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European Code of Practice Announcement
25th 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 �" BS7905 �" BGV-C1 etc.
The document can be purchased from CEN secretary www.cen.eu
If you have any queries please don�t hesitate to call me directly.
Best regards
Nick Barnfield
Technical Director
ShowQuip Ltd
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Andrew Gibson
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re: European Code of Practice Announcement
3rd Nov 2010
Firstly I would like to thank Mr Barnfield for his thought provoking letter. I agree that adoptions of codes such as CWA 15902 will lead to less problems both with globally touring productions coming to our shores and when local companies look to purchase (in this case) rigging products that they can be sure that products that have been designed for the European market will also comply in New Zealand.
In my opinion the line in chapter 7 "an adequate and correct risk analysis is made" is paramount and key stake holders need to have the ability to assess this (i.e. the production company, rigging contractors, and the venue).
Inspection and maintenance of rigging equipment such as truss, hoists, accessories, and even stands is also a key aspect in managing the risk of an overhead rig. All reputable brands of rigging equipment outline appropriate measures to be taken (and I believe the CWA 15902 also covers this).
Lastly, if after the risk analysis a redundant suspension system is prudent: it should be assembled of components, attached to, and installed in such away to safely withstand the forces potentially generated.
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Dominic Halpin
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Rigging Standards and Qualifications
6th Jul 2011
Hi,
I just wanted to get some discussion started around the topic of Rigging Qualifications and where we go from the discussion that was had at the ETNZ Conference in Auckland recently.
We talked at length about creating our own set of rigging qualifications which I think has merit. However, something not discussed in great detail was the option of adopting or following the Australian standards for rigging practice.
To me and other technicians I have spoken to it makes sense to have a qualification that is interchangeable, or at the least recognised in Australia and New Zealand. Many technicians work in both Australia and New Zealand or choose to move to Australia and I think that adopting or adapting their training standards may be of value to us.
I understand the high costs involved with the Australian courses. These tend to range from AU$1000.00 - AU$1500.00 per course and I believe there are four levels to attain, each increasing in difficulty and expertise.
A rigging standard should be cost effective however, I feel that cost should not be the primary focus of how we tailor the possible standards we hope to introduce in New Zealand.
I hope that this post can generate some discussion around this topic as I feel it is a vital and significant step in the right direction for both ETNZ and the industry as a whole.
I look forward to hearing some of your views.
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Andrew Gibson
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re: European Code of Practice Announcement
7th Jul 2011
Hi Dominic,
Thank you for your contribution above. I too like the idea of a qualification that is internationally recognised. Indeed, the tutor on the rigging course I undertook lamented having to get British, American, and Australian rigging tickets to tour internationally.
My understanding is that the Australian course is a construction industry certificate with some providers offering an entertainment lean to it. Please correct me if I have this wrong. It was on learning this that I starting looking at what was available in New Zealand.
My reasons for favouring a New Zealand specific course is that it would fit the NZQA framework which means that candidates can cross reference units to other courses (e.g. first aid certificates). This also means that candidates have the ability to easily transfer to other rigging disciplines (for example erecting wind turbines, or demolition). This gives options for freelance riggers when entertainment work is quiet.
The other advantage for a New Zealand developed programme is that it takes into account all relevant New Zealand legislation. This should make things such as getting insurance easier as well as give venues piece of mind.
Adopting an international qualification is not without merit however. Being able to freely work in Australia (or the UK if we adopt the PLASA Rigging Certificate)is attractive. At the International Rigging Conference last year PLASA set out an ideal that every country would adopt the same qualification (namely theirs). Issues highlighted at this conference was meeting local regulatory requirements and also the method of evaluating the candidate. I believe Nick Barnfield was looking into being able to offer the PLASA certificate in New Zealand but conceded at the conference that this is likely to be some time away.
I feel, at this stage, that using the current New Zealand rigging certificate structure is the best starting point with the development of a couple of papers (or adapting ones in existence) to be orientated towards the entertainment industry. In the longer term we look to get the qualification considered equivalent to that of other countries (e.g. Australia and further a field).
I look forward to hearing peoples thoughts.
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Dominic Halpin
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Training Option in Australia
11th Jul 2011
Hi Andrew,
Here is the training option offered in Australia that I have looked at.
http://www.showtechtraining.com.au/epages/showtech.sf
Thanks,
Dominic
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