Installing, teardown, maintenance and storage of tents:

Tents 2008: a primer on maintenance


Before:


Check local codes and permit requirements.

Check ground and soil conditions call before you dig.

Determine anchoring needs for the tent(s).

Check flame certificates and engineering, both for the tent and accessories attached to the tent.

Check accessibility to site.

Determine install and strike timelines.

Look for physical obstructions, such as aerial wires, trees or rocks.

Get clearance on underground electrical and plumbing (see story on page T25).

Get permits for the location.

Check the weather report for/on the day of installation.

Load all tents, accessories, equipment and materials needed.

Check parts of the tent including: webbing, stitching, seams, buckles, snaps, ratchets, winches, frame fittings, tent jacks, pole fittings, frames and joints for any wear, cracks or cosmetic damage.


Installation:

Keep an eye on the weather.

Keep tents at least 10 ft. from all power lines.

Keep vinyl dry.

Use clean and dry cotton dropcloths.

Check tent fabric for pinholes or damage.

Check framing and poles for fractures, cracks or bends.

Check anchor points.

Check and tighten all nuts, washers and bolts.

Assure that fabric tensioning is firm.

Check pole pins and secure.

After:

Keep an eye on the weather.

Check tent fabric for holes, rips or tears.

Check framing for damage.

Check tie-downs for wear.

Check for moisture.

Examine the tent for dirt or stains.

Inventory damage to repair.

Examine property condition.

Check for tent stakes left in ground.

Look for screws from flooring.

Make sure electrical wires are picked up.

Do an inventory count.

Storage:

Make sure the tent is clean and dry.

Patch rips, cuts and tears.

Repair any damage to framing.

Wipe down hardware.

Neatly roll or fold vinyl.

Seal tent in a bag, barrel or racking system to keep out dirt and dust.

Maintain tent storage temperature.

Training topics:

Product information and manufacturer instructions.

Local and international codes and requirements.

Flame certificates, engineering and permits.

Emergency exits.

Safety precautions.

Lacing.

Knots.

Ratcheting.

Staking.

Folding.

Frame assembly.

Inspection of tent fabric and parts.

Stake pullers and stake drivers.

Dismantling.

Loading and unloading trucks.

Doing inventory.

Communicating with customers.

Documentation of events.

Seasonal practices:

Inventory all products.

Check inventory against use.

Grade inventory for event use.

Determine inventory needs for next season.

Inspect and grade fabric condition.

Repair all fabric.

Clean all aluminum poles.

Repaint poles.

Check structural elements for cracks, bends or damage.

Repair any structural damage.