On Wednesday, April 13, 2005, two draft rigging standards were posted on the ESTA website for public review. BSR E1.4, Entertainment Technology—Manual Counterweight Rigging Systems and BSR E1.21, Entertainment Technology - Temporary Ground-Supported Overhead Structures Used to Cover the Stage Areas and Support Equipment in the Production of Outdoor Entertainment Events, will be available on the ESTA website until the end of the day, midnight GMT, on 28 June 2005. They can be accessed by clicking here.
BSR E1.4: Entertainment Technology—Manual Counterweight Rigging Systems describes the design and construction of manually powered counterweight rigging systems. The primary purpose of the standard is to enhance the safety of these systems, which are used widely in theatres throughout the world to support and move scenery and lighting equipment. The draft standard does not cover motorized systems, systems for flying performers, or systems used for moving materials during building construction.
BSR E1.21: Entertainment Technology - Temporary Ground-Supported Overhead Structures Used to Cover the Stage Areas and Support Equipment in the Production of Outdoor Entertainment Events establishes a minimum level of design and performance parameters for the design, manufacturing, use, and maintenance of temporary ground-supported overhead structures used to cover the stage areas and support equipment in the production of outdoor entertainment events. The structures within the scope of this standard are ones in which the structural elements are rigid towers, trusses, and space frames. Membrane structures and other structures in which the majority of the structural elements under tension are made of flexible elements such as cable are not included in the scope of this standard. This document offers guidance to ensure the strength and structural reliability of these structures and does not address fire safety and safe egress issues.
The complete public review packet for each of these draft standards consists of the draft document and a public review response form. An additional review instructions document tells the reviewer how to fill out the form, reminds him of some general things to look for, and also reminds him that membership in ESTA's working groups is open to all who are affected by the work of the group. There is also an explanatory document, which tells reviewers what comments were offered in the last public review and how they were addressed.
For more information contact Karl G. Ruling.