Lighting maintenance is a crucial aspect of managing a church's production setup, whether it's for live worship experiences or streamed services. This guide covers essential safety considerations, maintenance procedures, and best practices for handling various types of lighting fixtures, from conventional to automated systems. It addresses key topics such as working at heights, handling hot equipment, and proper disassembly techniques.

When it comes to maintaining lighting fixtures, the safest approach is to bring them down to ground level. Working on a stable surface like a bench or table allows for more thorough maintenance and reduces risks associated with working at height. While some minimal maintenance can be performed using lifts for fixtures that can't be lowered, it's generally safer and more effective to work on the ground.

One crucial safety factor often overlooked is the heat generated by lighting fixtures. Both conventional and automated lights can reach dangerously high temperatures during operation. It's essential to allow sufficient cooling time before attempting any maintenance. The entire body of a fixture, especially those with high-wattage lamps, can become hot enough to cause severe burns if handled immediately after use.

When maintaining lighting fixtures, particularly larger automated units, it's important to handle components carefully. Large pieces like head covers can be unwieldy and potentially dangerous if dropped. Unlike the fixture itself, internal components typically don't have safety features to prevent falls. This emphasizes the importance of working at ground level and exercising caution during disassembly to prevent both personal injury and equipment damage.