yer doin` it wrong - Black Rock City`s Department of Public Works

Transcription

photo by JOHN CURLEY
YER DOIN' IT WRONG
THE 2011 DPW HANDBOOK
BURNING MAN 2011: RITES OF PASSAGE
SOLD OUT EDITION
Black Rock City, Nevada USA 94117
BLACK ROCK CITY 2011
Point 3
•
Point 2
Point 4
•
•
TEMPLE
MANBASE
Point 1
DEPOT
•
2
• Point 5
THE TEN PRINCIPLES OF BLACK ROCK CITY
RADICAL INCLUSION
Anyone may be a part of Burning Man. We welcome and respect the stranger.
No prerequisites exist for participation in our community.
GIFTING
Burning Man is devoted to acts of gift giving. The value of a gift is unconditional.
Gifting does not contemplate a return or an exchange for something of equal value.
DECOMMODIFICATION
In order to preserve the spirit of gifting, our community seeks to create social environments that are unmediated by
commercial sponsorships, transactions, or advertising. We stand ready to protect our culture from such exploitation.
We resist the substitution of consumption for participatory experience.
RADICAL SELF-RELIANCE
Burning Man encourages the individual to discover, exercise, and rely on his or her inner resources.
RADICAL SELF-EXPRESSION
Radical self-expression arises from the unique gifts of the individual.
No one other than the individual or a collaborating group can determine its content.
It is offered as a gift to others. In this spirit, the giver should respect the rights and liberties of the recipient.
COMMUNAL EFFORT
Our community values creative cooperation and collaboration.
We strive to produce, promote and protect social networks, public spaces, works of art,
and methods of communication that support such interaction.
CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY
We value civil society. Community members who organize events should assume responsibility
for public welfare and endeavor to communicate civic responsibilities to participants. They must
also assume responsibility for conducting events in accordance with local, state and federal laws.
LEAVING NO TRACE
Our community respects the environment.
We are committed to leaving no physical trace of our activities wherever we gather.
We clean up after ourselves and endeavor, whenever possible, to leave such places in a better state than when we found them.
PARTICIPATION
Our community is committed to a radically participatory ethic.
We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, can occur only through
the medium of deeply personal participation. We achieve being through doing.
Everyone is invited to work. Everyone is invited to play. We make the world real through actions that open the heart.
IMMEDIACY
Immediate experience is, in many ways, the most important touchstone of value in our culture.
We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us and the recognition of our inner selves, the reality
of those around us, participation in society, and contact with a natural world exceeding human powers.
No idea can substitute for this experience.
THE BURNING MAN MISSION
theme illustration by DA
Our mission is to produce the annual event known as “Burning Man,”
and to guide, nurture, and protect the more permanent community created by its culture.
Our intention is to generate society that connects each individual to his or her creative
powers, to participation in community, to the larger realm of civic life,
and to the even greater world of nature that exists beyond society.
We believe that the experience of Burning Man can produce positive spiritual change in the world.
To this end, it is equally important that we communicate with one another, with the citizens of
Black Rock City and with the community of Burning Man wherever it may arise.
Burning Man is radically inclusive, and its meaning is potentially accessible to anyone.
The touchstone of value in our culture will always be immediacy: experience before theory, moral
relationships before politics, survival before services, roles before jobs, embodied ritual before
symbolism, work before vested interest, participant support before sponsorship.
Finally, in order to accomplish these ends, Burning Man must endure as a self-supporting enterprise
that is capable of sustaining the lives of those who dedicate themselves to its work.
From this devotion springs those duties that we owe to one another. We will always burn the Man.
BURNING MAN FOUNDING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(THE FOLKS WHO RUN BURNING MAN)
“JACK RABBIT”
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS
COMMUNICATIONS & THE DPW
“MR. KLEAN”
DIRECTOR OF NEVADA RELATIONS & SPECIAL
PROJECTS, FOUNDER OF THE DPW
“DANGER RANGER”
AMBASSADOR, DIRECTOR OF GENETIC
PROGRAMMING
“ROSIE”
MANAGING
ART DIRECTOR
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“HEADY”
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
“SWORDFISH”
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & LLC BOARD
CHAIRMAN
THE DPW MISSION
photo by NEIL GIRLING
The Department of Public Works is dedicated to building, maintaining, and striking the physical
infrastructure of Black Rock City. DPW works with the community to Leave No Trace and to restore
the Black Rock Desert to its natural state.
DPW works with all departments within the Burning Man Project, with outside agencies and with
participants to ensure that BRC is safe, non-polluting, and artistically accessible.
We do this while working hard, having fun, and respecting one another.
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THE DPW COUNCIL OF DARKNESS
(THE FOLKS WHO RUN DPW)
“PLAYGROUND”
DPW DEPARTMENT MANAGER
AND HUMAN RESOURCE REP
“GHOST DANCER”
BLACK ROCK CITY
SUPERINTENDENT
DPW CREWMASTER AND
LABOR MANAGER
DPW BUSINESS SERVICES
MANAGER
RANCH AND SPECIAL PROJECTS
MANAGER
“COYOTE”
”COBRA”
“HAZMATT”
“JOE THE BUILDER”
DPW CONSTRUCTION
SUPERINTENDENT
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“CHAOS”
HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND TRANSPO
MANAGER
DPW DEDICATION 2011
Commonly, in indigenous cultures, a rite of passage is a ceremonial event acknowledging an individu-
als progress from one status to another. On May 30th, 2004, I left the professional world of feature films and the “union regulated”
sound stages and back lots of Warner Brothers and Universal Studios to lead construction on the mandated infrastructural improvements at
the Burning Man Work Ranch, amidst a Clan of DPW.
While negotiating the job over the phone back in Hollywood I was told I didn’t need to bring any tools with me, as everything would
be available once I got to the job site. Well, I guess the tools were buried in there somewhere but finding them was a major project in itself.
For a number of months I worked 8 hours a day on the construction of the new buildings, and then an additional 6 - 8 hours a day (on
my own time) organizing the mountains of dysfunctional crap which was then the common shop. After the event was over that first year,
everyone was packing up to go back to San Francisco. Looking around I was stunned and basically pointed out to the owners that they
were leaving with the dishes still in the sink. I asked: Who is going to clean all this mess up? Are you really leaving things like this? I then
understood why the county had come down so hard on the Org.
Initially I was hired for a 3 month job but it ended up taking close to 4 years to clean the dishes… that is to get the Ranch, the Saloon
and the other Gerlach Properties to the point of functionality that they are today. And the process continues.
Back in 2004 the Ranch, DPW and the BM Organization as a whole was a much, much different creature, and over the past 7 years I
know that I have had a significant influence on the evolution of the Organization but more importantly I myself have gone through many,
many significant personal changes in my own self development, perception and growth as a individual. Burning Man and DPW is not the
same entity that it was in ‘04 and neither am I. Those of you who were here in ’04 when I (not knowing anyone) stood up in Bruno’s and
called for a 10:00 curfew in the Trailer Park can attest. Yes a great deal has changed over the years, and it is for me this symbiotic process
of personal and collective growth, reflection, change and evolution that makes the overall experience worthwhile, significant and having
substance… not the party.
Perhaps now may be an appropriate time to consciously dedicate the “party of Burning Man” as to actually being a celebration of
our personal and collective evolution, a Rite Of Passage…
— Quinn Yarborough aka Ghost Dancer
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YER DOIN’ IT WRONG TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEFINING DPW10
“GOOD MORNING DPW!!! ARRRGHHH!!!” 11
DPW MGMT12
DPW FROM A — Z
13
AUGUST CALENDAR34
PRE-EVENT TIMELINE35
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR36
EVENT TIMELINE37
POST-EVENT TIMELINE37
OCTOBER CALENDAR38
CHECKLIST39
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
41
GERLACH, NEVADA USA
43
DIRECTIONS TO GERLACH & BEYOND
44
BURNING MAN GERLACH OFFICE
45
DPW’S PRESSENCE IN GERLACH
46
DPW LIVING: THE GERLACH ESTATES
47
THE BLACK ROCK SOCIAL CLUB
48
HELEN’S HOUSE
50
BLACK ROCK STATION AKA “THE RANCH”
51
DOOMTOWN: THE NEW DPW GHETTO
54
DPW DISPATCH OFFICE
56
RADIO CHANNELS57
RADIO PROTOCOL58
DRIVING PROTOCOL & FLEET VEHICLE POLICY 62
DPW AUTOSHOP: “CHECK YER FLUIDS!”
64
DPW PARADE AT BURNING MAN
65
DPW PARADE: OUTRIDERS, DRIVERS, & RULES70
DPW RULES & PROTOCOL
71
BRC SEXUAL HARRASSMENT POLICY
72
BRC SAFETY POLICY STTATEMENT
74
DPW CODE OF SAFE PRACTICES
75
SAFETY THIRD76
HEAT STROKE & HEAT EXHAUSTION
79
LOST /STRANDED: 10 SURVIVAL TIPS
80
DPW DOG POLICY
81
EXCERPT: THE WAY IT IS GUIDE
82
DPW FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS
84
END CREDITS85
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DEFINING DPW
Black Rock City’s Department of Public Works is the workforce that plans, surveys, builds, and takes
down the basic infrastructure of the Burning Man Event’s temporary community in the Black Rock Desert.
Since 1998, the DPW has executed the Black Rock City Plan.
DPW:
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• •
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• • •
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•
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•
• • • •
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Surveys the city streets, boundaries, signage and border fencing
Transports of all equipment and materials to the playa
Runs the materials depot and mechanical shop
Maintains a secure lot for material storage
Directs Heavy Equipment dispatch and operations
Provides portable and stationary electrical power
Maintains approved potable water systems
Oversees grey water and black water removal via vendors
Provides dust control on the roads via water-trucks
Directs Port-o-Potty placement, cleanliness, and hand sanitation maintenance
Secures fuel storage
Performs Fleet Vehicle and Golf Cart maintenance
Installs the roadways
Installs the Perimeter Fence
Installs Gate Road
Works with the Art Department to build and install THE MAN/MAN BASE
Designs, builds, and places all City and Gate Road signs
Builds and installs Center Camp, First Camp, Arctica, City Shade Structures,
the Commissary Tent, the Lantern Spires, the Gate, and the entrance to the City
Produces and places steel burn platforms and burn barrels
Assists major art projects
Interfaces with Burning Man Staff and outside agencies
Tears Down the Event, taking down all we have built
Restores the Playa, Leaving No Trace
After it’s all over, DPW strikes the set, stores the gear for next year, and makes sure that Black Rock
City will truly Leave No Trace, restoring the Playa to it’s natural state.
There’s a lot that’s said about us... that we’re heroic, that we’re steadfastly determined, that we are
frightening and angry... but the fact is that all of us are dedicated to the common goal of building Black
Rock City, and then making it vanish. Putting in the time and making this thing happen, working together in
dangerous and hostile conditions, and getting it done... that’s what we do... this is the life we choose.
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“GOOD MORNING DPW!!! ARRRRGHHH!!!”
• The DPW work season is a marathon — not a sprint. Burn yourself out and it’s time to go home.
Remember to pace yourself if you want to go the distance.
• Expect strenuous manual labor under a hot sun in high temperatures and unbelievable amounts of dust.
The Black Rock desert is a land of extremes, and it shows little mercy. Be prepared for anything and everything.
• 12-14 hours days can be normal. We got us a city to build! Workdays begin around sunrise and end near sunset.
• Your crew’s hours of operation may vary depending on the crew you work with. Once you get assigned to a crew,
your manager will keep you posted about when you are expected to work.
• Workdays start with BREAKFAST and a MORNING MEETING, which you are expected to attend every day.
At the Morning Meetings we’ll make general announcements, go over our work progress, assign tasks for the day,
and report on the weather. Occassionally we’ll gift DPW schwag— shirts, sticker, posters, and crap, and stuff.
• Most crews break for lunch around noon, then it’s back to the job.
• After work, dinner is served. The rest of the night is free unless otherwise noted.
• We are working in a high desert altitude. Stay hydrated and allow your body a couple days to adjust when you get here.
• Temperatures can reach as high as 120 º Fahrenheit in the shade and can dip as low as freezing at night, especially
during the post-event fall season.
• Winds roar at speeds up to 100 mph. Keep yer shit tight and secure all loose objects— things as big as mobile homes
can move in a windstorm.
• DUST STORMS WILL HAPPEN. They can last for hours with little to no visibility. Alkali dust is abrasive, corrosive, conductive,
and tends to get everywhere and fuck up everything. Vehicles, tools, computers, etc. will eventually corrode and short out.
• Heat exhaustion can sneak up on you quickly. Keep water with you at all times and pay attention to what your body needs.
• Use the Buddy system. Keep an eye on your pals and have them keep an eye on you.
• Pre-Playa, we’re living in Gerlach at the Gerlach Estates, and having our meals and Morning Meetings at Bruno’s Country Club. We commute for the work day to either Black Rock Station or to the Playa.
• When living in Gerlach, we have the Black Rock Social Club to kick back in. On the Playa is when we have our fun on the playa.
• At night, some folks tend to play pretty hard. Take care of yourself, and remember that no matter how hard you were playin’ last night, you must show up at the Morning Meeting, ready to work full steam. Rest is good— get some!
TOMORROW WE DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN.
• AUGUST 8TH IS FENCE DAY..! When we put up Black Rock City’s 10-Mile Perimeter/Trash Fence.
Once it’s up we move onto the playa, eat our meals at the Commissary, and have our Morning Meetings at the DPW Depot.
