OddSocks Posted June 24, 2016 Share Posted June 24, 2016 Hi, Looking to get some aluminum trussing for temporary lights / sound setups. To try and do this in as correct a manner as possible would like to go on a course to make sure that I am doing things correctly. Does anyone have any experience of courses in the NE near Newcastle? Also approximately how often do items like these need testing? Thanks Guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Lewis Posted June 24, 2016 Share Posted June 24, 2016 How much and what sort of truss are you considering? Will it be free standing or suspended? What sort of events and what sized venues are you working at? Although all systems and structures need to be safe, there's quite a difference between putting 4m truss between two supports and flying a complex structure from a dozen motors... When there is a lifting operation involved ( as part of employment or self employment) then PUWER and LOLOER apply (amongst other regulations). Lifting equipment requires inspection every year* and lifting accessories or equipment used to lift people every six months* (* subject to certain caveats). Total Training have courses in Bolton, Heightec in Kendel, I'm not aware of ones in Newcastle - but others might know... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OddSocks Posted June 24, 2016 Author Share Posted June 24, 2016 Hi, Thanks for taking the time to reply. Looking at free standing. Probably on tower lifts, or using truss as uprights. I thought that it might be an annual inspection, as thats what we used to have for lifting equipment when I was in engineering. Not really sure of size yet as it is more to be used at a number of different events. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ontoprigger Posted June 25, 2016 Share Posted June 25, 2016 I would start with looking at what the intended use will be, the span and the loads to be applied before choosing a truss as they all have different capabilities and costs. If you are looking for a free standing one, it may be best to look at a couple of stands with ladder section as that will be the simplest to put up and relatively light to transport as long as it meets with what you want to put on it. A free standing truss will need base plates, ballast and possibly braces or Guy Lines depending on the height and will require more equipment to assemble it which impacts on transport if its to be moved between venues. Truss dose not require load testing but a regular inspection by a competent person, but contrary to above the regulations actually allow the period for lifting equipment to be specified by the owner or employer and could be every 2 years if that was seen to be suitable, but they have to be able to explain why that was the route they went if ever they were up in court after an incident, an annual through inspection is normal but as with any rigging equipment it should be inspected prior to each use for any damage and to determine its fit for use. If you use towers that are fixed then they require a basic inspection rather than testing compared to towers that are able to lift the truss to height with a built in hand winch, although 70% of the people who use this type of system rarely have them inspected or tested and I guess are totally unaware of the regulations in place. a number of companies provide training and I can highly recommend total solutions especially as they are a truss manufacturer and can tailor it to you specific needs. I am not sure if you need to go on a rigging course as such, its good to get training but most of the courses are rigging based and about the practical and theory in hanging points, motors height safety etc with trussing being a very small part of the training. You would probably benefit from approaching whoever you purchase the truss from and asking them to supply specific training to the product. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitlane Posted June 27, 2016 Share Posted June 27, 2016 This short guide from the HSE is worth a look. (Link to a PDF) Whilst it is true to say that an examination scheme could be drawn up by a competent person that provided for less frequent inspection than the normal 12 months, I would be suprised if anyone would do so given the temporary and unpredictable nature of the way you will be using the equipment. Strictly speaking, you must have lifting equipment thoroughly examined after assembly and before use at each location for equipment that requires assembly or installation before use. Have you given any thought to the Manual Handling Risk Assessment that will be required? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Lewis Posted June 30, 2016 Share Posted June 30, 2016 What will help considerably is finding an inspection service that specialises in Entertainment Rigging. That our industry takes a "kit of parts" approach to lifting systems and that truss does not have specific WLL stamped on it comes as a surprise to many "general purpose" lifting equipment inspectors. This has led to some difficult discussions and threats of inspection failures! Pete Smith Inspections is a good example of the type of firm who understands what is normal for entertainment rigging. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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