ESTA E1.4-1 PDF

General

This standard applies to permanently installed, manually operated counterweight systems of stage rigging hardware for the raising, lowering, and suspension of scenery, lighting, and similar loads. The systems illustrated in the Figures section describe common arrangements of systems used over performance areas.

System Variations

This standard applies to variations of manual counterweight rigging, including rope and sandbag systems.

Building Structures

This standard applies to rigging hardware and basic functional requirements only, and not to the structure from which it is supported. While not part of this standard, building structural capacity for the intended loads shall be considered in the design and application of rigging systems.

Annex note references

This document uses annex notes to provide additional reference information about certain specific section requirements, concepts, or intent. Subject matter with a corresponding annex note reference is identified by the asterisk (*) symbol, and the associated reference text is found in the Annex A section, identified with the referring text section number, e.g. an Annex Note to section 3.2 will be identified in the annex section as A.3.2.

Exclusions

Performer Flying

This standard does not apply to performer flying, or to raising or lowering people. Those systems shall comply with ANSI E1.43-2016

Powered Rigging

Powered rigging equipment shall conform to the requirements of ANSI E1.6-1, -2, -3, and -4 as applicable to the specific powered rigging equipment and application.

Manually operated hoists

Manually operated hoist systems shall conform to the requirements of ANSI E1.4-3 – 2020.

Intent

The purpose of this standard is to establish minimum performance requirements for manual counterweight rigging systems. This standard establishes a basis for reasonable standards of care, for safety and for general welfare with the intent to minimize hazards associated with Manual Counterweight Rigging Systems.

Alternative designs

This standard is not intended to prevent alternative designs, materials, or technology. Alternative designs, materials or technology shall comply with the intent of this standard, as deemed applicable by a qualified person.