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DPW MGMT
MAKE BLACK ROCK CITY HAPPEN
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DPW FROM A-Z
ARCTICA
THE CREWS OF DPW IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER (MORE OR LESS)
Black Rock City’s three Arctica locations are all built by the mighty Arctica Crew.
Made up of breathtaking ladies and bold, mustachioed gentlemen, Arctica Crew
works tirelessly to make sure that Ice can be procured in style. Assigned to the Arctica Crew? Report to Fi.
“FI”
ARCTICA
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
AUTO SHOP
Auto Shop prepares the DPW fleet over the winter, and maintains the DPW fleet
while we are on playa. They are located back behind the DPW Depot. No, they will
not help you get your personal vehicle running.
“SATANIC MECHANIC”
AUTO SHOP
MANAGER
photo by ALI
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BLACK ROCK PEDAL PROJECT
THE BLACK ROCK PEDAL PROJECT maintains Black Rock City’s Yellow
Bike Program. They build the bikes each year, maintain them through the event, and
collect them when the event is over. Don’t tell them the bikes are green. Wanna Build
Bikes? Wanna build the same bike over and over again? Report to Reno Travis.
“RENO TRAVIS”
BLACK ROCK PEDAL
MANAGER
photos by JOHN CURLEY
CAFE CONSTRUCTION ( SEE OCCULUS CREW ON PAGE 26 )
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COMMISSARY
While you’re working on playa, the Commissary feeds you three hot meals a day
inside our giant white Commissary Tent at 5:30 and D. We hire a vendor to cook for
us, but the Commissary infrastructure is all DPW. Remember, while you might get up
for breakfast at 6:30 and eat dinner at 7, the Commissary crew is there long before are
and long after you leave. Give them some lovin’. Or booze. Assigned to the Commissary? Report to Hayseed. He’s really loud. And tall. And full of love.
“HAYSEED”
COMMISSARY
MANAGER
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DEPOT
“ALIPATO”
THE DEPOT is one of our main work hubs on playa and is located at the very end
of 5:30. The Depot itself is home to incoming construction supplies. It is also home
to Dispatch, the Common Shop, The DPW Council’s playa offices, Spires Construction, and a lot of benches. You’ll be there sitting on them bright and early every day at
7:30 am for our DPW Morning Meetings. Assigned to the Depot? Report to Ali Pato.
Carefully.
Common Shop holds all your tooling needs of the hardware variety. Located at the
front right of the Depot, they’re a lending library of things like banders, magnet rakes,
drills. hammers, brooms, screws and bolts, and spray paint. Your manager will let you
know if you should go there for supplies. Return what you borrow promptly.
DEPOT
MANAGER
DISPATCH
“GAMESHOW”
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photo by JAR
DISPATCH
MANAGER
DISPATCH is the eyes and ears of this
institution, monitoring all radio traffic on
DPW channels and other infrastructure
channels.
Dispatch operates out of the Depot 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. Interested in
Being a Dispatcher? Talk to Gameshow.
Find a lost Radio? Give it to Gameshow.
Want to know what words are completely
inappropriate to say on the Radio? Talk to
Gameshow.
DPW GHETTO The camp affectionately known as the DPW GHETTO is the official home of the
DPW infrastructure, where you will enjoy water, shade, electricity, port-o-potties,
burn barrels, talent stage, music, food, recycling, our world famous bar (The First and
Last bar on the Playa), and much much more! This crew works hard to make sure
that your on-Playa living experience is good one. Assigned to the Ghetto Crew? Talk
to Customer Service. Wanna know where you can set up your tent or park your trailer
in the Ghetto? Talk to Customer Service. Want someone to Turn That God Damn
Music Down at 2:00 am? You are going to want to talk to Customer Service.
“CUSTOMER SERVICE”
DPW GHETTO
MANAGER
DPW POWER CREW
“EASY GOIN”
POWER CREW
MANAGER
POWER is a
measure of an entity’s ability to control the environment around itself, including the
behavior of other entities. The term authority is often used for power, perceived as
legitimate by the social structure. Power can be seen as evil or unjust, but the exercise
of power is accepted as endemic to humans as social beings.
Electric Power is defined as the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an
electric circuit. Electrical power flows wherever electric and magnetic fields exist together and fluctuate in the same place. The DPW Power Crew maintains and protects
these precious fields, and wires Black Rock City up with EIGHT MILES OF CABLE
and generators so you can plug in your x-mas lights at Burning Man.
DPW PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Sgt. Slaughter is DPW’s nearly-full-time Production Assistant, and works both in
San Francisco and on Playa to support the needs and manifest the will of the DPW
Council of Darkness. She wrangles all the data for all of Burning Man’s infrastructure
needs, and boldly tackles the DFM and the Ultranet to keep things straight. She is
awesome, and fearless.
“SGT. SLAUGHTER”
DPW PRODUCTION
ASSISTANT
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DPW RANGERS
“CROW”
DPW RANGERS
MANAGER
The Black Rock Rangers, Burning Man’s non-confrontational
mediating entity, are comprised of participants who have chosen
to volunteer as guardians of the shared values of the Burning
Man community. They are empowered by the community and
the Burning Man Board to address safety concerns, mediate
disputes, and resolve conflicts when they cannot be resolved by
the persons involved.
So basically, when we’re sick of policing ourselves, we have the Rangers step in
and do it for us. By the time a Ranger is getting involved it’s most likely too late to
talk your way out of things, and it might be best to just let the Rangering happen.
Need a Ranger? Contact Crow.
DPW SHOWTIME VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
OMG flies here from SOUTH AFRICA to be the wrangler for all DPW crew data,
from roundup forms to crew allocation charts to laminate production. Her Hula Hooping skills are beyond reproach. Oh My God will take your picture and assign you a
bar code. She will come after you if you don’t fill out your forms right. You will get
your Laminate when she decides, and no sooner.
“OH MY GOD”
ESD MEDIC
“POLTERGEIST”
ESD MEDIC
DPW SHOWTIME
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Black Rock City’s Emergency Services Department (ESD)
provides fire protection, medical evaluation and treatment,
mental health services, an Emergency 911 Dispatch facility,
and the communications infrastructure for Black Rock City.
In BRC you can find ESD stations on 3:00 and 9:00 at the intersection just beyond the plazas, and at Center Camp at 6:00.
Basically, if it weren’t for our unfortunate motto “Safety Third”,
these people would be out of a job. Our Medics work tirelessly at all hours to undo
the bad decision-making that can sometimes occur out here. Keeping this team as
bored and unoccupied as possible is your first and most important duty here at DPW.
Need a medic? Get on a radio and call for “Medic. Medic. Medic.”
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FENCE
FENCE
MANAGER
“JUST GEORGE”
Installing Black Rock City’s Perimeter/ Trash Fence aka THE FENCE is DPW’s
one and only All Hands On Deck project, and requires nearly 10 miles of T-stake
pounding, fence rolling, string cutting and tying. This proud hardcore tradition
is executed old-school style with our bare hands and not with one of those those
newfangled pneumatic t-stake pounders. Don’t know what a pneumatic pounder is?
Don’t worry about it. We do it the way real cowboys do it. Gloves, knives & medical
tape should be all you need to have out there for this time-honored tradition. Once
the fence is complete, and our perimeter is up, Black Rock City is officially recognized as a city in Nevada, and we can start building things. Ready to pound some
fence? Report to Just George.
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FIRST CAMP
“RIDE THAT PONY”
FIRST CAMP
The First Camp Construction Crew builds Burning
Man’s on-Playa Business
hub, and looks damn good
doing it. Ride That Pony was
born to tend a fire and direct
a construction crew. This
team will make you strong
and proud.
Think you have what it
takes? Mustache up and talk
to Ride That Pony.
FLEET TRACKER
The paperwork nightmare of registering all of our fleet vehicles, and keeping
everything on the road legal and ready to roll belongs to the Fleet Tracker. He keeps
up with who is driving what, and spends his time hoping that he doesn’t have to go
spend another full day at the Reno DMV.
“NOMAD”
FLEET TRACKER
FUEL TEAM
The Fuel Team puts the FU in fuel. They can be found behind the Depot
at the Hell Station. They’re willing to fuel staff and fleet vehicles right after the
Morning Meetings until 10AM and again in the afternoon between 3PM and 6PM.
They are also willing to permanently clean your windshield. Two propane trucks
and a fuel truck travel the playa, distributing liquid ‘crack’. Curiously, they are also
the team responsible for occasional
controlled explosions above Black
Rock City.
“SCIRPUS”
FUEL TEAM
MANAGER
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FLUFFER TEAM INDUSTRIES
“FLUFFER NIPPS”
The Fluffer Team is the very life-blood
of the DPW engine. They’re hard at work
making sure that you take care of yourself
and get quality break time. Get out of the
sun for a minute, hydrate, snack, enjoy a
cigarette, then get back to work you slackers! Always, always, always be nice to the
Fluffers. Always. Are you one of the Chosen
Few to be assigned to the Fluffer Team?
Report to Fluffer Nipps!
FLUFFER TEAM
MANAGER
photos by
JOHN CURLEY
photo by MIKE GARLINGTON
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GERLACH ESTATES
Under new management, the Gerlach Estates is the illustrious trailer park that
houses the general DPW crew in Gerlach during the pre-season and post-season when
there is no infrastructure on playa to accommodate us. We rent most of the large mobile homes there, and those without personal trailers are assigned to a house or a bunk
or a room or a spot on the floor. Flophouse is our Estates Manager, and resides in the
house inside the Trailer park. Talk to Flophouse about where to bunk or where to park
your trailer in the Estates, and be sure and check out when you move out.
“FLOPHOUSE”
GERLACH ESTATES
MANAGER
GERLACH INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
Gerlach Information Technology – They bring The Internets. The precious, pre-
cious Internets. The Gerlach Tech Team brings internet access to Gerlach, to Black
Rock City, and sometimes even to the Ranch. Without internet access, everything everyone involved with Burning Man has worked towards would fall into ruin, and all
of our collective dreams would be dashed upon the cold, indifferent rocks of despair.
#Twitterfeed #FB #IRL #BurningMan2011! #Internets
“TAZ”
GERLACH INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY MANAGER
GERLACH OFFICE
MANAGER
The Gerlach Office is our Year Round Hub here in the Great State of Nevada.
Trixie has lived in Gerlach for 47 years. She knows more about this place than anyone else on staff. See the Burning Man Gerlach Office Section on page 45 for more
details about the Office. See Trixie for anything else you want to know about Gerlach.
“TRIXIE”
GERLACH OFFICE
MANAGER
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GOLF CART
Golf Carts. Fun to drive. Far too easy to ruin forever. Beany and her team maintain
Burning Man’s Golf Cart fleet, allowing all departments to zip around the Event site
with ease. Bring your Golf Cart in for service every day, or Beany will get you.
“BEANY”
DPW GOLF CART
MANAGER
HEAT
Heavy Equipment – Our Support Services team runs all the Heavy Equipment for
Black Rock City. If it needs to be forked, hystered, trenched or erected, odds are they
are involved. Want to bring your Heavy Equipment skills to the table? Talk to Chaos.
“CHAOS”
HEAT MANAGER
poster by POPE
HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP
An important job if there ever was
one, the HIGHWAY CLEAN UP
CREW takes to the roadways cleaning up all matter out of place that
may have fallen from the loads of
vehicles of weary participants making their journey home post-event.
Interested in keeping the highways
beautiful? Talk to Foto Miguel.
“FOTO MIGUEL”
HIGHWAY RESTORATION
LOGISTICS MANAGER
Miss Stress works with
“MISS STRESS”
DPW LOGISTICS
MANAGER
Hazmatt to coordinate, track,
and monitor rental equipment
requested through the DPW.
She is the on-site logistics
coordinator and liaison between
the DPW and other Burning
Man departments with regard
to rentals as well as facilitating delivery, placement, and
removal of rental equipment on
the event site.
MAN BASE
Each year,
Larry Harvey and
Rod Garrett come
up with something
strange and different for the Man
to stand on. Then
they turn to these
guys to make it
appear in reality.
Assigned to the
“LUDY”
Man Base?
MAN BASE
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Report to Ludy.
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MAN KREW
Man Krew – These folks come out early in the season to build the Man. In the
extremely unlikely event of the man being prematurely burned to the ground, they
might also build you another one.
“STEEL TOE”
MAN KREW
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METAL SHOP
Hot, sexy, Metal Shop.
Welding in the desert sun.
God damn.
Assigned to Metal Shop?
Report to Johny Amerika
“JOHNY AMERIKA”
METAL SHOP
MANAGER
OCCULUS CREWA motley
A.K.A. CAFE CONSTRUCTION
assortment of riggers, carpenters, shade hangers, and carpet rollers; the
“PEACHZ”
Oculus Crew is responsible for constructing Black Rock City’s Center Camp Cafe; a
way station for the caffeine dependent members of the Burning Man Community.
Named after the complicated rigging at the center of the Center Camp structure, the
Occulus Crew starts early, works late, and pushes hard to have the primary structure
done a week before the event..just in time for the Decor crew to arrive and make it
purty.
For the crew of the Occulus, it is considered a rare privilege to ride the scissor-lift
up through the “eye” of cables, peering out at the ephemeral desert city just beginning
to arrive.
OCCULUS CONSTRUCTION
MANAGER
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PLAYA RESTORATION
This crew is the All-Star Team of DPW, ensuring that Burning Man maintains
its reputation for being the Largest Practicing Leave No Trace Event in the World,
culminating in the annual BLM Site Inspection Test and the cartography of the Moop
Map. This crew officially assembles in the third week of September and finishes in
the early first week of October. Burnouts need not apply.
