Meyer Sound Documentation

Long-term safe operation is a central concern in the design and manufacture of any rigging/flying system. Meyer Sound has taken great care in material selection and component design. In all critical cases, load points are redundant, with a safety margin that allows one or more load points to fail while maintaining system integrity. After manufacture, all load-critical system components are individually inspected.

All load ratings and other specifications given in this manual and listed on labels are the result of accepted engineering practice and careful testing. However, such specifications and ratings are subject to change.

The design and safe working load (SWL) ratings of the QuickFly system are intended to be in compliance with all known regulatory statutes currently applicable in the United States. Unless otherwise specified, all working loads are based on a minimum 5:1 safety factor. However, as noted above, there are wide variations internationally in the regulations and practices applying to suspension of sound systems in public places. Although regulations in the United States are generally among the most stringent, safety codes may be even stricter in a few localities (such as those highly prone to earthquakes). In addition, applicable safety codes are open to interpretation: Government officials in one location may have a stricter interpretation than another local official, even when operating under the same regulations and in the same legal jurisdiction.

Consequently, users of QuickFly rigging systems should be prepared to take additional safety assurance measures beyond those outlined in this Statement. IN ALL CASES, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT ANY MEYER SOUND LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM IS SUSPENDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE NATIONAL/ FEDERAL, STATE/PROVINCIAL, AND LOCAL REGULATIONS.

In most touring applications of rigging systems, the touring sound provider is normally responsible for ensuring the safety of the suspension system only below the attachment point. The safety and suitability of the attachment point is generally seen as the responsibility of the venue owner or operator. However, this distinction (“above the hook” versus “below the hook”) can be open to interpretation. Touring system operators should double-check to make certain that attachment points are approved and suitably load rated, and that the points used are those identified as such by the venue owner or operator. As an extra precaution, careful inspection of the attachment points is advised before flying, particularly in older venues or those hosting frequent events using large sound and lighting systems. IN ANY CASE, MEYER SOUND QUICKFLY SYSTEMS ARE INTENDED ONLY FOR SUSPENSION FROM APPROVED RIGGING POINTS, EACH KNOWN TO HAVE AMPLE SWL MARGINS FOR THE SYSTEM COMPONENTS SUSPENDED BELOW THEM.

The Meyer Sound QuickFly systems are an assembly of mechanical devices and are therefore subject to wear and tear over prolonged use, as well as damage from corrosive agents, extreme impact, or inappropriate use.

BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUES INVOLVED, USERS MUST ADOPT AND ADHERE TO A SCHEDULE OF REGULAR INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE. IN TOURING APPLICATIONS, KEY COMPONENTS MUST BE INSPECTED BEFORE EACH USE. Such inspection includes the examination of all load-bearing components for any sign of undue wear, twisting, buckling, cracking, rusting, or other corrosion. In regard to rust and corrosion, the main components of a QuickFly system are either protected by an exterior coating or made from stainless steel, which is impervious to rust and resistant to most corrosive fluids. Nevertheless, normal use and shipping vibrations can wear through the protective coatings, and extremely corrosive fluids (such as battery acid) can cause severe damage with prolonged exposure, even to protected parts. Particular attention should be given to screws, bolts, and other fasteners to make certain the fittings are tight and secure. Metal seams and welds should be examined for any sign of separation or deformation. Meyer Sound strongly recommends that written documentation be maintained on each QuickFly system, noting the date of inspection, the name of the inspector, the points of thesystem checked, and any anomalies discovered.

Annual comprehensive examination and test program

In addition to routine checks on the road for touring systems, Meyer Sound also recommends a careful, comprehensive system examination and testing “at home” in the warehouse or other appropriate location at regular intervals. Such at-home examinations and tests should occur at least once a year and should include a careful inspection of each component under ideal lighting conditions and then a final comprehensive check of the entire system after it has been flown.

If any anomalies or defects are discovered that could possibly affect the safety or integrity of the system, affected parts or subsystems should be replaced in their entirety before that part of the system is flown again.

Any component found to be defective, or any safety-related component you even suspect might be defective, should be replaced with the equivalent, approved part. Parts specific to a QuickFly system should be ordered directly from Meyer Sound. No attempt should be made to substitute what appears to be equivalent or “mostly the same” generic replacements. Some parts used in QuickFly systems are identical to those used in other rigging applications. To the best of our knowledge, most of these suppliers are reputable, and their products are reliable. However, Meyer Sound has no way of assuring the quality of products made by these various suppliers. Therefore, Meyer Sound is not responsible for problems caused by components that were not supplied by Meyer Sound.

QuickFly systems are relatively straightforward and easy to use. However, they should only be used by persons trained in the use of loudspeaker rigging systems, who have mastered key points of assembly, rigging and flying.