of the silks are carried out when there are no members of the public or event staff below the aerial working area. During the show, there should ideally be stewards positioned to prevent the public from entering the performance area. Alternatively, a cordoned off area which prevents public access, with stewards on hand to prevent members of the public from passing into the performance area.

An area of 4m x 4m around the base of each silk to be clear of the public, chairs, speakers and other obstacles. This makes it impossible for the performers to be above members of the public or staff and stops members of the public from interfering with the equipment during the act. The performance area must also be clean and clear of underfoot obstructions such as liquids, glass or stone chips, and any other hazards e.g. staging, props and decor. Silks are always paged back when not in use, thus they are not a hazard and are not within reach of members of the public who might attempt to interfere with them or to climb them.

A site-specific risk assessment can be provided on demand. This will necessitate a site visit. Please contact us for details.