Wanna be on the Playa Restoration Team? Talk to D.A.
“D.A.”
PLAYA RESTORATION
MANAGER
27
PLUMBING DEPARTMENT
PLUMBING
MANAGER
PURCHA$ING
Someone has to order all the stuff we build Burning Man with. This year that someone is Kimba, who we have recently stolen from the Lamplighters. By the time you
are read this, odds are it is far too late for you to order anything.
“KIMBA”
PURCHASING
MANAGER
RECEIVING
“YARDZ”
Water... In the desert...
Pretty important, right? The crew of
the Plumbing Department think so,
and diligently install/remove all the
potable water and gray water containment and delivery systems that are
used at the Cafe, Commissary, Shower
Units and elsewhere.
When it comes to laying pipe on the
Playa, they are the best around. Talk
to Yardz.
All the stuff we buy to build Burning Man with?
Sleep Dep signs for it, and doles it out to all the crews.
Do not go up and ask him for your stuff.
When he has your stuff, he will come to you.
“SLEEP•DEP”
RECEIVING
MANAGER
28
SHADE CREW With Shade comes civilization. The legendary Shade Crew builds the shade structures
for essentially everything... The Depot, the Ghetto, the HEaT, First Camp, the Artery, etc.
etc. etc. All the while kicking ass by making close to 100 shade structures throughout
Black Rock City. They work in the sun all day so you don’t have to.
Assigned to Shade Crew? Talk to Quiet Earp.
“QUIET EARP”
SHADE
MANAGER
Shade Poster by ART TUCKER & DACE
29
SIGN SHOP
“STABBY”
SIGN SHOP
MANAGER
SIGN SHOP creates all of the signage for Black Rock City’s streets and
infrastructure, including the “Burma Shave”signs -- ya know, the quips and
quotes on Gate Road that you read as you drive into Black Rock City for the
first time.
Once on the playa, the Sign
Shop Crew goes from creation
mode to installation mode, and
starts putting up the over 1000
signs in Black Rock City, making
it one of the biggest installations
on the playa.
DPW Sign Shop:
“You’d be lost without us.”
30
photos by STABBY
SPECIAL PROJECTS
“GHOST DANCER”
SPECIAL PROJECTS
MANAGER
SPIRES
The Special Projects team is the
the extended hand of the Ranch,
reaching out into Black Rock City
to make shit happen. They build
things for pretty much every department at Burning Man and roam
the playa taking care of any special
carpentry needs. This year, Special
Projects is in charge of Collexodus.
Assigned to Special Projects? You
should really go talk to Ghost.
Special Projects
Manager - Ghost Dancer
1st Lead - Alabama
2nd Lead - Frank
Essentially the last phase of the Black Rock City Survey, the SPIRES Installation
Team picks up the spires from the Depot and install them throughout the city. Sledgehammers, screw guns, brute strength, and smarts go a long way for this burly but fast
paced team. Assigned to Spires Installation? Report to Blackthorn.
Spires Manager: Blackthorn
Assistant Manager: Squirrely
Construction: Alexi
Road Peg Manager: Booyahstin
“BLACKTHORN”
SPIRES MANAGER
31
SURVEY
“COYOTE”
SURVEY MANAGER
“Mark it!” is the sound of the city grid going in, point by point, flag by flag. As our
beloved Black Rock City disappears every year without a trace, so must it be drawn
every year out of nothing more than dust. Hitting the ground running is the desertready SURVEY CREW, the first team on the playa. From the starting point of the
“Golden Spike” that sets the coordinates of the Man, the team plots out the sweeping
concentric circle and radial streets, promenades, plazas, center camp, and other fine
details of our clockwise city. Catching the optimum visibilities of dawn and dusk,
the Survey Crew is already hard at work before sunrise, pinpointing measurements
of up to a mile away. By the end of the week, thousands of individual measurements
have been made and the details of the city have been laid out down to the very four
corners of every intersection. The end result is the magnificence of Black Rock City.
The grand arcs and radii of the city are best appreciated from the air with the resulting aerial photos revealing what is widely considered to be Burning Man’s largest art
sculpture of all— Black Rock City itself.
photo by Will Roger
photos by DA
TRAILERS ANDYouUTILITIES
sure like that water from the spigots in the ghetto dontcha? That shower sure
feels good huh? Well Make-Out Queen helps make sure that you and all the staff out
there has a drink and a shower. Working with our water vendors to bring, track, and
manage your pure potable goodness. If you ask her for a slip and slide she might
punch you. She also deals with our OTHER fleet... The Burning Man Trailer Fleet.
Like our DPW Fleet, the Burning Man Trailers are a rag-tag group of bought, found,
rented, spare and abandoned homes on wheels that some of our staff have the good
fortune to reside in during the season. Make-Out Queen spends her time making them
as nice as possible, and making sure you keep them that way. She is awesome.
“MAKE-OUT QUEEN”
TRAILER AND UTILITIES
MANAGER
TRANSPO
Moving everything from the ranch to the playa, and from the playa to the ranch, as
fast as possible, in precisely the right order. These folks are doing that, and making it
look easy. Can you drive trucks and haul trailers? Legally, I mean? Do you want to do
a whole lot of that for Burning Man? Maybe you should talk to Cuervo.
“CUERVO”
TRANSPO
MANAGER
33
photo by BUBBLEGIQUE
DPW AUGUST 2011 CALENDAR
• GOLDEN SPIKE
• SURVEY BEGINS
• SURVEY ENDS
• FENCE DAY
• TRANSPO BEGINS
• MAN BASE BEGINS
• GERLACH BBQ
• ROAD WATERING
• POWER UP
• FUEL ARRIVES
POWER CAMP
• POWER UP MANBASE
• POWER UP
COMMISSARY
• FIRST MEAL ON
PLAYA
• GATE ACTIVATES
• TEMPLE CREW /
ART TEAM ARRIVAL
• EARLY MAN
• GATE IN FULL SWING
• ARTERY OPENS
• BOX OFFICE OPENS • GREETERS OPENS
• HOT SPRINGS CLOSE • BURNING MAN
BEGINS
34
•DMV OPENS
• AIRPORT OPENS
DPW 2011 PRE-EVENT TIME-LINE
(ALL DATES ARE GUESSES BASED AROUND OUR HOPES AND DREAMS, AND MAY CHANGE WITHOUT WARNING OR MERCY)
JULY
7.31 SUN
GOLDEN SPIKE CEREMONY
AUGUST
8.1 MON
8.6 SAT
8.8 MON
8.8 MON
8.8 MON
8.9 TUE
8.9 TUE
8.9 TUE
8.10 WED
8.10 WED
8.11 THU
8.12 FRI
8.12 FRI
8.12 FRI
8.13 SAT
8.20 SAT
8.20 SAT
8.20 SAT
8.21 SUN
8.21 SUN
8.22 MON
8.23 TUE
8.24 WED
8.24 WED
8.25 THU
8.27 SAT
8.27 SAT
8.27 SAT
8.27 SAT
8.27 SAT
8.28 SUN
8.28 SUN
SURVEY BEGINS
GERLACH TOWN BBQ
FENCE DAY!!!
MAN BASE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON PLAYA
TRANSPO BEGINS
DEPOT: MORNING MEETINGS BEGIN 7:30AM
FUEL ARRIVES ON PLAYA
POWER UP: MANBASE
COMMISSARY TENT UP (HOPEFULLY)
POWER UP: POWER CAMP
POWER UP: COMMISSARY
COMMISSARY OPEN FOR BREAKFAST - FIRST MEAL ON PLAYA!
GATE ACTIVATES
TEMPLE CREW/ART ARRIVAL
METEOR SHOWER PEAKS EARLY A.M.
HIGHWAY SIGNS GO IN
ART AND CAFE CREWS ARRIVE ON PLAYA
EARLY MAN BURN
GATE/PERIMETER OPERATIONAL
CLEAN-UP EARLY MAN EFFIGY BURNS
THEME CAMPS START ARRIVING & SHIRTCOCKING
ARTERY OPENS
MAN RISES
BOX OFFICE OPENS
GREETERS OPENS
DMV OPENS
RANGERS OPERATIONAL
BLACK ROCK CITY AIRPORT OPENS
ICE AVAILABLE AT ARCTICA
LAST PRE-EVENT MORNING MEETING (HOPEFULLY)
HOT SPRINGS CLOSE FOR DURATION OF EVENT
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE BURNINGMAN
35
DPW SEPTEMBER 2011 CALENDAR
• DPW PARADE
• TEMPLE BURN
• MAN BASE STRIKE
•BURNING MAN ENDS • DPW MORNING
• HOT SPRINGS
MEETINGS RESUME
REOPEN
• HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP
BEGINS
• MEALS RESUME AT
BRUNO’S
• DE-FENCE!
• PLAYA RESTORATION
BEGINS
36
•BURNING MAN!
TONIGHT!
• LAST SUPPER AT THE
COMMISSARY
• EVERYBODY GET OFF
THE PLAYA!
•LAST DAY OF TRANSPO
DPW 2011 EVENT TIME-LINE
AUGUST
8.29 MON
9.6 TUE
BLACK ROCK CITY OPENS / BURNING MAN EVENT BEGINS
4TH ANNUAL DPW MOOP PUB CRAWL: 2PM AT 2 & ESP
SEPTEMBER
9.1
9.1
9.2 9.2 9.3 9.3 9.4
9.4
9.5 THU
THU SUN
MON
SAT
SAT
SUN
SUN
MON
14TH ANNUAL DPW PARADE -MEET AT THE DEPOT
THE CORE PROJECT BURNS
MAN BASE STRIKE
SPECIAL PROJECTS: STATIONS SET UP FOR FOOD DONATIONS
BURNING MAN TONIGHT !!!
EXODUS BEGINS
COLLEXODUS BEGINS
THE TEMPLE BURNS
BURNING MAN EVENT OFFICIALLY ENDS
DPW 2011 POST-EVENT TIME-LINE
SEPTEMBER
9.6 TUE
9.6 TUE
9.6 TUE
9.7 WED
9.10 SAT
9.10 SAT
9.11 SUN
9.14WED
9.16 FRI
9.16 FRI
9.16 FRI
9.19 MON
DPW MORNING MEETINGS RESUME - DPW DEPOT
HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP BEGINS
HOT SPRINGS REOPEN
ALL NON-WORKERS OFF PLAYA
TRANSPO RESUMES
LAST MEAL AT COMMISSARY
MEALS RESUME AT BRUNO’S COUNTRY CLUB
DE-FENCE
TRANSPO: LAST DAY
ALL MAJOR STRUCTURES GONE
ALL MAJOR DEBRIS GONE
PLAYA RESTORATION BEGINS
OCTOBER
10.5 WED
10.6 THU
10.6 THU
10.9 SUN
PLAYA RESTORATION OFFICIALLY ENDS/GOLDEN T-STAKE CEREMONY
BLM SITE INSPECTION
YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO HOME BUT YA CAN’T STAY HERE
SAN FRANCISCO BURNING MAN DECOMPRESSION
37
DPW OCTOBER 2011 CALENDAR
• PLAYA RESTORATION
ENDS
• SF DECOMPRESSION
38
DPW CHECK-LIST
The DPW Checklist covers the simple basics of Playa living. Whatever else you bring for the event
is up to you...
WHAT YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE FOR EVENT WEEK:
• 1.5 gallons of water per person per day .
We will have water available at the DPW Ghetto, but if you aren’t planning on camping there, that could be a hassle.
Remember: you’ll want to keep a bottle of water with you at all times.
•
Enough food for you to eat during the event (canned foods and dry goods work best)
WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE WHILE YOU ARE OUT HERE:
• TWO FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION— Driver’s

Licence, Passport, Social Security Card, etc.
• A LEATHERMAN/MULTI-TOOL/SHARP KNIFE
• PROTECTIVE EYEWARE /SUNGLASSES /GOGGLES/
• FLASHLIGHTS, CAMP LIGHTS, and BATTERIES
• Good WORK BOOTS, preferably two pair
• SOCKS. Lots and lots. More than you think you will need.
• WORK CLOTHES that you don’t mind having ruined forever
• PAINT CLOTHES that you don’t mind having ruined forever
• WARM CLOTHES (it can cold at night)
• A good TENT, along with 12” or longer tent STAKES
• A warm SLEEPING BAG and a PILLOW. Quick Tip: rubbing candle wax along zippers helps for smoother zipping
• High SPF SUN BLOCK
• Chapstick or lip balm (the kind with sunscreen is recommended)
• A personal FIRST AID KIT
• 2 Black Shirts
• 2 pair of Black Pants
• 1 Black Jacket
• Three-Hundred Dollars Personal Burial Money
39
DPW CHECK-LIST
RECOMMENDED
• A battery powered ALARM CLOCK (ya gotta make it to those Morning Meetings...)
• PERSONAL CARE KIT: soap, lotion, shampoo, Q-Tips, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss and mouthwash,
toilet paper, a towel, deodoant, tampons, massage oil, condoms, lube, nail clippers, nose hair clippers,
shaving stuff, safety pins, and a sewing kit. All the stuff you’ll wanna have for the long haul.
• Earplugs
• Open-air shade structures (plastic tarps are noisy during windy conditions, canvas or other fabric is best)
• Umbrellas, parasols, hats, sheets - something to break the midday sun
• Rope/lanyard
• Rain gear/poncho/wind breaker
• Particle/dust mask
• A cooking stove and pot
• Folding cot/hammock (air flow underneath allows for cooler sleeping during the day)
• Eating utensils (i.e. silverware & bowls; bowls in general work better than plates)
• Plastic bottles to cover tent stake ends - (empty soda bottles, etc.)
