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Kathy,
        A lot depends where you are located and the conditions
that might occur... in an earthquake zone requirements are
obviously higher, etc.
        But, I have generally used used 1/2 metal conduit and
aircraft cable to hang almost anything but kites from the ceiling.
You should look into the possibility of getting a hand press like
the Nikopress that swages copper sleeves onto aircraft cable.
The hand presses look similar to a bolt cutter and shouldn't be
too expensive.  Look in Granger or one of the other supply houses
to see what they have.

Dave Taylor
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


> From: Kathy Krafft <[log in to unmask]>
> Reply-To: Informal Science Education Network <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2004 13:47:46 -0400
> Subject: Re: hanging banners and components?
******************
>
> 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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