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Anyone working with electrics needs to be trained and practise caution as electric shock and burns are always a danger. As lanterns get very hot, if they need to be adjusted protective gloves should be worn to prevent burns - lanterns shouldn’t be moved when hot as this can cause damage. Care should be taken when removing lamps, gobos, gels or any other fixture, as they can get hot too.

Never enclose a spotlight within scenery or materials, as it can catch alight, and keep liquids and food away from lighting equipment at all times. A fire extinguisher suitable for electrics should always be close at hand.

Most rigs or bars for lighting, and sound systems, are accessed using ladders or access towers that often only trained crew are allowed to climb to adjust the equipment. Others are accessed by a walkway or balcony and care should be taken when working at heights and leaning over, with necessary precautions in place, eg the use of hook clamps.

Lanterns are attached to the bars using hook clamps, and safety cables are essential as an extra safety precaution. Where possible, safety cables should be left attached to the bars while a lantern is moved along the rig and should only be undone if the lantern is being taken down or moved somewhere else entirely.

All electrical cables should be taped down to prevent tripping, and to prevent them catching on clothes or set pieces. Cables and equipment should never obstruct a fire exit. Fire exits and their signs should always be visible, even in a blackout on stage, with consideration given to how these areas will be lit and the pathway towards them kept clear and accessible.

When using effects such as loud bangs or strobe lighting, a warning should be issued to the audience before the performance. Similarly, checks should be made with performers and crew during rehearsals before using or testing any effects that might cause problems for those with medical conditions.

All equipment needs to be attended to regularly in terms of maintenance and cleaning, as dust can gather and cause fire. In addition, equipment that is frayed, cracked or broken, including extension cables, should never be used.