Event Safety Insights Issue One | Fall 2016 | Page 45

Do you think that having your rig weighed independently should be mandatory ? We took a lot of chances over the years in our industry and we did work off the estimates etc as the technology was not available , and we got away with it . However , we now have the technology , and there should be no excuses for not providing the correct information , especially when peoples ’ lives are at risk . It is hard enough on the road with the hours we work , and the fact we are away from home and family , it ’ s important that we send every individual that comes to work each day back home in one piece .
Does it make the show safer ? It absolutely makes the show safer . If the show is overweight , it is the responsibility of us to ensure we hang only what is approved by the engineers , and not what the artist expects . I feel some Production Managers are scared they may lose their job if they don ’ t get everything in each day . A Production Manager should stand firm with everyone on safety .
How has using the service affected your decision making on tour equipment ( Cells and Motors )? Well , I never spec motors unless there is a certain application that requires a specific motor . Most vendors use standard equipment . Once we have the system weighed with cells , I return them , but usually keep enough for the Video wall , as I feel the weight distribution needs to be monitored on that if it is extremely large which nowadays is the norm .
How has the report assisted you when arriving and liaising with future show venues ? I forward the report along with the rigging plot in DWG so it can be overlaid on the roof , plus a PDF of it for general reference . It is a great tool as it allows the house rigger or engineer to calculate exactly where and how everything should be hung .
Is it worth the money ? If you take the cost of the service and spread across a tour of any size , it works out at very little in the long term . Therefore , I would say it is worth every penny as it sends you on the road with confidence about what your show truly weighs .

Everything under control ...

GIGS STAGE BARRIERS
OUT / IN CORNERS ‣ ‣ MULTI CORE ACCESS GATES
EMERGENCY GATES �
VARIO CORNERS
GIGS SECURITY GATES

… with GIGS barrier systems from eps

We provide a variety of rental equipment and services for concerts , festivals and events held to only the highest safety standards .
Find out what eps can do for you . Get in touch !
North America Los Angeles , Chicago , New York america @ eps . net
South America Rio de Janeiro , São Paolo brasil @ eps . net
Australia Melbourne , Sydney , Brisbane , Adelaide , Perth australia @ eps . net
Europe Cologne , Munich , Berlin , Udine , Copenhagen , Winterthur , Wrocław europe @ eps . net
Learn more about us : www . eps . net