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European Code of Practice Announcement
21st Oct 2010
European Code of Practice Announcement
21st January 2009
The European Institute for Standardisation CEN has recently published the CWA15902 Code of Practice for the Entertainment Industry.
The document consists of two sections CWA 15902-1 covering Lifting and Load bearing equipment and the CWA15902-2 for structural elements.
The CWA15902-1 refers to harmonised European Standards as well as to the Machine Directive where applicable.
It makes a clear differentiation between requirements for static and dynamic over head suspended loads.
It is the first code that approaches static applications from a realistic point of view. It takes into account that rigging with the use of standard chain hoists is a serious profession with almost 30 years of experience and a tradition in safety awareness.
Chapter 7 specifically addresses the use of standard D8 (chain) hoist as commonly used in most of the traditional cases of over-head rigging, provided:
- an adequate and correct risk analysis is made
- the area below the hoists is secured while hoist are operating - up or down
- hoist is not loaded for more than 50% of its rated capacity to ensure a 1:8 safety factor
- once in place, power must be disconnected to avoid unauthorized movements
- brake is designed to cope with 200% overload
- at least 3 chain links are form-locked in the load wheel, meaning the wheel should have minimum 5 pockets (5.5.4)
- coils of springs shall not become twisted within each other, leading to a shortening of the spring in case of breakage (5.5.5.1)
As a consequence traditional hot issues should not be any longer a point of discussion, provided there are no prevailing local restrictions.
- double brake is not compulsory
- redundant safety rigging is not required
- clutch in gear train is allowed
Since European standards are the basis of the document specific requirements at chain hoist component level, for example chapter 5.4 and 5.5.5.1, may cause difficulties for some non European brands with compliance of these essential points.
This code is the first small but important step for the entertainment industry to reach for a harmonised European EN standard. For this reason the New Zealand & Australian entertainment industry should adopt the code as soon as possible and encourage and eventually require consultants, specifiers and local authorities to use this new document instead of existing or local ones. Branch organisations should promote the document wherever possible.
For dynamic applications the document may be considered as equivalent to the established codes and standards DIN 56950 ā" BS7905 ā" BGV-C1 etc.
The document can be purchased from CEN secretary www.cen.eu
If you have any queries please donāt hesitate to call me directly.
Best regards
Nick Barnfield
Technical Director
ShowQuip Ltd
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