ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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I have a safety-related question to pose to you all, regarding hanging banners or other overhead signs or components.

We had an exhibition on display at Innoventions at Epcot this past winter.  They were required by building code to have professional riggers come hang the banners and overhead video projector and plywood entry sign (4' x 7', 1/2" plywood) that Epcot requested so that It's a Nano World would look attractive in their space with 23' ceilings.

The professional riggers had me include 1/2" metal rods to use for hanging the 3' x 8' tall banners with top pockets, which they hung with aircraft cable.  They also drilled holes in the plywood sign, which they hung with aircraft cable.

When we've had banners on display at our museum, I've been more inclined to use light-weight wooden dowels, hung with fishing line and a backup line as well at each end.  We all don't necessarily have the professional's swaging tools, and the thought of a heavy rod up high makes me REALLY nervous.

 This is an issue I've never seen come up on the listserve, and it didn't come up at our ASTC safety session last month either.

Do you have standards for hanging things?  Are there industry guidelines, or other standards?

Kathy Krafft
Director of Exhibits
Sciencenter
Ithaca, NY
607-272-0600 ext 25

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