Key risks

• Glare, eye strain and discomfort from flashes or intense light; potential trigger for people with photosensitivity.
• Burns from contact with lamps or accessories that may become hot after prolonged use.
• Falling lights, softboxes and backdrops due to tipping tripods or loosened joints and clamps.
• Trips and falls caused by cables, extension leads and sandbags/weights on the floor.
• Electrical hazard from wet connectors, damaged cables or overloaded sockets.
• Fire risk from covering ventilation grilles or bringing fabrics and backdrops too close to heat sources.
• Crush and pinch injuries when adjusting telescopic sections, clamps and supports.
• Damage to rechargeable batteries (if present): overheating, swelling or leakage during use or charging.
• Moisture or condensation damage that may cause short circuits.

Safe use

• Set up stands on stable surfaces and level the legs; add counterweights when mounting large modifiers or boom arms.
• Secure any elevated equipment with an additional safety cable where design allows, and keep the area beneath clear.
• Do not look directly at LEDs or flash bursts; warn subjects and adjust power and distance to reduce glare.
• Keep ventilation grilles clear and allow to cool before changing bulbs, diffusers or softboxes; avoid touching bulb glass with your fingers.
• Unplug from the mains or switch off equipment before fitting accessories or handling lamps; do not use overloaded extension leads or daisy-chain extensions.
• Manage cabling with tape or cable guides and avoid routing across walkways; protect floor-level connections.
• Keep a safe distance between hot light sources and fabrics, paper or foams; never cover a luminaire while in use.
• Batteries: use compatible models and chargers, charge on non-combustible surfaces and do not leave charging unattended; stop use if there is a burning smell or abnormal temperature.
• Avoid use near water or in rain unless equipment is rated for it; dry hands before handling plugs and controls.

Storage and maintenance

• Store in a dry, ventilated place, protected from dust, impacts and direct sunlight; transport in padded bags.
• Allow to cool completely before storing; protect bulbs and tubes in their cases.
• Coil cables without strain or sharp kinks; periodically check insulation, plugs and sockets.
• Regularly check screws, levers, catches and shoe mounts; replace worn or loose parts.
• Clean reflectors, LED panels and diffusers with a soft, slightly damp cloth; avoid abrasive products or solvents.
• Keep fabrics, backdrops and softboxes dry and free of severe creases; remove dust or lint that could heat up.
• Remove batteries if the equipment will not be used for an extended period and store them in a cool place, out of direct light.
• Check for signs of discolouration, scorching or warping on diffusers and textiles; replace damaged items.

Restrictions on use

• Indoor use in dry locations unless explicitly rated for outdoor use.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets; minors should only use it under adult supervision.
• Do not exceed the maximum load specified for tripods, heads and arms, nor the power rating for modifiers and lampholders.
• Do not modify or open housings; some components can retain charge even when switched off.
• Do not use the equipment if it is damaged, wet, smells of burning or has been dropped.
• Do not cover luminaires or block ventilation; do not place hot light sources next to flammable materials.
• Do not leave lights on or batteries charging unattended.
• Avoid stroboscopic flashes around people with photosensitive epilepsy unless proper precautions are in place.
• Do not set up equipment on unstable edges or block walkways with stands or backdrops.