The entertainment industry, a realm of dazzling spectacles and intricate technical setups, necessitates rigorous safety standards to protect performers, crew, and audiences. A network of national and European organisations continuously develops and refines guidelines and regulations to address the unique challenges of this dynamic sector. This article offers a more detailed exploration of the key documents and standards shaping the safety landscape in the entertainment industry.

European Standards – CEN/TC 433

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has established Technical Committee 433 (CEN/TC 433) to develop harmonised safety standards specifically for the entertainment technology industry. This committee is further divided into several working groups (WG), each focusing on a specific area.

WG1 – Machinery (Led by BSI – Cristiano Giavedoni) – Ensuring Machinery Safety

This working group concentrates on the safety aspects of machinery used in entertainment productions.

  • EN 17206 (2020)- General Safety Guidelines for Entertainment Machinery Design 1 : This foundational standard provides safety guidelines for the design of machinery used in the entertainment industry. It addresses fundamental principles of risk assessment, hazard identification, and safety requirements for various types of equipment. This standard has been under continuous review and has undergone significant revisions to stay current with industry best practices and technological advancements. Key changes present in the soon to be published prEN 17206-1:2025 include refined parameters for load limiters in hoists (addressing concerns about complete nullification in with EN 14492-2), revised calculations for dynamic loads in mechanical design, and the integration of guidelines from UNE 311001 and other safety standards for manual flying systems. It also clarifies the use of safety devices as locking devices and streamlines the classification of machinery use cases. The standard includes a crucial annex detailing the parameters manufacturers must provide to users for each machine model. Finally, it clarifies the definitions of ELL (Entertaiment Load Limit), WLL (Working Load Limit), and SWL (Safe Working Load), aligning with definitions from WG4.
  • EN 17206-2 (2023) – Safety Requirements for Lifting Tower Design 2: This standard focuses on the specific safety requirements for the design and construction of lifting towers, commonly used to elevate lighting, sound equipment, and scenery. It addresses stability, load-bearing capacity, and safety mechanisms specific to these structures. A revision is planned to follow the publication of the new EN 17206-1, ensuring consistency and alignment between related standards.

 

 

  • EN 17206-3 (First Draft submitted) – Safety Guidelines for UAS/Drone Design for Events 3: This upcoming standard will provide essential safety guidelines for the design of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones used in entertainment events, including motorised helium balloons. It will cover critical aspects like flight control systems, payload limitations, and operational procedures. Notably, it will address the unique challenges of indoor drone operation, the complexities of flying loads with people in the hazard zone, and the specialised requirements for performer flights.
  • EN 17206-4 4 (In development) – Safety Guidelines for Projection Screen Machine Design: This standard will address the safety considerations for the design of projection screen machines, often referred to as rolldrops. It will cover mechanisms for raising and lowering screens, ensuring safe deployment and preventing accidental falls. It builds upon the German DIN 56950-4 standard and is currently in the process of being developed into a European norm.
  • EN 17206-5 (Planned / Scheduled) – Safety Guidelines for Harness and Accessory Design for Performer Flying 5: This standard will focus on the safety aspects of harnesses and accessories used for performer flying, a critical element in many theatrical and aerial performances. It will address design requirements for these specialised pieces of equipment, ensuring they can safely support performers during complex aerial manoeuvres. It is planned to move from WG2 to WG1.
  • Future work for WG1 includes a document specifically addressing the safety of machinery used for fire safety curtains, fire barriers, and dividing doors, drawing upon existing standards like OENORM M 9630-4 and DIN SPEC 56951.

WG2 – Equipment/Materials (Led by DIN – Matthias Müller) – Ensuring Equipment and Material Safety

This working group focuses on the safety of equipment and materials used in the entertainment industry.

  • EN 17115 (2018) – Specifications for Steel and Aluminum Truss Design and Manufacture 6 : This standard specifies requirements for the design and manufacture of steel and aluminum trusses, the backbone of many stage structures. It covers load-bearing capacity, material properties, and manufacturing processes, ensuring the structural integrity of these essential components. Recently, it was confirmed that this document will remain unchanged for another five years.
  • EN 17736 (2023) – Specifications for Aluminum Stage Deck Design and Manufacture7: This standard details the requirements for the design and manufacture of aluminum stage decks, providing a standardised approach to constructing safe and stable performance surfaces. It addresses factors like load capacity, surface finish, and connection mechanisms.
  • WI No. 00433008 (In development) – Specifications for Lifting and Suspension Accessory Design and Manufacture8: This standard will address the design and manufacture of lifting and suspension accessories used above people. It focuses on accessories that are subject to the Machinery Directive but lack specific design standards. Examples include clamps, spacers, and PA bars, ensuring that these critical components are designed and manufactured to appropriate safety standards.

