Washington State Convention & Trade Center (WSCTC) has implemented a rigging installation and inspection program, effective October 1, 2009. The program stipulates that any rigging, either ground support or aerial, which falls within specified categories must be installed by an ETCP-certified rigger. In addition, rigging supervisors, who must be ETCP-certified, are required to submit inspection and approval documentation to the WSCTC of all rigging installations.
Ed Barnes, WSCTC vice president of operations, notes, “We began the process to certify all riggers working in our facility for the safety of the center’s guests and everyone working behind the scenes. Having rigging installed by ETCP-certified personnel provides the most reliable and efficient way for us to verify the level of knowledge and training of workers doing this critical job.”
Certified riggers may be employed from service contractors authorized by the event license holder or secured from labor organizations which are signatories to the WSCTC Labor Council Agreement. All service providers and labor organizations must submit their employees’ ETCP Rigging Certification documentation to the WSCTC Director of Operations, and WSCTC will maintain an approved list of ETCP Certified riggers.
Information regarding ETCP certification can be found on the ETCP section of the ESTA website. Questions regarding the ETCP requirements can be directed to the Ed Barnes at (206) 694-5040.
The ETCP Council members are key leaders drawn from entertainment business, labor, facilities, associations, and academia representing the diversity of the entertainment industry. Membership includes AMPTP, BASE Entertainment, Broadway Across America, The Broadway League, Cirque du Soleil/MGM MIRAGE, CITT, Disney Theatrical Productions, ESTA, IAAM, IATSE, InfoComm, The League, Live Nation, PRG, NBC Universal, SHAPE, TEA, and USITT. ETCP is an ESTA initiative created to promote industry safety.