• Thermal underwear (long johns)
• Spare blanket
• a travel mug of some sort (I’ve got one that clips to my belt)
• Medical tape for your hands (it helps keep the blisters at bay while we pound Fence, and we never seem to have enough)
• If you’re bringing a car you’ll want a spare set of keys, some tow straps, jumper cables, and a good spare tire...
• A spray bottle of anti-fungal stuff for yer feet.
•
Portable ashtrays for smokers (an empty altoids tin works great)
• Insect repellent
• Moisturizer cream (Corn Husker’s Lotion is water-soluble and works well with the dust)
• Garbage bags with built-in tie wraps
• Any required prescriptions, contact lens supplies (disposables work great), or whatever else you need to
maintain your health and comfort in a remote area with no services
• At least one bandana
• Wide brimmed hat (with a string so ya don’t lose it in the wind!)
40
DPW FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
AM I EXPECTED TO START WORKING AS SOON AS I ARRIVE?
No! Gerlach is located at over 4,000 feet elevation and temperatures are extreme.
Your first day should be spent setting up your living space, acclimating by drinking lots of water, and attending the Morning Meeting.
WHAT AM I GONNA BE DOING?
We’ll be assigning you to a work crew or to specific tasks daily. Expect construction work, T-stake pounding, painting,
and other things that will tax your body and ruin your clothes.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN TOOLS?
NO! We’ll set you up with whatever we need you to work with. However, a basic set of your own
carpentry tools can be helpful: a tool belt, hammer, measuring tape, gloves, speed square and/or
carpenters square side cutting pliers, some vice grips... any other basic tools you think of. If you
do bring your own tools, make sure to mark them so that they can be identified as yours. We can’t
replace lost or broken tools so if you bring your own stuff, it’s at your own risk.
ARE THERE PHONES AVAILABLE?
YES! Gerlach has cell phone service available by most providers.
We also have a phone at the Black Rock Social Club. Please be courteous by keeping your
phone calls brief and make sure you hand off the phone to the next person in line.
If you’re old school hard-core there are payphones located in front of Bruno’s in Gerlach and at the Empire Store.
WHERE IS THE CLOSEST ATM?
Bruno’s Country Club in Gerlach and the Empire Store in Empire.
CAN I TAKE A DAY OFF IF I AM SICK, OR NEED SOME PERSONAL TIME?
YES! You need to take care of yourself, especially in the desert environment. Besides, tired, sick,
and otherwise distracted workers are not productive or happy workers. Talk to your manager about
what you need.
ARE THERE LAUNDRY FACILITIES AVAILABLE?
YES! We have a washer and dryer at the Black Rock Social Club. Bring yer own soap, and plan
for a line. A washer and dryer are also available at Bruno’s Gas Station.
IS INTERNET ACCESS AVAILABLE?
YES! Public computers are available at the Black Rock Social Club, located across from the
Burning Man office. There is also a wireless cloud there.
IS THERE A SNAIL MAIL ADDRESS WHERE PEOPLE CAN SEND ME STUFF?
YES! Mail will be handed out at the Morning Meetings.
[YOUR NAME],C/O BURNING MAN, PO BOX 319, 390 MAIN STREET, GERLACH, NV 89412.
41
DPW FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WILL I BE USING MY PERSONAL VEHICLE?
Not for work unless you make the choice to do so. Use your own vehicle at your own risk. We will not reimburse you for damage to
your vehicles. You are responsible for maintaining your own vehicle. Do not expect ANY work to be done by us on your vehicle. Selfreliance is key here, folks.
WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH GASOLINE?
We don’t supply fuel for personal use.
Always travel to Black Rock Station with a full tank, or at least enough to get back to the Shell station in Gerlach, 25 miles away.
REMEMBER: FILL YOUR TANKS BEFORE THE EVENT.
IS BLACK ROCK STATION AKA THE RANCH USED ONLY BY THE DPW?
No! These facilities are largely used for DPW work, but many other Burning Man departments and artists also do work there.
The Ranch is also where Burning Man stores much of its infrastructure during the off-season.
WHAT IF I’M A PICKY EATER OR HAVE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
We really like meat, potatoes and eggs out here. If you’re a vegetarian, be sure and mention this on your Round Up paperwork, and
let the cook for Bruno’s know at suppertime. Bruno’s will have a vegetarian meal option available,
but if you have more specialized dietary needs you should be prepared to provide your own food during your stay. Once we
are on Playa, the commissary will have veggie meals available pre and post event.
WILL DRINKING WATER BE PROVIDED WHILE I’M WORKING?
Yes! Water and electrolyte fluid. DRINK IT. You are gonna need your own supply during the event, when you aren’t working.
ARE THERE SHOWERS?
Trailers in the Gerlach Estates have showers, and we have working showers at the Ranch. Once we move out to the playa, we’ll have
a shower trailer out there as well. You can get the details on it at the DPW depot.
IS THERE RECYCLING OUT THERE?
Yes! Plastic and aluminium are all collected for recycling in the Gerlach office, at the Estates, in the Black Rock Saloon and at the
ranch! Also, during the event, Aluminium is recycled at RecycleCamp.
HOW ABOUT AIR CONDITIONING? 24/7 ELECTRICITY? AND FRIDGES?
Heck yeah, Gerlach Estates has got it all! Once we move to the playa, though, it’s more of a flat, desert landscape kind of scene.
42
WELCOME TO GERLACH, NEVADA U.S.A.
photos by PHOENIX FIRESTARTER
Our home away from home, Gerlach-Empire is a census-designated place (CDP) here in lovely Washoe
County, Nevada. Gerlach was established in 1909 as a station on the main line of the Western Pacific Railroad.
It was named for the Gerlach Land and Cattle Co., part of the large Gerlach and Waltz Ranch, which was
founded in the late 19th century by Louis Gerlach.
Gerlach is also the home of Bruno’s Country Club, a roadside diner which, according to Richard Moreno of
nevadaappeal.com, “serves up some of the largest and roundest (and tastiest) ravioli you’ll ever find!”
Gerlach is served by the Washoe County School District.
In addition to Burning Man, the nearby Black Rock Desert is also the site of many other recreational
activities, organized and otherwise, throughout the year.
GEOGRAPHY
Gerlach-Empire is located at 40°3722 N, 119°2029 W (40.622883, -119.341273) GR1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 243.6 km (94.1 mi).
ECONOMY
The economies of Gerlach and Empire focus on tourism in the nearby Black Rock Desert, and until recently,
gypsum mining near Empire. The gypsum plant in Empire closed its doors on January 31, 2011. Residents
were allowed to continue inhabiting their company homes through June 20, 2011, the end of the school year.
After that date, Empire effectively became a ghost town. In response, the local ZIP Code, 89405, was also
discontinued. Four USG employees remain to maintain the property.
DEMOGRAPHICS
As of the census of 2000, there were 499 people, 234 households, and 146 families residing in the CDP.
With the changes in Empire, those numbers have dropped significantly.
43
DIRECTIONS TO GERLACH AND BEYOND
TO GERLACH FROM RENO, NEVADA
HWY-I-80 EAST (30 mi)
Take the WADSWORTH/PYRAMID LAKE EXIT #43 to HWY 447
LEFT at the Stop Sign, under the overpass, the road curves to right
Continue one mile to Wadsworth.
LEFT onto HWY 447 (27mi)
Pass through Nixon. Gas and supplies available.
Continue toward Empire (53mi) Gas and supplies available.
Continue to Gerlach (6mi)
Cross the train tracks entering Gerlach.
On the right you will pass the Gas Station, Bruno’s Country Saloon, and the Miner’s Club (aka Bev’s)
Your first stop, the Gerlach Burning Man Office, will be on your LEFT just past the famous Gerlach Water Tower.
DIRECTIONS TO GERLACH FROM ALTURAS, CALIFORNIA
Head East out of Alturas on US-395 - go 6.0 miles.
Turn right at CA-299 and take it 17 miles.
RIGHT at CR-1 and go 26 miles. Watch the road change names as you go.
Continue as it becomes “Surprise Valley Rd” for 3.5 miles.
Then continue on “NV-447” for 54 miles until it becomes “Main Street”.
GERLACH ESTATES, AKA “THE TRAILER PARK”
If you are coming from Reno, continue on Main Street past the Burning Man Office.
Make the first left on W. Sunset Blvd.
Follow W. Sunset to the end and make a left on Fir Street.
Take a left into the second driveway to enter Gerlach Estates.
BLACK ROCK STATION
Continue on Main Street through Gerlach.
About ½ mile down there will be a fork; stay right when the road splits.
Follow Hwy 34 for approximately 25 miles until the pavement ends
CAUTION: You will lose traction as the pavement ends and turns in to gravel
Continue on the gravel road (1mi)
RIGHT onto JACKSON LANE.
Proceed slowly down Jackson Lane
Pass the first gate
RIGHT at the second gate.
Now entering BLACK ROCK STATION: 88 Jackson Lane, WASHOE COUNTY.
44
BURNING MAN GERLACH OFFICE
390 MAIN ST. GERLACH, NV. 89412
Hours of Operation: M-F 8am-6pm
OFFICE RULES AND GUIDELINES
•
•
•
•
•
Use of the Gerlach Office is restricted to business hours.
Extended hours available with permission.
The Gerlach Office is used for business meetings, so please keep loud noise and chatter to a minimum.
If you aren’t working, take it outside!
There are no computers available in the Gerlach Office for general use.
Computers are available for use across the street in the Black Rock Social Club.
Telephones in the office are for business use only by Managers and staff.
The phones are not for general use.
There is a FREE phone in The Black Rock Social Club should you need to make a call.
If the phone doesn’t work report it immediately to our Tech Support staff.
If you are expecting a package or phone call you’re welcome to stop by during business hours and ask the Office Manager
if anything has been received. Office support staff will bring mail and messages to the morning meetings when possible.
photo by KK PANDYA
45
DPW’S PRESENCE IN GERLACH
photo by KK PANDYA
GERLACH AND GERLACH PROPERTIES
When in Gerlach, you are perceived as a representative of Burning Man and Black Rock City, LLC.
Please conduct yourself in a professional and courteous manner during your stay in town. Our goal is to
minimize the impact of DPW’s presence in Gerlach. Failure to follow these rules can result in the short-term
and/or long-term termination of your participation with the DPW.
We will again be staging DPW within the town limits of Gerlach. During the early pre-event work season
we live at the Gerlach Estates, where you can enjoy flushing toilets, showers, 24/7 electricity, refrigerators,
and all the thrill of living in a small town trailer park.
WE ARE GUESTS HERE. DO NOT DISTURB THE LOCALS.
Gerlach is not Black Rock City and it sure as hell ain’t Burning Man. Our neighbors are neither DPW nor are
they Burners. We’re guests here in town, just passing through, so be mindful and respectful of the folks that
make their home here year-round.
Introduce yourself when you meet citizens of Gerlach. Be friendly and cordial. Smile and wave. They do.
SOME GERLACH GUIDELINES:
•
•
•
DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE
DO NOT SPEED
Main Street 25mph
Residential Streets 10-15mph
Gerlach Estates speed limit is a SLOW CRAWL.
KEEP NOISE LEVELS DOWN, especially at night. Gerlach’s town “quiet time” is 10 pm, by which time you too, may be exhausted from working your ass off and getting up so damn early.
• DRESS RESPECTFULLY AND APPROPRIATELY - Shirts for men and women are required at all times in town.
• Be a responsible and respectful community member.
• Do not take from or bother our neighbors.
NO DRAMA
Gossip spreads like wildfire in small towns. Keep this in mind when talking to folks so we’re not
spreading rumors about ourselves.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Put everything back in its place. Clean up after yourselves. The only trace we should leave in Gerlach is
the one where all the locals say, “Those Burning Man folks...They’re all right by me.”
46
DPW LIVING: THE GERLACH ESTATES
PROPERTY AND GUEST HOUSING OCCUPANCY RULES
You will be held responsible for any damages done to the trailer during your stay. Please report any damage
or malfunctions to the Estates Manager. Light bulbs, First Aid kits, trash bags, vacuum cleaners and other
cleaning supplies are available from the Gerlach Estates Manager. Laundry can be done at the Black Rock
Social Club, or at the laundromat at the Shell Station in town.
•
All visitors, guests and staff must be checked in with the Gerlach Estates Manager.
No guests may stay overnight
without permission from the Estates Manager.
Permission is rarely granted for more than a single night.
•
Trash is picked up Monday and Wednesday mornings.
Please set your trash outside for pick up.
If your trash is full, don’t wait for the Estates Manager to start a new bag.
Do it yourself.
• The speed limit on the property should be a slow crawl.
• Please park in an orderly fashion to accommodate all of the cars.
The week before moving onto the playa, the trailer park will be very full, so please be considerate.
Also, beware of scattered MOOP like nails and screws!
• All neighboring properties are private properties. Trespassing is prohibited.
• Please keep the noise down and be a good neighbor at all times.
10pm is generally considered “quiet time” as the town of Gerlach goes to bed early.
• Please be a conscientious and considerate roommate.
Living in such close quarters can be trying.
Do not enter anyone else’s trailer unless you are invited to do so.
• All furniture and fixtures are the property of Bruno’s Trailer Park and/or Black Rock City, LLC and should not be altered or removed from your Estates unit.
• No open fires.
• No storage of hazardous materials.
• Close all trailer windows when the unit is unoccupied. Dust storms & high winds are common.
