Tent repair tricks

August 1, 2008  |  On the Job

By Michael Tharpe Q: How do I repair a damaged tent? A: There are a few things to consider before repairing your own tent. First, you should determine whether you can repair the tent at your shop, or whether you’re more comfortable sending it out to a professional. Professional repair shops, s…
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Dealing with complex codes

August 1, 2008  |  Safety & Codes

Navigating tent codes is no easy task; being proactive can make it go more smoothly. By Juli Case If you work with tent installations, you’ve no doubt noticed that the building code environment has become more complex in recent years. Pulling a permit can be a bureaucratic nightmare, but it is…
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The power of overhead lines

August 1, 2008  |  Safety & Codes

This spring’s unfortunate news of tent installers killed in Charleston, S.C., drove home the point that installers and their supervisors must be diligent about the potential hazards of a jobsite. The Tent Rental Division’s latest campaign, “Look Up, Look Down, Look All Around,&rdqu…
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How to square a tent

June 1, 2008  |  On the Job

By Michael Tharpe Q: What is the correct way to square a tent? A: A tent that’s properly laid-out or squared is structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. Pre-staking or squaring the stake line is the preferred method of squaring your tent. If you are using another method or are new to the…
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Requirements for drug-free working

June 1, 2008  |  Safety & Codes

Your requirements under U.S. drug and alcohol regulations. Despite today’s glamorization of drug culture, the use of drugs or alcohol at work can pose serious safety risks, especially in the tent rental industry. Employers may be reluctant to deal with employees’ potential drug and alcoh…
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Creating cool lighting design for events

April 1, 2008  |  On the Job, Trend Watch

By Jill C. Lafferty Well-designed lighting can set the mood for a tented event—from whimsical to romantic to dramatic. “People are realizing what an impact or component lighting can bring to an event to establish the overall ambience,” says Doc Waldrop of Infinite Designs LLC, Atla…
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Comparing barrel weight and strength

April 1, 2008  |  On the Job

By Ken Keberle Q: Water or cement—which barrel is heavier? A: Concrete weighs about 2.4 times as much as water for a given volume. Generally accepted values for a cubic foot are 62.4 pounds for water and 148 pounds for concrete. A standard “55-gallon” drum actually holds more than …
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Tent companies react when disaster strikes

April 1, 2008  |  Features, Safety & Codes

You can’t control Mother Nature, but you can control your response. By Janice Kleinschmidt With winds estimated at 80 to 100 mph uprooting a 30-foot-tall pine and an oak tree with a trunk 3 feet around, tents set up for the 2007 Minnesota State Fair didn’t stand a chance. Fortunately, th…
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Gear up for safe working

April 1, 2008  |  Safety & Codes

Click It! campaign Despite it being an ANSI/OSHA requirement, many boom lift operators don’t wear a full-body harness and short lanyard. Aerial Work Platform Training Inc. (AWPT) launched the Click It! campaign in 2007 to encourage occupants of boom type lifts of the need to wear this importan…
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Treating tough stains

December 1, 2007  |  On the Job

By Chuck Shipp Q: How can I get tough stains out of my rental tents? A: There are some unique cleaning tips that help in removing tough stains. The Mr. Clean® Magic Eraser® is a marvel in cleaning particular spots off of tents. Even purple berry bird droppings can be removed with the Magic E…
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