The last thing you want to do is wait for someone to get hurt to find out why your rigging is malfunctioning! Did you know that you are legally required to have your theatrical rigging (including your curtains) inspected every year? Here are eight reasons why:
All of your theatrical and entertainment rigging systems must have annual inspections to maintain warranties and meet the code of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), International Building Code (IBC), and American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
The annual inspections should include the fire safety curtain, the manual counterweight rigging systems, powered hoist systems, and rigging systems.
Because an OSHA statute requires inspections, if a crew member or actor is injured due to faulty rigging, your organization could be held liable.
When rigging equipment becomes worn out, it can stop working correctly or be more likely to fall. In worst-case scenarios, someone could be struck and severely injured.
Fire curtains serve a critical purpose – they provide a barrier between the stage and auditorium to prevent the heat, smoke, and blaze from harming the audience while the auditorium is evacuated. A faulty, absent, or non-fire-retardant fire safety curtain can have deadly consequences.
In addition, excessive dust on dimmers or other electrical equipment can cause equipment to overheat, ultimately causing a tragic fire.
Professional inspectors know exactly what to look for and how to find potential hazards such as worn ropes, inadequately lubricated components, and frayed wires. They also make recommendations for preventative maintenance, repairs, or replacements.
Loose wires or cables running across a stage can create tripping hazards for actors, staff, and crew.
Heavy rigging structures installed by untrained professionals may not include adequate support, which can cause the rigging to fall or the ceiling to collapse.
As the owner or manager of any type of entertainment venue, keeping your audience engaged is undoubtedly the most important aspect of your mission. But identifying and correcting hazards before accidents happen is just as – if not more – important! Annual inspections will keep everyone safe, from your behind-the-scenes staff and stage performers to your audience.
Our thorough rigging inspection includes a free dimmer check. If any repairs are necessary, we can handle that, too!
“In our business, it’s critical we have the right supplier partnerships to deliver the level of quality our clients expect, and that’s why we trust Port Lighting,” said a recent client. “They are as steadfastly dedicated to the details—and our client’s wishes—as we are.”
Book your rigging inspection today!