Venue Assessment Checklist

A thorough venue assessment is the foundation of every safe laser display. Before you unload a single flight case, you need to understand the space you're working in. This guide covers what to measure, what to look for, and what to document.

Start with the big picture: ceiling height at centre stage, at the edges, and at any balconies or mezzanines. Measure from the floor to the lowest overhead obstruction — rigging bars, lighting trusses, air conditioning ducts, speakers. These determine your maximum projector height and minimum beam clearances.

Walk the audience area. Note the highest occupied surface — is there a balcony, a raised VIP platform, tiered seating? The Standard's 3 metre gap is measured from any surface where spectators can stand, not only the main floor. A 1.5 m riser puts the minimum beam height at 4.5 m above the main floor (AS/NZS IEC 60825.3:2022, cl. 6.10).

Identify every reflective surface: mirrors, polished metal pillars, glass partitions, glossy bar tops, shiny floors (especially wet floors near bars or outdoors). Any surface that could redirect a beam into an uncontrolled area must be documented and either covered, blocked, or accounted for in your beam path planning.

Check all access points to the beam area: doors, corridors, fire exits, loading docks, and backstage access. Each one is a potential interlock point. Note which doors have locks, which stay open during the show, and which are emergency exits (you can't lock those).

Document everything with photos and measurements. Your DSR will reference this assessment, and if you return to the same venue next year, your notes save hours of re-work.