How to be Safe when Playing Keyboards Together - Suggestions

There are more hazards involved in keyboard playing than with most other instruments, because of the electrical aspect. It is everyone's responsibility to make sure that health and safety are treated seriously. If good practice is followed on every occasion it will soon become automatic.

The following suggestions are for teachers and pupils, but it is recommended that parents/carers are made aware of them in order to oversee their application in the home.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the suitability of advice given, NEKC (website) or its contributors accept no liability.

1. Electricity

Before rehearsing follow this order of events.

•  Plug the keyboard into the power supply

•  Push the socket into the wall

•  Switch on

At the end, reverse the process, ending with disconnecting the cable from the back of the instrument. This is actually a good rule-of-thumb in many other situations using electricity.

Electricity and water don't mix. Avoid handling liquid (a drink for example) near to the keyboard. Don't have wet hands when you play. Sensible practice when using electricity is essential; electric shocks are to be avoided at all costs.

2. Power supply to the keyboard

Make sure that it is the correct one for your instrument. Using the wrong adaptor can be dangerous and can also damage your keyboard. Be particularly careful if you are considering borrowing or sharing power supplies.

Replace broken adaptors/cables; never attempt an amateur repair. Support the adaptor when lifting; do not let it dangle by the flex.

Batteries can be used in keyboards but need to be treated with care; if left in the instrument without it being used for a while they can leak and cause damage.

3. Trailing flexes?

Cables and their spools need to have air circulating around them, so don't lay bags or coats across them. Unravel all spools of cables completely; they should not be used when coiled.

It is not good practice to "e;daisy chain"e; lots of cables together; attention needs to be paid to how much load is put on a wall socket / fuse box. This especially applies where amplification equipment is being used together with keyboards.

Gaffer or ducting tape can be used to secure cables to the floor. Some people put rubber mats a cross cables to help prevent tripping. Check that the tape is well attached to the floor so that it cannot be kicked aside by accident. Avoid obstructing gangways with gaffer-taped cables, however; a safer alternative should be sought. This is not always easy to do but imagination usually provides solutions. Neither pupils nor teachers should walk across cables, so position them accordingly. Here are some ideas, developed through many years of directing keyboard ensembles.

A group of up to twelve people can be arranged in a large circle, facing inwards. The pupils stand on the outside to play their instruments and the cables from their keyboards lead away from them into a central power supply (either from below the floor or multi-sockets).

With a large ‘orchestra' this order of events avoids confusion and accident:

1. Stands/tables and chairs (if used) are positioned
2. Keyboards are put on the stands
3. Players remain in their places and plug their adaptors into their keyboards
4. Teachers/helpers lay down multi-sockets and their cables in suitable places before connections are made and the power turned on

Needless to say, the system must be followed in reverse at the end. Do not allow players to leave their seats before it is safe.

4. Moving keyboards

The very young need assistance especially if the equipment is heavy. Even with older children it is a good idea to pair them with another player, so that they can help each other. They can carry each end of a large keyboard, or one can put the stand in place while the other lifts the instrument.

Teachers should allow adequate time in the schedule for setting up and putting away so that it can be done systematically and calmly.

If a move between rooms is necessary, doors should be propped open for the occasion, not allowed to swing onto pupils carrying their instruments.

Slippery surfaces, such as fire escapes in the rain, should not be used other than in an emergency, especially when transporting keyboards; an alternative route should be sought.

A specific keyboard bag is the safest way to transport it to lessons. The ones with long straps sit comfortably on the shoulder, avoiding back strain. If there are only short straps, consider employing a trolley. Alternatively, parents or friends should be asked to help. Be particularly careful with stairs.

5. Tripping hazards

When storing the keyboard at school or at home, make sure that it is positioned so that no one will trip over it. The handles of the bag in particular need to be facing inwards so that feet don't get hooked up in them. (At home, the keyboard is best stored outside the bag, so that there is greater motivation to practise!)

Empty keyboard bags should be put out of the way during classes, as they can be a tripping hazard. This also applies to coats and school bags.

6. Posture

When playing, the lower arms should be parallel to the floor. If seated, this may well entail lowering the keyboard. Always check the height, in order to enhance posture and avoid strain to your back, neck and wrists. If standing is preferred, be aware that the keyboard will need to be positioned considerably higher to maintain a comfortable playing angle for your hands. This is hard to achieve with tables; a keyboard stand is much better. Avoid trapping your fingers in the hinges when opening or closing it, however!

Sit or stand tall, without slouching or crossing legs. It looks more professional, while making the keyboard easier to play; musicians with good posture have more stamina!

Finally

Always read the safety instructions in the manufacturers' handbook or guide. Also, follow the Health and Safety Guidelines of the premises where rehearsals are held i.e. school, music service building, church.

This list does not claim to be exhaustive. If you have any further suggestions please contact: info@keyboardcourses.com