• Be aware that the stream near the railroad tracks contains treated sewage water.
• You MUST be checked out of your trailer before moving to the playa, or leaving the area to return home.
This protects you against being charged for cleaning and damage that isn’t yours.
47
BLACK ROCK SOCIAL CLUB
hours of operation: Sunday thru Thursday are 5pm to 10pm
Friday and Saturday 5pm till 12pm or later per the House/ Shift Manager.
photo by KK PANDYA
The Black Rock Social Club and its grounds are provided for the convenience of all members in good standing of Burning Man.
Use of the Black Rock is a privilege, not a right. Respect the facility so that we may continue to enjoy it.
COMMUNICATION OF BLACK ROCK SOCIAL CLUB HOUSE RULES
Members are responsible for knowing, sharing, and adhering to these rules to remain a Burning Man
Crew member in good standing. The House Manager as well as the Shift Manager are responsible for the
representation of the rules and for enforcing the care, cleaning and closing procedures at the end of each
day’s activity. Infractions of these rules by any member will be presented to the House Manager for investigation and appropriate action will be taken.
SHIFT MANAGERS & CLOSING PROCEDURES
Shift Managers are responsible and required to keep the entire club clean and organized and should
enlist the membership to assist them. At the closing of each shift the Shift Manager will: clean/clear and
wipe down all surface areas - sweep/mop/vacuum all floors as needed - clean and restore all dishes, sinks
and shelves - empty and line all trash cans - restore all furniture and artifacts to their proper place - clean and
stock the bathrooms and kitchen - clean and restore all deck and yard areas - turn off all lights and appliances
and lock all doors. Re-opening of the BRSC will not be permitted until the closing procedures of the Shift
Manager have been completed in full.
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BLACK ROCK SOCIAL CLUB
BLACK ROCK SOCIAL CLUB HOUSE RULES
• No guest shall enter or remain in the Black Rock Social Club without the accompanied supervision of a
member in good standing. The member in good standing will be responsible for the conduct of their guest.
• Alcoholic beverages may not be served to or consumed by persons under the age of 21.
• No unsupervised minor dependents of any member will be permitted in or on any part of the property.
• Excessively loud, arrogant, and boisterous behavior will not be allowed.
• All members are required to assist in keeping the Black Rock Club and its facilities clean and in order.
Your full cooperation is expected. If you make a mess, or see a mess, clean it up!
• At all functions held in the Black Rock Saloon, the Shift Manager in charge of the function is responsible for requiring compliance with all Black Rock Rules, including staffing the door and all closing procedures.
• Defacing or any intentional destruction of any part of the building or any of its contents is strictly forbidden and grounds for eviction.
• All members are entitled to reasonable use of the ice machine during regular hours and should show consideration for other members by taking only the minimum needed. Be sure to use the ice scoop and keep yer dirty hands outta there!
• Pets are discouraged inside the Black Rock but permitted on the outside deck. All pets must be on a leash and under
supervision at all times.
• Please return all furniture to its proper place at the end of the night.
• Nothing may be removed from the clubhouse.
• Overnight storage of any personal items is not allowed.
DAMAGE AND REPAIRS
Members are requested to report faulty equipment, damages, or needed repairs to the House Manager,
Shift Manager or a Nevada Staff Member. The sooner we know about a problem the sooner we can get it
fixed.
Damages to the Black Rock, its outside property, or any furnishings must be paid for by the member
responsible. Again, any intentional destruction or defacing of any part of the building or any of its contents is
grounds for eviction. Respect the club, the furnishings and the property in general.
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HELEN’S HOUSE
photo by KK PANDYA
Use of Helen’s house can only be granted by an LLC member, or certain members of Senior Staff.
If you are given access, you are a guest. Please act accordingly and with respect! Shower, laundry,
kitchen, toilet, television, internet, and telephone facilities are now located in the Black Rock Social Club,
so use of Helen’s should be minimized.
•
•
•
•
Helen’s House is used for meetings throughout the day. Please respect the signs posted on the door.
Allowed use of Helen’s is restricted to business hours only (9AM-6PM)
No overnight sleeping at Helen’s House without prior authorization from an LLC Board Member.
The refrigerator in Helen’s House is not open for grazing, it is used by the office staff. If it’s not yours, please leave it be!
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BLACK ROCK STATION AKA “THE RANCH”
88 Jackson Lane, off County road 34, WASHOE COUNTY
NOTE: IF YOU NEED TO CALL 911 FROM THE RANCH BE SURE TO STATE THAT YOU ARE IN WASHOE COUNTY
Black Rock Station (BRS) is a PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTION FACILITY. All workers, DPW,
and guests will conduct themselves in a sane, sober, peaceful, professional, and safety-conscious manner
while respecting the property and adhering to the Ranch Rules at all times.
All tools, equipment, materials and resources at BRS are the property (or in the care) of Burning Man
and are to be used only with approval of the Ranch Manager, the Shop Steward or a Project Manager.
All tools and equipment are to be treated with care, cleaned, and returned to their proper holding space
upon completion of your task, or at the end of the work day, which ever comes first.
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BLACK ROCK STATION
• No overnight sleeping or camping on the Ranch without permission from the Ranch Manager.
Persons who are not members of the DPW or the Burning Man Staff may only stay on the ranch with
permission from a member of the Senior Staff, or a member of the LLC.
• Familiarize yourself with the Emergency & Safety plans as well as the locations of Emergency Equipment and First Aid Kits.
• Follow Safety Orientation Guidelines and report unsafe conditions to the Ranch Manager or Safety Coordinator.
• Speed limit is 15 mph on main roads, and 5 mph elsewhere, such as yard or shop areas. Stay on established roads only.
• All neighboring properties are private properties. Trespassing is prohibited.
• Orange gates and orange fence posts are generally considered to be “No Trespassing” signs. Please respect them.
• DO NOT use, alter, appropriate, or burn anything without the expressed approval of the Ranch Manager.
• The use of personal tools or vehicles is done at your own risk.
Burning Man will not reimburse you for loss, theft, or damage to your personal tools or vehicles.
• No illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or drug deals at BRS at any time.
• No drinking of alcohol on the Ranch before 5 PM under any circumstance whatsoever.
No drinking of alcohol while working or performing any official task. No Exceptions.
• No fighting, arguing, back stabbing or sniveling. Leave your drama at the gate!
• No children under 16 years of age shall go unsupervised.
• No open display or use of firearms at any time. Personal firearms must be safely locked and kept out of sight.
• Do not assume anything.
DOGS
Dog Owners must clean up their dog’s shit and keep their dog tethered in all common areas. ABSOLUTLY NO DOGS ALLOWED IN ANY
OF THE SHOPS OR COMMON WORK AREAS DURING CONSTRUCTION. Dogs must be under control of their owners at all times, tied up or
kept in a vehicle. Be sure your dog has water and shade.
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BLACK ROCK STATION
PERSONAL STORAGE
Personal storage is forbidden without the permission of the Ranch Manager and requires a Personal Use Agreement (PUA).
BRS FLEET VEHICLES
You must be on the Burning Man Driving Insurance to operate a Burning Man owned vehicle.
Fleet Vehicles are allotted a parking area and must be returned when finished or at the end of each day.
Fleet Vehicles are to be kept clean, free of debris, and cleared of trash at the end of each day.
Joyriding or any un-professional misuse of any vehicle at any time is absolutely forbidden and grounds for eviction.
All operators are to check and maintain fluid levels with each day of vehicle use and are to report any malfunctions or repair needs
to the Ranch Manager or the Auto Shop Manager without delay. If you experience a problem, stop the vehicle in a safe place and call
the problem in. Continued operation may cause permanent damage or put you and others in danger.
Tools are to be secured.
BRS WORK SHOPS
The Common Shop, Auto Shop, Metal Shop and all other work and storage areas are to be kept clean, organized and free of debris at
all times. Clean as you go.
BRS GATE AND RANCH HOUSES
Do not enter them without expressed permission by the Ranch Manager, Sign Shop Manager, or Safety Coordinator.
The phones in these residences are limited to use for Burning Man business needs only.
THE BATH HOUSE
Keep it clean at all times, folks. If you see a mess, clean it up. If you see someone making a mess, ask them to clean it up. If the
floor needs mopping, mop it. If the trash needs taking out, take it out. If the toilet needs cleaning, clean it. Any form of defacing or
destruction is grounds for eviction. Keep it clean.
TOOLS
All tools are provided for the use of sanctioned Burning Man projects and must be checked out and used with professional respect for
the tool and future users and with conscious regard to personal safety and the safety of others at all times. All tools must be returned
to the Shop Steward and/or their specific holding space upon completion of the task or at the end of the work day - which ever comes
first. If the tool is damaged or needs repair, please report problems immediately to ensure timely repair or replacement of the tool.
Tools are never to be left abandoned, left out of place, or assumed available for use without checkout.
MATERIALS
Scavenging for materials of any kind is forbidden. Use of any materials on the Ranch must be cleared by the Ranch Manager.
PAINT
All paint tools, brushes, sprayers, compressors and all plastic paint buckets are to be cleaned immediately after use and restored in
a proper organized manner to the paint shed. If you are unsure of the proper cleaning method (oil vs. water based paints), ask the
Shop Steward for assistance.
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DOOMTOWN: THE NEW DPW GHETTO
The DPW Ghetto is where most of us make our home on the Playa. Customer Service, the Ghetto’s House
Manager, will help place you in our camp site and can answer most Ghetto related questions. There’s water
there, and a bar, and a stage, and some couches in the shade... It’s home sweet home, and while you’re there,
remember that you’re sharing the space with the rest of your crew. Not everyone wants to listen to your idea
of “Awesome” Metal at 3am, and some of us have to fucking work in the morning. So be mindful of your
crew as you DJ, bartend, striptease or drunkenly argue your nights away.
One more thing: Don’t attack folks that wander into the Ghetto... They might be invited guests, former DPW
crew members from years past, or next year’s recruits. If they are brave enough to drop by, they might be ok.
Also, they might have booze.
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THE DPW DEPOT
photo by CAMERA GIRL
The Depot, located at the end of 5:30 in Black Rock City, serves as DPW’s main hub and Central Command
Center while on Playa. For the duration of on-site operations, the DPW Depot will be set up on the Black
Rock City site to assist you. Services offered at the Depot are:
• DPW ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
• DPW DISPATCH – Radio and battery checkout. Walkups are welcome 24/7
• DPW COMMON SHOP
• DPW WASTE AND RECYCLING MANAGEMENT
• DPW MANAGER STORAGE
• FLEET VEHICLE PARKING
• REQUESTS: POTABLE WATER, SANITATION, AND ELECTRICAL SERVICES
• RECEIVING AND STORAGE YARDS, including firewood, tools, and materials
• STAFF BATHROOMS AND SHOWER FACILITY
• Shaded work space with power (to be arranged with Depot staff)
• GOLF CART CHECKOUT AND MECHANIC DISPATCH
Once we move onto the Playa, our Morning Meetings will be held at the Depot.
The Depot is staffed 24 hours a day, with regular business hours from 8am until 7pm daily during the main
push of set up and event. Depot staff are out here to support you and solve problems... give ‘em a shout on
the radio.
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DPW DISPATCH OFFICE
“Alpha”
“Bravo”
“Charlie”
“Delta”
“Echo”
“Foxtrot”
“Golf”
“Hotel”
“India”
“Juliett”
“Kilo”
“Lima”
“Mike”
“November”
“Oscar”
Located at the Depot, DPW Dispatch monitors our radio traffic 24 hours a day and
can be contacted directly on radio Channel 1, as well as on Channel 4. These channels
work on repeaters which boost signal strength, allowing greater coverage from the
Ranch to Gerlach.
If you are in a place where you need to avoid most radio traffic, but still need to be
available on comm, tell Dispatch you are switching to Channel 1, so they know where
to find you.
As a courtesy, please turn your radio volume down while near Dispatch to avoid feedback broadcasted through the speakers (from both the radio and the dispatchers).
“Papa”
“Quebec”
“Romeo”
“Sierra”
“Tango”
“Uniform”
“Victor”
“Whiskey”
“X-Ray”
“Yankee”
“Zulu”
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RADIO CHANNELS
NEW FOR 2011: ALL TRAFFIC TO THE GERLACH OFFICE SHOULD TAKE PLACE ON CHANNEL 10.
ALSO NEW FOR 2011: THE DPW NETWORK CHANNELS ( LAST YEAR’S SITES 2, 3 AND 4) ARE ALL LINKED TO ALLOW FOR FEWER DEAD SPOTS
AND NO MORE GUESSING WHICH CHANNEL IS THE BEST TO BE ON.
.
DPW ZONE
1
1 DPW DISPATCH
2
2 DPW VENDORS
3
3 DPW NETWORK TA
4
4 DPW NETWORK
5
5 DPW WORK 5
6
6 DPW WORK 6
7
7 DPW WORK 7
8
8 DPW TALK
9
ESD 912
10
10 GERLACH OFFICE
11
11 TRAVEL
12
12 CS PLACE
13
13 GATE
14
14 HEAT OPERATIONS
15
15 HEAT CREW
16
16 DPW OFF DUTY
ORG 3 ZONE ( AKA “ THE TRUNKED CHANNELS” )
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
T MEDIA MECCA
T MEDIA 2
T XRT
T EVERYWHERE LN
T MEDIA TALK
T TECH DEPT
T DPW ON CALL
T DEPOT DIRECT
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
4 DPW NETWORK
T DUST ABATEMENT
T FUEL
T POWER
T HEAT REQUEST
14 HEAT OPERATIONS
15 HEAT CREW
T WATER/SANITATION
HEAVY MACHINERY (HEAT) HAVE ALL THREE OF THEIR CHANNELS IN THE ORG 3 ZONE FOR EASE OF USE.
