ESTA Publishes Rigging System Inspection Standard

Rigging system inspections are recommended as a component of theatrical workplace safety programs, but there are currently no industry-accepted guidelines for inspection frequency, who conducts the inspection, how the inspection is conducted, and what should be included in reports. The lack of industry-accepted guidelines exists both for owner-conducted and third-party inspections.

In 2012, ESTA began working on a standard for rigging system inspections. ANSI E1.47 - 2017, Entertainment Technology -- Recommended Guidelines for Entertainment Rigging System Inspections, is now approved as an American National Standard and available for free download at tsp.esta.org/freestandards, courtesy of ProSight Specialty Insurance. It offers guidance on inspecting entertainment rigging system -- which are systems used to lift and support scenery, luminaires, and other equipment overhead in entertainment venues, such as theatres, video/film studios, amphitheatres, and arenas used for live performances or special events -- including recommended inspector qualifications and responsibilities, scope and frequency of inspections, content of the rigging inspection report, and related information concerning the inspection process. The standard may be of use to rigging system inspectors, rigging system owners, stagehands and performers, insurance companies, and occupational health and safety authorities.

For more information on ESTA's Technical Standards Program, including joining a working group, commenting on a draft standard in public review, or to request that a new standard be developed by one of the working groups, please visit the URL below.