Stilts can be used for various purposes: as a prop in entertainment, as a tool to enable other types of work to be achieved and as part of a hobby or recreation. Stilts are used widely in many countries for the purpose of entertainment. Stilt walkers perform their skills in parades, festivals, street events and at corporate functions. Drywall or Dura stilts are designed to allow the stilt walker to stand still or to walk. They were originally designed for people to work at an elevated height during drywall or plasterboard construction, painting and other such activities. Drywall stilts are heavier than peg stilts and are usually mostly made of aluminium. The design means they are safer for walking but often means they are less versatile than peg stilts in use.

There are various factors to ensure safety on stilts while wearing them:

DO€¦
€ Inspect stilts thoroughly before use, making sure that construction is free from damage and hazards, that there is no excessive wear at the connection points, and that all bolts are tight. Special attention should be given to the entire strut tube assemblies and wing bolts in this respect.
€ Walk only on suitable hard surface which is level.
€ Be cautious when working around low profile furniture, fixtures, pipes, etc.
€ Fasten the upper leg strap first when putting on stilts.
€ Disconnect upper leg straps last when removing stilts.
€ Replace any damaged or excessively worn stilt components before use.
€ Remove stilts to adjust them unless assisted by another person.
€ Remove stilts when moving up and down stairs.
€ Cover any floor openings.
€ Get help when retrieving objects from the floor. If no one is around remove them completely.
€ Keep all straps tightly fastened and secured.
€ Take short steps, making sure that the stilts are raised well clear of the floor with each step.
€ Walk forward only, making a "U" turn to change direction.
€ Adjust Stilts whenever necessary to ensure it is safe.
€ Always watch where you are walking.

DON'T€¦
€ Wear stilts without having the proper instruction.
€ Wear stilts that are uncomfortable or not adjusted properly.
€ Wear stilts without having first inspected them for obvious hazards.
€ Wear stilts that have clearly been misused damaged or modified.
€ Walk on slippery surfaces.
€ Work around uncovered floor openings, stairwells, etc.
€ Work in or around loose items e.g. wires, cords, material etc.
€ Carry heavy loads while walking on stilts. The Stilts have a load limit!
€ Run or walk fast on stilts.
€ Pick up objects which are lower than foot level.
€ Wear stilts that are taller than necessary.
€ Lean over desks, files, boxes, or other objects while on stilts.
€ Be irresponsible on stilts.
€ Take steps so large that the action springs fall out. This can cause serious Injury.
€ Modify this product in anyway.
€ Wear stilts while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
€ Walk on secondary scaffolding, benches, planks etc.

For more varieties of stilts and safety tips visit - http://www.allstilts.com