DPW NETWORK IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN ORG 3 ZONE TO ALLOW TRUNKED RADIO USERS EASY ACCESS TO THAT CHANNEL.
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DPW RADIO PROTOCOL
COMMON RADIO TERMINOLOGY
•“AFFIRMATIVE” / “NEGATIVE”
Much easier to understand than Yes and No.
•“OVER”
Used at end of transmission to signify sender is ready for response
•“OUT” OR “CLEAR”
Signifies conversation is terminated and the channel is now clear
•“COPY”
Signifies that the message was understood
•“BREAK, BREAK”
Signifies possible emergency or urgent traffic. All other conversations should yield.
•“RADIO CHECK”
To test that your radio is working properly and everyone can hear you.
Responses may be “Loud and Clear”, “Check”, or “Scratchy reception”, etc.
•“KEYED MIC”
Alerts radio users to check their “talk” button because someone is accidentally pressing it and creating dead air.
Be aware of the “talk” button when you sit down, get in a truck, or place your radio under clothing or in bags.
•“10-9”
Signifies that the message was not understood and needs to be repeated clearly
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DPW RADIO PROTOCOL
RADIO ETIQUETTE
During the Event, assigned RADIO HANDLERS need to SIGN-ON and SIGN-OFF of both the DPW DISPATCH CHANNEL 1 and your normal
RESIDING CHANNEL # each day.
Even if you are on “24/7” please sign on everyday.
TO SIGN-ON
Switch to DISPATCH CHANNEL 1
Give your NAME (radio handle)
Give your GENERAL LOCATION (Ranch, Event-Site, Gerlach, etc.)
Give what CHANNEL you are going to be on (Site 4, for example.)
DISPATCH will acknowledge your radio pressence and channel.
Switch to RESIDING CHANNEL #
Give your NAME and state that you are “On Comm.”
EXAMPLE
RADIO ON...SWITCH TO CHANNEL 1...WAIT UNTIL CHANNEL IS CLEAR...TRANSMIT.
TRANSMISSION:
“Hazmatt on comm., in Gerlach Office, going to Channel 3.”
AWAIT ACKNOWLEDEMENT BY DISCPATCH...
TRANSMISSION RESPONSE:
“Copy that. Hazmatt in Gerlach Office on Channel 3.”
NO FURTHER RESPONSE NEEDED.
THEN...
SWITCH TO INTENDED CHANNEL (In this case, CH. 3)...TRANSMIT
TRANSMISSION:
“Hazmatt on Channel 3.”
TO SIGN-OFF
(Simply reverse the Sign -In process)
Sign-Off on your normal residing channel
Then with Sign-Off with Dispatch Channel 1
Wait 30 seconds on each channel before switching to another channel or turning your radio off. Someone may need to talk with you before
you go, so wait for acknowledgment from Dispatch before switching channels or turning your radio off!
There is an off duty chat channel, CHANNEL 15, you can hang out on for not-necessarily-work-related banter.
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DPW RADIO PROTOCOL
HOW TO INITIATE AND HOLD A RADIO CONVERSATION
Wait until traffic is clear, then call “[Desired Party, Desired Party] , [Your Radio Handle].”
To answer a call to you, simply respond “[Calling Party] , [Your Radio Handle] Go.”
It might sound like this if Big Daddy is trying to reach Ride That Pony:
EXAMPLE
TRANSMISSION:
“Ride That Pony, Ride That Pony, Big Daddy.”
GIVE ’EM A CHANCE TO ANSWER. REPEAT IF NECESSARY
TRANSMISSION RESPONSE
“Big Daddy, go for Ride That Pony.”
HOW TO TELL SOMEONE TO SWITCH TO ANOTHER CHANNEL
Use the phrase “Switch to [Desired Channel].”
When you have switched over, call “[Your Radio Handle] on [Channel].”
Proceed with conversation, and when done, don’t forget to switch back to your main channel!
EXAMPLE
TRANSMISSION
“...yeah Ride That Pony, could we continue this conversation on Channel 15?”
TRANSMISSION RESPONSE
“Copy that. Ride That Pony switching to 15.”
SWITCH TO DESIRED CHANNEL
TRANSMISSION
“Ride That Pony on 15.”
TRANSMISSION
“Big Daddy on 15.”
EXCHANGE DEAD RADIO BATTERIES FOR NEW ONES DAILY
Be in the daily habit of swapping out your old dead battery for a new live battery through the Dispatch Office at the DPW Depot.
Sometimes batteries go dead during radio conversations. After obtaining a live battery, sign on again with Dispatch on your residing
Channel so that we know you are back on comm.
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DPW RADIO PROTOCOL
USING THE RADIO IN AN EMERGENCY
This one is really important, folks, so if you are gonna memorize one page in this book, make it this one. If someone gets hurt, and you
need to call in a medical emergency, the protocol is quick and easy.
Get on the radio and call:
1.) “MEDIC. MEDIC. MEDIC.”
2.) Give the LOCATION and SITUATION.
That’s all the info that needs to go out over the radio. Don’t panic, don’t give out any names, and don’t call anyone else. Keep the radio
clear so that EMS can do their thing.
However, you may be in a radio situation where you need to BREAK INTO an existing conversation for Emergency Purposes...
EXAMPLE (if breaking into a conversation)
TRANSMISSION:
“Break, Break, for medical emergency ... MEDIC, MEDIC, MEDIC.”
Give the on-duty medic a chance to answer. Repeat transmission if necessary.
“Go for Medic.”
TRANSMISSION:
“Corner of Hope and 5:30...looks like a participant with a broken leg.”
“Copy that. Medic on the way.”
Please note that you want to use the term MEDIC in these situations, and not the name
of a medic you know. LONESTAR, for example, will answer to LONESTAR on the radio if you need to chat with him about a non-emergency,
but calling MEDIC will get the attention of all EMS personnel and DPW Incident Response Team on site.
... REMEMBER FOR EMERGENCY TRANSMISSIONS ...
“MEDIC.
MEDIC. MEDIC.”
LOCATION and SITUATION.
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DPW DRIVING PROTOCOLS & FLEET VEHICLE POLICY
USE OF FLEET VEHICLES
If you are issued a Fleet Vehicle, it is your responsibility. You are responsible for safe driving
behavior. If a Burning Man fleet vehicle that has been assigned out to you gets towed, a moving
violation, or a parking ticket then YOU are responsible for the fines and fees incurred. Damage to a
Burning Man fleet vehicle that has been signed out to you will be your responsibility. All accidents
must be reported to your supervisor and the fleet manager as soon as possible after the accident.
USE OF PERSONAL VEHICLES FOR BURNING MAN BUSINESS:
If your personal vehicle is ticketed for a moving violation or a parking ticket, or is towed while
conducting official Burning Man business, it will be your responsibility.
All accidents must be reported to your supervisor and the fleet manager as soon as possible after
the accident.
REMEMBER
While behind the wheel of a Burning Man vehicle, you REPRESENT Burning Man,
even if it’s your own vehicle with our stickers on it!
LOSS OF DRIVING PRIVILEGES
Violations to the DPW Driving Protocols and Vehicle Policy will not be tolerated. If you have
a pattern of accidents, tickets, tows, or violating driver safety guidelines while driving Burning Man
fleet vehicles (or your personal vehicle, while on official Burning Man business), then you may lose
your Fleet driving privileges as determined by your direct supervisor, the Fleet Manager, or the LLC.
Additionally, not reporting an accident that you were involved in while conducting official Burning Man
business or while using a Burning Man Fleet Vehicle is grounds for losing your driving privileges.
Please see your LLC member representative if you believe there are extenuating circumstances related
to an accident, tow, or ticket that you were involved in.
Please note that, in addition to this driving policy, you are also responsible for reading and following
the Fleet Vehicle Use Agreement.
GROUP INSURANCE
A DMV copy of your driving record and proof of current driver’s license must be presented in order for
you to be considered for driving a Burning Man owned or rented vehicle. You must be told your DMV record
has cleared before driving. If you drive a Burning Man owned or rented vehicle without permission, you may
lose your driving privileges, and in some cases you may be asked to leave.
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DPW DRIVING PROTOCOLS & FLEET VEHICLE POLICY
photo by SHOSHI SHINE
DRIVING DURING THE EVENT:
Driving during the event is allowed only while on-duty or on official business. Ranger, Perimeter, Emergency
Services, and DPW vehicles must have a “staff” driving sticker to be used for official purposes.
THINGS TO REMEMBER:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Driving is a privilege, not a right.
Reckless or unsafe driving will NOT be tolerated.
Do not drink and drive. BLM and Local Law Enforcement are vigilant about DUI pullovers on the playa.
Exiting or entering Black Rock City must always be accomplished by way of the front gate.
The use of other gates is acceptable only in urgent and emergency situations.
5 mph is the speed limit on the playa.
With all the craziness, 5mph is a manageable safe speed and keeps the dust down to a minimum.
DRIVING ON WET PLAYA
•
•
•
•
Whenever possible, avoid driving directly behind the water trucks when they water the roads.
Do not drive on the playa when it is raining, or when the playa is wet. If it starts to rain, stop driving.
ALL roads in Washoe County have soft shoulders. Drive accordingly! Don’t overcorrect!
If you are stuck out on the playa and can safely get to the train tracks on the South East side of the desert, flag down a train. They are eager to help folks in danger and are going slow through that stretch anyways due to the unmarked crossings.
VEHICLES STUCK ON THE TRAIN TRACKS
If you get stuck ON the tracks, and you can hear the train whistle ...GET THE HELL OUTTA THERE
WITH YOUR LIVES. Our resident expert Rail Road Mike says that if you can hear the whistle, you’ve got
somewhere between 20 seconds and 120 seconds before impact.
GOLF CARTS
Golf carts for official use are issued to some departments or crew members, along with a staff sticker.
Ranger golf carts with ambers and driving lights will be treated as patrol vehicles. Golf carts must be operated with regard to safety at all times, and must give the right of way to pedestrians, vehicles, and bicycles
during hours of darkness. Golf cart checkout is at the Depot. Check in with them regarding repairs. All
vehicles and golf carts on playa MUST have working head lights and tail lights.
63
DPW AUTO-SHOP SAYS “CHECK YER FLUIDS!!!”
You hear it every day...
“CHECK YER FLUIDS!”
photo by Ali
Ok, so you filled up the gas tank
and off you go, right? WRONG!!!
So what does it mean when those Auto
Shop grease monkeys are screaming
at you to check your fluids? Lucky
for you, we put together a handy little
cheat-sheet for your DAILY vehicle
inspection! Running through this list
every morning BEFORE you sit your
fanny in the driver’s seat should take
you no more than 3 to 5 minutes.
1.) CHECK FOR FLUID LEAKS. Look under the vehicle for any random fluid leaks out the bottom.
If its leaking, it means that you’re short on some sort of a fluid and need to replace it. Better figure out which fluid.
2.) CHECK THE OIL with the engine off, parked on level ground.
For some vehicles, checking multiple times a day is not a bad idea.
3.)
CHECK THE COOLANT.
THIS MUST BE DONE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS COLD!
Seriously folks, you do not want 3rd degree burns from coolant blowing up in your face.
DO NOT open your radiator after the vehicle has been running!
Be sure to check the levels in the coolant reservoir and the radiator.
4.) A no brainer— CHECK YOUR FUEL LEVEL.
Make sure you know if you need GASOLINE OR DIESEL. If you are not sure, ASK!!!
5.) CHECK YOUR TIRES. If any of them seem low on air, swing by the Auto Shop and we’ll be happy to fill you up.
6.) Every 2 or 3 days, give your vehicle a BLOW JOB by blowing out the air filter.
MAKE SURE YOUR VEHICLE HAS THE FOLLOWING:
• CURRENT REGISTRATION AND INSURANCE DOCUMENTATION
• FIRST AID KIT
• FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Notify the Auto Shop immediately if anything is missing.
Every fleet vehicle should be seen in the Auto Shop at least once a week for a quick once over. Be prepared
for humiliation at the Morning Meeting if you go 8 days without coming in for a visit!
If your department has multiple drivers operating one vehicle DO NOT assume someone else has already run
through this check-list. YOU are responsible for that vehicle when YOU are driving it so YOU should ensure
that it is fit to drive!
If you have ANY questions about your fleet vehicle, come see the Auto Shop gurus.
The only stupid question is one you didn’t ask!
REMEMBER: REPAIR IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON’T DO MAINTENACE! IGNORANCE IS NO EXCUSE!
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THE DPW PARADE AT BURNING MAN
The DPW Parade is our roll out celebration of all of our hard work and achievments in building Black Rock City.
65
Building, burning, leaving no trace.. It’s an amazing thing we do...a gift to the citizens of Black Rock.
66
Be proud of who you are— of who we are— and what the DPW as a workforce community represents.
67
..and we’ll keep on building..
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..and we’ll keep on burnin’..
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DPW PARADE: OUTRIDERS, DRIVERS, & RULES
Our customs may be strange to others, remember to be respectful to yourself and to others when you’re flippin’ them the bird.
Beacause we’re a super-sexy spectacle, expect that partcipants are going to take pictures, probably without asking permission first.
Get over it. It’s a Parade...at Burning Man.
DPW PARADE RULES:
• NO DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED
• NO FIGHTING
• NO STEALING
• NO INVADING CAMPS
Failure to follow the rules may force
a suspension from DPW.
