The ABTT (the Association of British Theatre Technicians) has embraced the issue and will launch its draft for consultation of its Code of Safe Practice when Working at Height at the ABTT Theatre Show in June. Chairman of the ABTT's Safety Committee, David Adams explains: "Whilst designers can achieve much to reduce the need to work at height by careful planning, nevertheless there remain occasions, such as focussing luminaires, when it is essential in our industry to work at height and this cannot be avoided. Therefore our code of practice is designed to outline ways of achieving safe practice. Assessing the risks of the task and selecting the most appropriate method of access can assure maximum safety. Training is essential. Access equipment must be maintained and serviced in line with the manufacturer's instructions and the frequency of its use. The ABTT welcomes the new Regulations which are long overdue and which should cause no significant problems for the well-run venue."
If the need to work at height cannot be eliminated, a secure means of access is essential. The HSE emphasises that the use of a harness should always be a last resort as harnesses present their own safety hazards. One solution currently being introduced to theatres nationwide is theFrench-manufactured mobile access platform - the ESCA 2000. Distributed exclusively by ESCA 2000 UK Ltd, headed by Steve Jefferies, the key to its success lies in its unique triangular footprint and its ability to be moved safely by the operator whilst working at height.
The ESCA 2000 achieves stability by virtue of its 4-point contact with the floor whilst the rigger's working platform is well within the footprint of the base. It promotes safe working and allows the platform, which will withstand weights up to 250kg, to be positioned directly under or adjacent to the job to be carried out. This negates the need for any unsafe over-reaching - a key issueraised in the HSE's new Regulations.
The Tallescope, offered in the UK by Manchester-based Aluminium Access Products, provides an enormously flexible platform for all theatre, college and arts centres. Providing a valuable asset to any venue where working at heights is a prerequisite; they are predominantly deployed by lighting technicians. Tallescopes on the stage area and can be configured to allow safe access up to 10m.
London based theatrical chandlers, Flint Hire and Supply, will showcase the German-manufactured Zarges Skymaster ladder at ABTT 2005. Whilst ladders may often be considered very unsafe, the Zarges Skymaster conforms to the EN131 industrial safety standards and boasts the strength and support that ensures stability up to seven metres in height whilst carrying up to 150kg load. Approaching a sell-out position, this year's ABTT Show promises to be the most exciting yet, with a host of new product launches dedicated to providing advanced solutions for contemporary theatre applications.
(Lee Baldock)
