The long-awaited Work at Heights in Theatre Code of Practice has been launched at this year’s ABTT Theatre Show, 16-17 June 2010, London.
The 92-page publication is a compilation of the manufacturers’ instructions and experience, written by Safety professionals, drawn from all parts of the theatre industry.
“We wanted a concise document that gives good advice on the best type of access equipment to use in a theatre, given the constraints that some venues bring,” said Andrew De Rosa, ABTT CEO.
“Working at heights is dangerous. All the way through the book we emphasise that formal training by qualified instructors is required and that equipment that looks easy to use can seriously injure you, and others, if used improperly”.
The publication is in 7 sections and after a general introduction, deals with Powered Access Equipment, Access Towers, Tallescopes, Ladders, Step Ladders and Wire Rope Ladders.
“There is a clear hierarchy of choice of equipment, starting with don’t do it, if possible, and concluding with the more riskier methods clearly laid out in our Codes of Practice,” continued De Rosa.
Of great interest is the section on moving a Tallescope with a person in the cage.
“This has been and continues to be a contentious issue,” said De Rosa. “Together with the manufacturers, Aluminium Access Products, the ABTT has drawn upon the scientific study of the Tallescope, to come up with the limited circumstances when moving the device with a person in the cage can be recommended. I should add that there are severe caveats on when that can be done and it must not be attempted without formal training and inspection of the equipment.”
Mark White, ABTT Chairman said, “This Work at Heights in Theatre publication has come about as a result of need within the UK theatre industry. It sets out the risks, the risk assessments and the practicalities of selecting currently available equipment. I am particularly pleased with the co-operation shown by the manufacturers of the equipment and look forward to working with the regulatory bodies on further editions of this book”.
The Code of Practice is available to purchase via the ABTT website: www.abtt.org.uk/publications, priced at £15.00 per copy.