The DPW OUTRIDERS (aka the REDSHIRTS) functions as the ground crew keeping the Parade line together, directing traffic guiding us
through tight spots, and making sure we have a clear path through the city. They’ll also be keeping BRC Participants at a safe distance, and
making sure they don’t end up onboard, in front of, or underneath our vehicles. The DPW Parade is a motorized chaotic affair, so try and
keep your head about you. Show the Parade Drivers and Outriders respect, they are staying sober so you don’t have to.
DPW OUTRIDERS Sober and Responsible until the Parade’s final destination point
If you are an Outrider, it means that you are signing on to be sober and attentive while the Parade is on.
It also means that you are most likely walking the whole of the Parade route, and acting essentially as Parade
security – keeping everyone where they are supposed to be, and – most importantly – out of harm’s way.
Bring extra water, eyeware protection, some sort of dust mask or bandanna, and be ready to keep the Black
Rock City participants from killing themselves on our parade.
DPW PARADE DRIVERS Designated Sober Drivers Only
You are responsible for safely escorting your obnoxious drunken “friends” in a motorized convoy
through the Burning Man event. It’s not an easy task, and can be exhausting. Drivers and Outriders are
heroes, taking one for the team by being in charge while the rest of the crew cut loose. People will crawl on
your vehicle. People will run in front of your vehicle. There will be running and screaming. It’s up to you to
keep the people in your vehicle safe.
If you choose to drive your own vehicle in the Parade, keep in mind that it will be filled with drinking,
smoking, screaming wayward adults, and that it may be shouted at, spit on, puked on, puked in, pissed on,
fucked in, beaten up, and/or otherwise generally fucked up by folks who really don’t mean any harm. If you
don’t want to deal with all that, keep your vehicle out of the parade.
DPW managers
Your behavior during the Parade should be within the boundaries of your behavior as a member of DPW,
and as a member of DPW Management. While we recognize that this is a celebration, and that there is a timehonored tradition of spending the Parade shouting and inebriated, Please keep in mind that the rules above
still apply to you, and that, as always, the crew will be following your example.
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DPW RULES & PROTOCOLS
RULE VIOLATIONS AND DPW PROBATIONARY STATUS
All DPW incidents and rules violations are handled on a case by case basis, and may result in a verbal
warning, a written warning, you being placed on probation, and/or your removal from the DPW Crew. Probation typically lasts for the duration of the work season, and must be reviewed before any return to regular
status is granted.
Status with DPW is “at will” for both parties, and is set at the discretion of the DPW Council.
Just because you were were here this year doesn’t guarantee that you will be able to return the
following year. If you want to check on your status for the coming year, contact the DPW Crewmaster,
and do so early so there are no surprises.
REMEMBER
This is a job, and we’re here to get the job done. If you break the rules, you may be asked to leave.
If you are asked to leave, you may not be invited back again. It’s that simple.
GENERAL RULES FOR ALL LOCATIONS
• BURNING MAN SUPPORTS COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS.
This means you should comport yourself, with regards to these laws, as you would in any municipality.
• ILLEGAL DRUGS AND ILLEGAL DRUG ACTIVITY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED ON THE PREMISES.
• NO DRINKING ALCOHOL BEFORE 5PM ON WORK DAYS.
• NO FIGHTING. It’s a one-way ticket out of here.
• NO OPEN DISPLAY OR USE OF FIREARMS AT ANY TIME.
Personal firearms must be safely locked and kept out of sight.
• NO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 16 YEARS OF AGE SHALL GO UNSUPERVISED.
• NO STORAGE OF PERSONAL ITEMS ALLOWED ON ANY BURNING MAN PROPERTY WITHOUT PERMISSION.
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In order to provide a pleasant working environment, it is important that Black Rock City endeavors
to maintain a workplace characterized by mutual respect. Sexual harassment is prohibited in our
workplace and cannot and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment is also prohibited by state and
federal law.
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination when it would not have occurred but for the
person’s gender. Sexual harassment consists of unwanted sexual advances.
EXAMPLES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT INCLUDE:
• Verbal or written sexually suggestive or obscene comments, jokes, or propositions
• Unwanted physical contact such as touching, grabbing or pinching
• Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures or magazines
• Conduct with sexual implications when such conduct interferes with the employee’s work performance or
creates an intimidating work environment
• Supervisors or managers explicitly or implicitly suggesting sex in return for a hiring, compensation, promotion,
or retention decision
• Suggesting or implying that failure to accept a request for a date or sex would adversely affect the employee in
respect to a performance evaluation or promotion
• Retaliation for reporting or threatening to report harassment
DISCIPLINE
Any employee found to have harassed another employee or applicant for employment will be subject to
reprimands, suspension or termination of employment. A person committing sexual harassment may also be
held legally liable for his or her actions under applicable law.
SEXUAL HARRASSMENT BY NON-EMPLOYEES
We will protect employees, to the fullest extent possible, from reported harassment by non-employees such
as from customers, vendors and other parties who have workplace contact with our employees.
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RESPONSIBILITY
Each manager is responsible for implementing this policy within his or her area of supervision. Employers are responsible for the conduct of supervisors and managers. Managers are liable for sexual harassment
between co-workers if they knew or should have known about it and took no steps to stop it. The existence
of a company grievance procedure alone does not automatically insulate employers from liability. Employers
should also take responsibility to take action against sexual harassment once they are aware it is occurring.
COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
If you believe that you have been unlawfully harassed, submit a written complaint to your own or any
other Black Rock City supervisor and/or the personnel administrator as soon as possible after the incident.
You will be asked to provide details of the incident or incidents, names of individuals involved and names
of any witnesses. Supervisors will refer all harassment complaints to the personnel administrator. Black Rock
City will immediately undertake an effective, thorough and objective investigation of the harassment allegations.
Black Rock City encourages all employees to report any incidents of harassment forbidden by this
policy immediately so that complaints can be quickly and fairly resolved. You also should be aware that
the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigates and prosecutes complaints of prohibited harassment in employment. If you think you have been harassed or that you have been retaliated against
for resisting or complaining, you may file a complaint with the appropriate agency.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION: 1-800-669-EEOC
EQUAL RIGHTS ADVOCATES: 1663 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103
Office: 415-621-0672
Staffed: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11am to 1 pm
For counseling, advice, legal advocacy, and referrals to pro-bono case lawyers.
24 hr Hotline: 415-621-0505
Discipline
If Black Rock City determines that unlawful harassment has occurred, effective remedial action will be
taken in accordance with the circumstances involved. Any employee determined by Black Rock City to be
responsible for unlawful harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to, and including
termination. A person committing sexual harassment may also be held legally liable for his or her actions
under applicable law. An organization representative will advise all parties concerned of the results of the
investigation. Black Rock City will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint and will not tolerate or
permit retaliation by management, employees or co-workers.
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BRC SAFETY POLICY STATEMENT
Over the years we have established a reputation for quality work completed safely. We are asking
for your help in maintaining a safe work environment and preventing accidents. Your suggestions for
improving the safety of our jobsites will be taken seriously. Please do not hesitate to report hazardous
working conditions or make a safety suggestion to your Foreman, Superintendent, or the General Manager.
Report all injuries to your foreman. First Aid kits are maintained on all job sites. We have designated
a clinic nearby for medical treatment if your injury requires treatment beyond First Aid. We request
your full cooperation with the accident investigation. The purpose of the investigation is to determine
the cause(s) of the accident so that we can prevent similar accidents in the future.
Wear appropriate personal protection equipment to protect you from injury or illness. Personal protective
equipment such as safety glasses, personal fall protection devices, and dust masks will be furnished where
appropriate or required. In addition, you are expected to report to work wearing appropriate work clothes.
Appropriate clothing includes sturdy shoes with leather uppers and non-slip sole and long pants.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available on the job site or in the office. You should read
the container label and the MSDS to familiarize yourself with the hazards of the materials you work
with and the precautions you should take to prevent an injury or illness. If you transfer a chemical from
the manufacture’s container into another, you must label the secondary container.
We will not tolerate the possession or use of drugs or alcohol on the job site. A construction site is
no place for you if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Tell your foreman if you are taking
a prescription or over-the-counter drug that may impair your reaction, perception, or balance. If you are
not completely sober, you are a safety risk to yourself and your coworkers.
Safety is as important to us as productivity and quality. Unsafe working habits or failure to follow
safety rules are grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the project. If you are
not sure of a procedure or how to operate a piece of equipment ask your foreman.
IF YOU CAN’T WORK SAFELY, YOU CAN’T WORK HERE.
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DPW CODE OF SAFE PRACTICES
All members of the DPW will follow these safe practice rules. Assist your Supervisor in maintaining a safe
operation and report all unsafe conditions and practices.
1. Anyone known to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed
on the job site.
2. No one will knowingly be permitted or required to work when their ability or
alertness is so impaired by fatigue, illness, or another cause that their condition
is likely to expose themselves or others to injury.
3.
Workers should ensure that all guards and other protective devices are in place
and correctly adjusted before operating equipment.
4.
Workers will not operate or attempt to adjust or repair defective equipment.
Report defective equipment to your Manager, Supervisor, or the Safety Coordinator.
5.
Horseplay is prohibited. Keep things safe, folks.
6.
When handling heavy loads, ask for help or use material handling devices to
prevent injuries.
7. Participants will not handle or tamper with any electrical equipment, machinery
or air/water lines in a manner not within the scope of their duties, unless trained
and authorized.
8.
Do not throw or drop materials, tools or other devices from buildings or structures
until you take adequate precautions to prevent injuries caused by falling objects.
9.
Only certified staff are authorized to operate a forklift, Bobcat or other machinery.
10.
All participants will conduct a safety inspection of scaffolding, ladders, scissor lifts
and booms before using them. Hazards will be reported to the Manager and
corrected prior to using this equipment.
11.
Good housekeeping will be practiced at all times.
12.
All participants will participate in tailgate safety meetings when a Manager elects
to conduct one.
13.
Participants will report all injuries and near misses immediately to your Manager.
14.
Foremen and Superintendents will insist that participants obey all rules and regulations necessary for the safe conduct of work and will take action to ensure compliance.
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SAFETY THIRD
“Safety Third” is a common joke you’ll hear out here. The reality is that we all take our work, and the circumstances we’re working in, pretty seriously. Accidents are extremely prevalent in this line of work and the
chances increase just that much more given the harsh working conditions. A small distraction or the coming
on of heat exhaustion can disrupt your focus. All it takes is a millisecond for everything to change. People do
get hurt out here. Watch yourselves! Don’t get hurt out here!
PLAYA SAFETY TIPS
• Stay sharp. A situation that does not necessarily seem dangerous can turn dangerous pretty quickly.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Look up and stay focused. Keep your eye on the ball.
• Be in touch with your body. Are you fatigued? Angry? Do you need a break?
• Know your limits. Don’t push yourself to the point of endangering yourself or others.
• Buddy up. You should always have someone working with you in the event of an emergency.
SAFETY USING POWER TOOLS
• Know your tool. If you are using a certain tool for the first time, tell your manager. We’ll have someone train you on it.
• Inspect the tool. Where is the guard? Safety? How does the cord look? Blades? What is the overall condition of the tool?
•
If anything seems unsafe or is broken, immediately return the tool to the Shop Steward and report the problem.
• Always, always wear protective glasses and clothing while using power tools.
USAGE OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT & MACHINERY
• You must be certified to operate heavy equipment. No exceptions. (ex. Hyster, Bobcat, Cherry Picker, Skytrak, crane, etc.)
• Certified operators and drivers must drive in a safe and responsible manner.
• Pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way out here. Don’t assume the operator can hear you or see you.
Make sure that you stay alert around vehicles and heavy equipment, and keep out of harm’s way.
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SAFETY THIRD
SAFETY MEASURES CHECKLIST
General Hazards to be aware of
• Make sure you are working within your ability
• The Classic: You leave something heavy and sharp on top of your ladder, like a drill, say. Then you move your ladder and your heavy object crashes down knocking you unconscious or scarring you for life. Don’t do that.
• Make sure your ladder is stable and safe before you go climbin’.
• Make sure to take your ladders down and move them out of the way when you are done... otherwise the wind might
take them down for you.
• Be mindful of tripping. No, not like that. Tripping over things on the ground. Cords and lumber and all sorts of other stuff can be all over a job site. Watch your feet.
• Watch the back swing of your hammer, and other people’s hammers, for that matter.
• Make sure that you are lifting things properly. Use your legs, not your back. If you don’t know how to lift something
properly (and not everyone does) ask your Manager to show you.
• Watch out for moving or swinging lumber. Watch out for others when you are moving or swinging lumber.
• Loose clothing or jewelry can get caught on anything. Keep yourself in check, there.
• Heat exhaustion - again, stay aware of your body. The heat takes it out of all of us. If you need a break, say so.
• It’s easy to be distracted by what you did last night or what you are doing tonight or what’s going on with those naked people over there. STAY ON TARGET, don’t rush things, and you’ll get your job done.
• Rusty nails and sharp metal tend to be everywhere we are. Mind that tetanus.
• Scorpions and snakes live out on the ranch, and they like shady places, like under tarps or vehicles or lumber.
While you are being mindful of everything else on this list, always remember that evolution is still going
on, and nature is still sending animals to kill you.
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SAFETY THIRD
Do not use any tool or equipment without first being properly trained on that tool or equipment.
