Hanging up. Advice

[ProjectEuropa]

I have just moved to a new studio and it has a block and tackle for lifting heavy weights. I could see what was going through the head of my friend when she saw it. I thought easy. Then I thought hanging someone up could prove dangerous. Like all activities, its not the obvious things that go wrong where you can see the potential danger in advance but the dangers which aren't obvious.

Let me add, this is not for me. It's for a photo session that is going to take place in my studio and if anything goes wrong I'm going to feel responsible for allowing it.

[ProjectEuropa]

I have just moved to a new studio and it has a block and tackle for lifting heavy weights. I could see what was going through the head of my friend when she saw it. I thought easy. Then I thought hanging someone up could prove dangerous. Like all activities, its not the obvious things that go wrong where you can see the potential danger in advance but the dangers which aren't obvious.

Let me add, this is not for me. It's for a photo session that is going to take place in my studio and if anything goes wrong I'm going to feel responsible for allowing it.

I meant to add to my original post, has anyone any advice or can make me aware of the not so obvious dangers that might be encountered.

[Curtis]

I'm sure you'll get much more educated answers than mine, but I do have two points. First, test the gear by hanging something three to (preferably) five times as heavy as your model, then swinging it back and forth for awhile.

Second, there's an 'edit' button on the lower right of each of your posts, which disappears after 24 hours. When you have an afterthought within a day, instead of quoting your original post and adding a line, just hit the 'edit' button and follow the directions.

[Mobius]

are you looking to just suspend your model or are you looking to hang your model by the neck?

If you are just suspending the model you should use suspention cuffs. It will not cut off the blood flow. If you are going to hang your model by the neck extreem care is needed and it should be for the shortest time for the shot. Care should be taken that she does not swing or sway or have any kind of shock to the hanging. Also I would adive not having a model over a 100 pounds.

I would advise to use a whaist belt to take the load off her neck. It could be hiden under clothing or photoshopped away in post producktion.

Be very carefull

[ProjectEuropa]

If you are going to hang your model by the neck extreem care is needed and it should be for the shortest time for the shot. Care should be taken that she does not swing or sway or have any kind of shock to the hanging.

You've just freaked me. I know nothing about from where or how the model is to be hung. I have been assuming wrists or ankles. I know the photograher knows nothing other than what's in her imagination. I know about lifting machinery which is hardly the same thing as a human being. This has been my worry, that I have been assuming too much. I knew I was being seduced by her enthusiasm and I was potentially blind to such pitfalls.

[Mobius]

You've just freaked me. I know nothing about from where or how the model is to be hung. I have been assuming wrists or ankles. I know the photograher knows nothing other than what's in her imagination. I know about lifting machinery which is hardly the same thing as a human being. This has been my worry, that I have been assuming too much. I knew I was being seduced by her enthusiasm and I was potentially blind to such pitfalls.

No I do not have any first hand experiance either nor would I want any. It is just what I have observed from such sites as eye witnes productions.

I will not post the link becouse it is a pay site and would get bitched at if I did. If you want to find it just google it.

If you are going to suspend your model from her wrist or arms care is of course also needed short periods with the use of proper suspention cuffs. Same for the ankles. you want to make sure that the arms are not turning blue. You need to keep good circulation.

[Eruditio Deus]

You've just freaked me. I know nothing about from where or how the model is to be hung. I have been assuming wrists or ankles. I know the photograher knows nothing other than what's in her imagination. I know about lifting machinery which is hardly the same thing as a human being. This has been my worry, that I have been assuming too much. I knew I was being seduced by her enthusiasm and I was potentially blind to such pitfalls.

Relax. You are obviously in the right frame of mind for this sort of activity-cautious.

Should the person that is to be suspended be in reasonably good health and fitness, and should you exercise continuous caution and patience you won't have any problems.

If they have any health concerns, notably any joint(hips, and knees, shoulder elbows) or back problems this is not a good idea. The same goes for any circulatory/cardiac issues-especially if there is to be any inverted suspension(it takes alot more effort to pump blood up into the legs).

Now for the basic saftey issues aside from health concerns.
1-make sure the rigging is solid and stable. Check every inch of line and make sure it will hold at least 500 pounds. Make sure the pulleys are in good order and if there is a winch of any type make sure it works both directions(up and Down).

2-Set up. If you do not have access to specialized suspension cuffs have an experienced rigger do the necessary bondage. They will ideally know how to make the bindings appropriately wide to distribute the weight better. If done correctly the hands(or feet if inverted) should not lose sensation and should only become minorly discolored(which is entirely safe for short durations). Make sure the anchor point to the joist or rafter is not an open hook, a closed Eye bolt(welded only!) is recommended. Ideally the rope/cable will be wrapped around the joist several times(dispereses weight) and the tackle will be seured to that.

3-More Safety. Have a sturdy table or large chair nearby in case something goes wrong. In case of an emergency this table or chair can be slid under the suspended person and you will not have to lower them as far(as with a block and tackle it could take precious time to lower them the extra 2-3 feet). Have a couple of extra hands nearby in case you need help. 2 People can hold the suspendee while another clears the ropes.

4-Raising and Lowering-For upright suspension having the suspendee stand on a chair/stool while the slack is taken out of the lines is best(reduces needless effort too). Check the hands every 5-10 minutes for sensitivity, and if there is any numbness the suspendee should be released soon(10-15 minutes). Check the bonds for unwanted tight spots(remember spread out the pressure!) once sensation has returned you can repeat.

For inverted suspension you must be more cautious. In this scenario if gravity has its way your suspendee will likely fall and land on thier head. If I need to say it-Thats BAD. Very BAD. On the bright side however it is simpler to bind the ankles for suspension than it is the wrists(look at bungee jumping for an example of this). The prevously mentioned Table can come in useful here, as when you are raising the suspendee it will be easier if you start them on the table rather than lifting from the floor. Once the suspendees shoulders are clear of the table you can pull it out of the way. If you have to lift them off the floor go slowly so they can adjust to the tension building and the initial dizziness from the blood pooling in the head. It is not uncommon for the suspendee to see stars or a red haze for a few moments. Lowering is probably the most dangerous part of inverted supspension-but as you are using a block & tackle the inherent slowness of the lowering is a built in safety. As you are lowering the suspendee have someone help them situate their head & shoulders as they are brough down, gently pulling them to the side as they near the floor will accomplish this(and keeps the suspendee from bonking their head on the floor.

5-Misc Tips-The suspendee should not eat for at least 3 hour prior if there is any inverted suspension going on(upsidedown reflux-do the math). And make sure the suspendee goes to the bathroom right before getting strung up. Having the sudden urge once your dangling there detracts from the experience. Keep some high glucose snacks(chocoalte usually works) nearby in case there are any hypoglycemic episodes, a bottle of gatorade is a good idea as well.

I'm getting a finger cramp now, so that will have to do. Have fun(be safe) and feel free to share some pics!