Future work for WG2 includes documents covering safety cables for suspended loads, load assumptions and safe working loads, technical ceilings and grids, and fastening elements for lighting and stage equipment.

 

WG3 – Definitions (Initially AFNOR) – Establishing Clear Terminology

This working group is currently inactive but is intended to establish clear and consistent definitions for terms used in entertainment technology standards. This is crucial for avoiding ambiguity and ensuring that all stakeholders have a shared understanding of the terminology used in safety regulations.

WG4 – Codes of Practice (Led by UNE – Iñaki Mintegui) – Guiding Safe Practices

This working group develops codes of practice that provide practical guidance on how to implement the safety standards in real-world scenarios.

  • EN 17795-5 (2023) – Code of Practice for Lifting Operations 9: This standard offers a comprehensive code of practice for lifting operations in the entertainment industry. It covers all aspects of lifting, from planning and risk assessment to execution and post-operation checks. It emphasises the importance of a detailed work plan, clearly defined responsibilities, and well-trained personnel.
  • EN 17795-3 (Draft) – Code of Practice for the Movement of People 10: This document, currently in draft form, will provide a code of practice for the movement of people within the context of entertainment events. It draws upon best practices and guidelines from various organisations, including ANSI, BSI, DIN, and UNE, to create a comprehensive guide for safely managing crowd movement and performer safety. 

Future work for WG4 includes developing further codes of practice for:

  • General guidelines for entertainment industry safety (EN 17795-1).
  • The use of load-carrying equipment (EN 17795-2).
  • The use of load-bearing equipment (EN 17795-3, potentially renumbered as EN 17795-6).
  • The use of temporary demountable structures, such as ground support systems (EN 17795-4).
  • The use of lifting accessories, like shackles and slings (EN 17795-7).

 

Conclusion

The development and ongoing refinement of these standards reflect a strong commitment to enhancing safety within the dynamic and often complex world of entertainment production.  These standards are not static documents; they are living resources that evolve in response to technological advancements, emerging best practices, and a growing understanding of potential hazards.  The collaborative nature of this process, involving experts from national and international organizations, ensures that these standards represent the collective wisdom and experience of the industry.

By adhering to these meticulously crafted guidelines, entertainment industry professionals – from riggers and stagehands to designers and production managers – can significantly minimise risks and create safer working environments for everyone involved.  This translates to not only protecting performers, crew, and audiences from potential accidents but also fostering a culture of safety consciousness throughout the industry.  Furthermore, these standards provide a framework for training and education, ensuring that professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement safe practices.

The ongoing work of CEN/TC 433 and national bodies is crucial for keeping pace with the rapid pace of innovation in the entertainment industry. As new technologies emerge and existing practices evolve, these organizations play a vital role in anticipating potential safety challenges and developing appropriate solutions.  This proactive approach is essential for ensuring that safety remains a top priority, even as the industry continues to push the boundaries of creativity and technical achievement.  Ultimately, the continued development and implementation of robust safety standards are fundamental to creating a sustainable and responsible entertainment industry, one where creativity and innovation can flourish without compromising the well-being of those who bring the magic to life.  The collaborative spirit and dedication to continuous improvement within these standardization bodies are essential for ensuring a future where entertainment is not only captivating but also demonstrably safe.

 

References

1. EN 17206:2020+AC:2021 – Entertainment technology – Machinery for stages and other production areas – Safety requirements and inspections ↩

2. EN 17206-2:2023 – Entertainment technology – Machinery for stages and other production areas – Part 2: Safety requirements for stands and truss lifts of stands ↩

3. prEN 17206-3:2025 – Entertainment technology – Machinery for stages and other production areas – Part 3: Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for stages and other production areas – Safety requirements and inspections ↩

4. WI 00433010 – Entertainment technology – Machinery for stages and other production areas – Part 4: Safety requirements for serially manufactured projection screens ↩

5. PWi – Entertainment technology – Machinery for stages and other production areas – Part 5: Safe Design and Testing — Performer Flying Equipment ↩

6. EN 17115:2018 – Entertainment technology – Specifications for design and manufacture of aluminium and steel trusses ↩

7. EN 17736:2022 – Entertainment technology – Specifications for design and manufacture of aluminium stage decks and frames ↩

8. PWi 00433008 – Entertainment Technology – Specifications for design and manufacture of accessories for lifting and holding loads above persons ↩

9. EN 17795-5:2023 – Entertainment technology – Codes of Practice – Part 5: Lifting and motion operations in the event industry ↩

10. PWi 00433007 – Entertainment Technology – Codes of Practice – Part 3: Performer Flying operations ↩