I am pretty happy with the level of safety in my theatre. Why do I need an external inspection?

External inspectors see many different installations and concentrate on keeping up to date with safety requirements Your own staff are naturally focussed on delivering performances. An external inspector will often see problems not noticed by your own staff because they are not aware that requirements or best practice have changed, or they are so familiar with the hazard that they do not notice it. An accredited inspection shows that you are exercising due diligence in ensuring that your theatre is safe.

Why is it important to use an accredited inspection body?

The activities of inspection bodies accredited to ISO 17020 are audited annually by UK Accreditation service UKAS. This ensures that they provide the highest possible standards and meet the requirements of the international standard for inspection bodies ISO 17020. At present CCQS is the only UK inspection body with a specific accreditation to inspect theatre machinery.

Is theatre machinery covered by CE marking and in particular Machinery Directive?

Equipment used for lifting performers during performances is excluded from the scope of Machinery Directive, because the requirements of performance often mean that a higher level of risk than would be expected in industrial equipment can be expected. The higher level of risk is mitigated by performer skill and very frequent inspections. All other machinery in theatres such as hoists, lifting platforms, powered access equipment and mechanised sets are within the scope of Machinery Directive and in theory require a CE marking. In practice it may not be practicable for mechanised sets for short term performance to be put through the full CE marking process, but it is very important that safety aspects are considered.

Are theatre staff covered by any special legislation?

Theatre Technical and supporting staff who are not performers, are persons at work and the same standards and workplace laws apply to them as any other persons at work. A theatre is considered a workplace and the Health and Safety at Work Act covers employees, volunteers and visitors. Theatres may also be subject to local authority requirements.

Do I need third party certification for any of my equipment?

The only equipment for which third party certification by a Machinery Directive Notified Body is required would be equipment used for lifting people who are not performers with a risk of falling more than 3m. This could include backstage access equipment, lighting gantries etc.

Is it necessary for an external organisation to make my LOLER inspections?

Any competent person in your own organisation or an outside organisation can make your LOLER inspections. Advantages of using an external organisation include:- - They see many different installations so have a better idea what is generally accepted current best practice - Internal inspectors may miss important problems “because it has always been done like that” - External inspectors have LOLER inspections as their main activity, so they are very aware of current best practice and the latest developments. Even if you make your own LOLER inspections it may be useful to have an external review of an inspection and your LOLER documentation to check that it meets current best practice.

How do the British standards for stage equipment BS 7905 and BS 7906 relate to CE marking and EN standards?

Conformity with the requirements of standards is not mandatory, but they provide a recognised way of achieving best practice. BS standards do not give an automatic presumption of conformity with the essential health and safety requirements of the Machinery Directive in the way that harmonised EN standards do, but in the absence of EN standards specific to stage equipment they provide good guidance about what is acceptable. Other EU countries may have different National Standards, for example in Germany there is DIN56950 for Entertainment Technology Machinery Installations. Many generic EN B type standards are relevant to aspects of theatre equipment, but consideration needs to be given to the unusual conditions in the theatre environment, compared to an industrial environment.

Why are risk assessments important?

A well performed risk assessment should identify hazards, the levels of risk which they pose and identify measures used to mitigate those risks and any remaining residual risks. Levels of risk should be quantified to enable you to make decisions about whether any safety improvements are required and how you can get the best cost/benefit ratio. Risk assessment is not a one off process, assessment may need to be repeated until higher risks can be reduced to acceptable levels. Regular review of risk assessments may identify new hazards and risk. Risk assessments are particularly important for new or modified installation and equipment.

CCQS UK Ltd

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