WHEN USING A SKILSAW OR CHOPSAW
• Be careful where you put your hands
• Watch for kickback
• Always allow the blade to come to a full rest
• Be careful when pulling the guard lock
WHEN USING A TABLE SAW
Pay attention to everything in the section above, plus:
• Use extra caution when cross cutting and when using the push stick
• Don’t EVER reach over the table saw
WHEN USING DRILLS
• Use a firm grip
• Check for electrical wiring before drilling into walls
WHEN USING NAIL GUNS
• Keep it pointed away from yourself, and away from everybody else
• Keep your finger off the trigger there, cowboy
• Again, be careful where you put your hands
WHEN USING TRUCKS OR HEAVY EQUIPMENT
• Make sure you are stone sober
• No riders on the hood, the back, or the sides
• Watch your clearance
• Always be careful when you are backing up
• Make sure you have a ground crew for large equipment
• As always, be careful when dealing with the fuel and batteries
For all jobs, make sure you are using Personal Protection Equipment.
Earplugs, eye protection, gloves, hard hats, dust masks are all available.
And when yer done paintin’, drillin’, and nailin’, fer fuck’s sake, LEAVE NO TRACE!!!
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HEAT STROKE AND HEAT EXHAUSTION
photo by JAR
HEAT EXHAUSTION IS CAUSED BY DEHYDRATION, A LACK OF ELECTROLYTES, AND/OR HEAVY ACTIVITY IN A HOT ENVIRONMENT.
THE SYMPTOMS:
•IRRITABILITY* • DIZZINESS • MUSCLE CRAMPS • NAUSEA • RAPID HEART RATE
• PALE SKIN • SHAKINESS OR TREMBLING • DRY MOUTH
• CONFUSION AND POOR DECISION-MAKING**
Be aware that people don’t always realize they’re experiencing heat exhaustion. If you suspect someone has heat exhaustion:
• Alert a Supervisor.
• Get the person out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned location.
• Lay the person down and elevate the feet slightly.
• Have the person loosen or remove their clothing.
• Have the person drink cool water, not iced, or a sports drink containing electrolytes.
• As always, be careful when dealing with the fuel and batteries
• Cool the person by spraying him/her with cool water and fanning and/or dousing head and neck with cool water
via wet t-shirt or towel (again, don’t use ice, as this can do more harm than good).
• Monitor the person carefully. Heat Exhaustion can quickly become Heatstroke.
If fainting, confusion, or seizures occur, or if the person has a fever (especially one greater than 104º F), call for emergency medical assistance from the EMT staff. Remember to use the “Medic, Medic, Medic.” Radio Call Sign Protocol!
*not to be confused with regular DPW irritability
**not to be mistaken for regular DPW confusion and poor decision-making
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LOST AND STRANDED: 10 SURVIVAL COMMANDMENTS
1. HOLD ON TO A SURVIVAL ATTITUDE
Your most valuable asset in any life-threatening situation is a positive mental attitude.
2. STAY WHERE YOU ARE AND STAY CALM
If you are driving a vehicle, remain with it. Relocate only to reach safety and water.
3. MOVE ONLY WHEN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY AND ONLY AT NIGHT
If your position is unendurable, change your location during the cooler night hours.
Move only when you know you can get there safely by doing the following:
• Leave a clear trail with notes and directional signs. Give your name, day, time, direction and reason you are going.
• Proceed in a specific direction. Change your line of movement only after you have left a sign or marker.
• Go slowly and carefully and beware of overexertion.
4. CONSERVE YOUR SWEAT, NOT YOUR WATER
• Rest by day. Work on shelter and signals during cool of evening/morning.
• DRINK as often as you need water. Rub your body with urine and other liquids to keep cool.
5. PROTECT YOUR BODY FROM THE SUN AND HEAT
• Keep your clothes on. Loosen them, but do not remove them.
• Keep your shoes and headgear on. Keep your head shaded with a hat or cloth covering.
• Relax in deep shade, keeping your eyes protected from glare. If in the open, use anything available to make shade.
6. MAKE A NOISE WHEN YOU HEAR OR SEE OTHERS NEARBY
• Signal by any means at hand. Use a shaving mirror to reflect the sun. Wave a brightly colored item.
• Make marks in the sand or lay out rocks large enough to be seen from air: SOS or HELP.
• Start A FIRE: use SMOKE in the daytime and FLAME at night.
• Get involved in your rescue but conserve your body water.
7. DON’T EAT ANYTHING
• All food is water demanding. Water is drawn out of your system to process, digest and eliminate what you eat.
• No salt or salt tabs, they will dehydrate you.
8. KEEP YOUR MOUTH CLOSED
• Breathe through your nose to minimize evaporative water loss.
9. THINK LIKE A SEARCHER
•Do the things that will make it easier for your rescuers to find you:
• Have a goal in mind and go in one direction with care. AVOID INJURY.
10.USE YOUR HEAD, NOT YOUR SWEAT; DRINK THE WATER YOU HAVE
• Drink what you have as you need it. Do not ration water! Keep your head together. Focus and breathe.
• Discipline is essential to survival.
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DPW DOG POLICY
DOGS AT DPW
You may have noticed that there are some dogs about, and you may be wondering if you can bring your dog
out too. The simple answer is PROBABLY NOT, but if you’d like more info, read on!
Dogs are very rarely added to DPW, and when they are they are approved on a case by case basis. We have a
very strict policy when it comes to having animals out here, and approval requires both your manager’s approval, and a Nevada Ops team member’s approval.
If you are interested in applying, contact the DPW Crew Master.
CRITERIA TO APPLY:
• Staff member in good standing (no verbal or written warnings on file)
• Length of time on playa creates a hardship – if folks are only going to be out there for 10 days there’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to find accommodations for their pets. One month is the minimum length of work for consideration of approved animal status.
• Animal in good standing (no past problems on playa or during work weekends or at other Burning Man locations or events)
• Seasoned staff member (first year staff are not eligible to apply for animal permit).
• Appropriate housing exists for animal.
• Length of relationship between owner and dog will be taken into consideration.
• Other criteria that appear on the Application for Permit are considered before approval is made.
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EXCERPT: “THE WAY IT IS” GUIDE
LOAD OUT FROM GERLACH ESTATES:
Once the Perimeter Fence build is complete, we move to the Playa from Gerlach in stages. We’re all anxious
to get out there, but please follow the schedule as the safety of many depends on each one of us.
DRIVING:
The 12 Mile entrance will be used for transpo from Black Rock Station to BRC. The only other vehicles to
use the 12 Mile entrance are water trucks and poop trucks. All other staff should be using the 8 mile entrance.
When the fence is finished the opening at Greeters will serve as perimeter control until the Gate is fully
operational.
All driving rules and regulations will stay in place even past the event close. Though the density of the city
is gone, camping is more exposed and therefore there are greater driving hazards. Caution is necessary at all
times. Please be mindful of your speed and the dust you create during the day, and keep to 5 MPH at night.
LAMINATES
Laminates will be issued on an as-needed basis for staff who need to enter and exit the event on a frequent
basis. Not all DPW will receive staff laminates. A laminate does not entitle you to free coffee or ice.
Laminates and IN/OUT passes are the only acceptable forms of passes for staff to enter or leave the event
site. Use of business cards for this purpose is not allowed. Staff vehicles entering the city may be searched.
STAFF CAMPING SPACE/LAND GRABBING
Volunteers may not slip in early, mark off real estate for camp mates and slip out again. Any unoccupied land
found marked off prior to the official opening of the event will be liberated and ignored. Staff members who
arrive early may hold only land they occupy for incoming campers. If you need assistance on where to camp,
placers will be onsite as early as the DPW is.
CONTINGENCY AND EMERGENCY PLANS
Senior Staff and Board members are responsible for informing DPW Dispatch that Contingency or Emergency plans have been activated. Everyone should listen for and follow all instructions from Dispatch and BMIR.
RAIN
If it rains during the event, please do not drive your vehicle, and discourage others from doing so. Driving
on wet playa tears up the road unnecessarily, and might get ya stuck.
In the event of extraordinary rainfall, DPW may be called upon to help citizens of Black Rock City. Follow
instructions from BRC, ESD, and LLC leaders.
DUST STORMS
Participants and staff are asked to stay put in the event of a dust storm. During the event we encourage people to tune to BMIR (Burning Man Information Radio) at 94.5. Post-event dust storms are not uncommon,
during which we encourage staff to not move vehicles and to sit tight. The same applies for rainy weather,
and when the playa is wet: NO driving on the playa! Follow all direction from DPW Dispatch.
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THE WAY IT IS
DEPARTMENT OF MUTANT VEHICLES
Pre-registration of mutant vehicles (art cars) at Burning Man is mandatory.
Burning Man defines a Mutant Vehicle as any motorized conveyance that has been creatively, permanently,
radically, and safely modified from its standard configuration in a well-executed manner. All Burning Man
staff vehicles will be identified via a DMV staff sticker and/or door decal. Staff vehicles will be allowed to
drive at the event as long as they are following all regulations. Staff vehicles that are also Mutant Vehicles
will only be issued staff stickers during the event to mitigate the need to give rides to others during the event.
Souvenir Mutant Vehicle licensing stickers will be distributed to staff vehicle owners/drivers post event based
upon availability. Vehicles not abiding by Black Rock City community standards will be impounded and or
disabled for the duration of the event.
CAMERAS AT BURNING MAN
Images, still or moving, taken before, during, and after Burning Man (during set up or site restoration) may
not be used for commercial purposes without the permission of Burning Man. Cameras capturing moving
images need to sign a personal use agreement available at Playa Info.
FIRE
Burn only your own art! All fires should be contained by a burn barrel, burn platform, or burn blanket - nothing should burn on the open ground. Aerial flares and fireworks are not allowed at the event and are illegal in
Nevada. Law enforcement loves to ticket for fireworks violations.
BIKES
Lights at night are encouraged. Locks are useful. Bikes that look abandoned should be left in place until the
Monday after the event, at which time they will be brought to Playa Info so we can try and unite them with
their owners. Staff members are not necessarily entitled to free post-event abandoned bikes. Bike mechanics
are worshiped and, if working in BRC, are automatically part of the Bike Guild. Check in at Center Camp
for more info. Playa Info knows the location of the Bike Guild.
SOUND
When sound becomes an issue, neighbors should solve the problem by directly communicating with one
another. If things escalate, the Rangers will be brought in.
AT THE CAFÉ
You can bring your own mug to the café. There will be no trashcans at the café, only the “shish-cup-bobs” to
skewer used paper cups.
EXODUS
Food donations will be taken during Exodus. There will be one DPW-managed food intake location. Freelance food-intake will not be allowed. We are discouraging donations of water as the take down crew can’t
consume it all, and the resulting containers are difficult to store and manage.
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DPW FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS
JOHN CURLEY
NEIL GIRLING
Curley has been photographing DPW and
the building of Black Rock City since 2008. He
works for Burning Man, and his photos are part
of the organization’s archives. His photos are
meant to provide a lasting glimpse of who you
are and what you do for the Burning Man community. He’s on our side, and he has a website
where you can download photos for free. Of
course, if you don’t want any photos of yourself
in there, just let him know. You have veto rights.
Neil Girling, aka Mr. Nightshade, following a tip from Slim, chanced
upon shooting the DPW group photo in 2008 at Mike Garlington’s request, and then came along for the ride -- and shot throughout -- that year’s
barely-seen whiteout-beset DPW Parade. The photos remain some of his
favorites of all time. He has returned each year to pay his respects and tip
a hat to our incredibly talented and hard-working DPW crew, and shooting
the group and parade are the highlight of his burn.
Nightshade is a photographer and writer covering the San Francisco Bay
Area underground. He designs electronics and writes software when not
holding a camera, and enjoys precision operation of high-powered firearms.
He is honored to give his work to the DPW.
MIKE GARLINGTON
‘I had been transformed to another time and place, not one of this earth.
I felt an immediate kinship to these people... the fiercely proud Black Rock
City Department of Public Works, and an interest to capture their portraits in
all of their glory.
For four years I have documented the DPW and in the process have joined
their ranks to become one of them. I have physically worked harder than I
ever have before, met some of my best friends, and learned some invaluable
skills. I feel that this story is only in its infancy and I plan to be here to watch
it grow.’
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END CREDITS
YER’ DOIN’ IT WRONG
photo by BUBBLEGIQUE
The Official 2011 DPW Handbook
SOLD OUT EDITION
Forged by Dominic “D.A.” Tinio and Logan “Cobra Commander” Mirto
Chief Editor - Cobra
Edits by DA, Playground, and OMG
Content by Cobra, DA, the DPW Council of Darkness, and all the folks that contributed to the DPW handbooks before this one.
Design and Layout by DA
Photo Contributors:
John Curley, Mike Garlington, Neil Girling
Additional Photos by:
AlI, Bubblegique, D.A., K.K. Pandya, Camera Girl, Ghost Dancer, Phoenix Firestarter, Stabby, Will Roger
Cover Photo Courtesy of Neil Girling
DPW Handbook 2012 Submissions?
send to [email protected]
Subject: DPW Handbook 2012
Thank you Black Rock City Department of Public Works.
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IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM MOORE
An artist of sorts, William Moore never ever went to Burning Man and was a bit of a recluse. Obscure as
he was, his artistic impact has been felt by you and me, from Black Rock City throughout the world over, and
has inspired countless imitations within the Burning Man community...
William Moore designed the original Black Rock City Department of Public Works emblem. Much more
than just a mere logo, the DPW emblem has grown into a respected standard, symbolic of our workforce, our
pride, and our commitment to building, burning, and leaving without a trace.
William Moore, we never knew you, but we love your work, and wear it proudly.
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