Safety

Expert Inspections

Stage technology must be safe. Performers and staff work on stage under suspended loads, which places high demands on all components. Manufacturers and operators are required to have their systems inspected and certified by a certified expert, and to conduct recurring inspections.

We provide inspection and evaluation services for stage technology systems. These services are performed by our staff member, Sascha Theißen, Dipl.-Ing. (FH), a certified expert (scope of authorization AB1) for the inspection of mechanical work equipment according to §36 of the DGUV Regulation 17/18.

Our services include preliminary, construction, and acceptance inspections, as well as recurring and extraordinary inspections (inspections after special events). We also provide the preparation of technical reports and expert opinions, for example, to bring existing systems up to current technical standards in compliance with the German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health.

Here you can find a detailed description of the scope of our services.

Necessity of Expert Inspections

The German Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) requires that work equipment may only be used once the employer has determined that its use is safe according to the current state of the art.

This means that the equipment must comply with current technical standards and be safe for its intended use.

Work equipment whose safety depends on installation conditions must be inspected by a qualified person before first use (commissioning). Recurring inspections during operation are also required. For this purpose, the employer may delegate the inspection responsibility to third parties.

Who Conducts the Inspections?

The BetrSichV generally requires inspections to be carried out by certified inspectors. For the inspection of mechanical work equipment in event technology, the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) requires inspections to be performed by authorized experts. The specific authorization process is conducted by the Administrative Professional Association (VBG).

What Does the Authorized Expert Inspect?

The primary responsibility of the authorized expert is to determine whether the work equipment is in a safe condition and whether it complies with current technical standards. Relevant inspection references include, in addition to the BetrSichV, DGUV Regulation 17/18, DGUV Principle 315-390, and the equipment-specific state of the art.

Work equipment in event technology subject to inspection includes, in addition to mechanical work equipment and safety devices of the upper and lower machinery (fly systems, overhead rigging, iron curtain, portal systems, lift systems, turntables and revolving stages, stage wagons, and personnel lifts), also performance-specific systems and set constructions. These can include special flying rigs, vehicles, or other devices used to transport people or suspend loads above people during performances.

Scope of Inspections

Inspections cover the correct installation of equipment, compliance with design and execution documents, safe operation, verification of safety devices, and timely identification of wear or damage. Various load tests using test weights are also conducted during inspections.

The BetrSichV also defines intervals for recurring inspections. Extensions beyond these prescribed intervals are generally not permitted.

Inspections include the following areas:

• Preliminary, construction, and acceptance inspections of new systems
• Recurring inspections of existing systems
• Inspections following extraordinary events or reportable modifications
• Inspections during touring operations

The types of inspections an expert may perform depend on their authorized scope. AB1 authorizes the full scope described above, while AB2 covers acceptance and recurring inspections.

Scope of Our Expert Services

Renovations / Modernizations

• We support you in assessing the condition of your systems—even outside of the legally required inspection intervals—primarily to determine whether the equipment still complies with current technical standards.
• If the system no longer meets the state of the art, we address the following questions:
  • Can the system be upgraded to comply with current technical standards?
  • If the system cannot be brought up to standard, we work with you to develop interim measures to safely operate the equipment until a full renovation is carried out.
• We assist you in preparing technically sound reports to register requirements and initiate renovation or modernization with the responsible authority.

New Installations

• If new stage technology systems are planned for transporting performers during performances, safe operation must be demonstrated through preliminary, construction, and acceptance inspections.
• We are happy to support you—if needed, even for individual inspection steps, for example, if an expert is already engaged for the acceptance inspection.

Recurring Inspections

• We help you create clear inspection plans for your entire system.
• We assess the general condition of the equipment, check for wear, and test safety devices to ensure safe use between inspections.
• Recurring inspections are carried out with the necessary thoroughness and flexibility, even during ongoing performances.
• We verify whether system documentation is complete.

Extraordinary Inspections

• If your existing system has been modified, we objectively evaluate whether the change requires an inspection.
• If it constitutes a significant modification, we determine the necessary scope of inspection to ensure it is conducted accurately while minimizing effort.
• We also inspect systems after special events, such as accidents, failures, or extended periods of non-use, to ensure continued safe operation.

Inspections of Set Constructions

• We support the safe realization of complex stage set projects.
• We assist in developing safe constructions.
• We inspect the completed construction prior to acceptance to verify correct implementation.
• We inspect the construction before initial commissioning to ensure safe operation.

Inspections During Touring Operations

• Planning to take inspectable set pieces or machinery on tour? We develop specialized inspection concepts that allow you to perform required checks before rehearsals and performances, saving costs and simplifying logistics at each venue.