The entertainment rigging automation landscape is experiencing a profound transformation, marked by the decline of giants and the ascendance of specialised companies. This evolution, while driving innovation and accessibility, also underscores the critical need for unwavering commitment to functional safety, particularly regarding Emergency Stop (E-STOP) systems and other very basic safety functions. The Rise of [...]

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 [...]

Upgrade or Substantial Modification? Four years ago, we wrote an article concerning stage machinery modifications, specifically when a modified machine is considered new machinery. At the time, the European Machinery WG MACHEX– a subcommittee of the European Senior Labour Inspectors Committee – was exploring the extent to which conditions may [...]

Introduction The European stage machinery safety standard EN 17206, Machinery for stages and other production areas – Safety requirements and inspections has become the reference technical document in many parts of the world since its publication in 2020. This European standard is the first to address safety on machinery intended to move performers during artistic [...]

The manufacturer’s declared intended use is crucial when deciding whether a control system qualifies for the lifting or motion operations you intend to carry out. But what exactly is the intended use? What must manufacturers consider when declaring the control system’s intended use? In the entertainment industry, stage machinery is often the combination of partly [...]

Stage machinery is constantly evolving, and often in industry exhibitions, we see new products or engineering solutions aiming to meet high-safety specifications and sophisticated requirements. The sales brochures or catalogues we normally find in trade shows or access on manufacturer websites, always include a section or table giving the principal performance characteristics of the machinery [...]

In our previous article, we established "Planet B" doesn't exist, which is why Blumano aims to help manufacturers comply with EU environmental laws and reduce every cost possible for event productions. We’ve divided the “A Little Effort to Save the Show” series into three parts: Production and Waste (read here) Power Consumption - Proper Switching [...]

When it comes to our planet, we must realise we don't have a "Planet B". Blumano wants to help change some minds by assisting manufacturers in complying with EU environmental laws, obtaining cost savings for event productions, and overall using less energy. Now that the industry is restarting, we should do this in a sustainable [...]

Everyone working around stage machinery and equipment has seen the noticeable red-circular push button with a yellow background installed on machines, controllers, consoles and located on theatre walls. Normally, this red button is labelled as an EMERGENCY STOP — and if pressed — stops machinery or equipment in motion. The Emergency Stop button, often called [...]

We all want more: the most powerful device, the all-option one. We often forget that tailoring the product specifications to our needs might make our job much easier and the product will perform better. An over-performing design approach – for example, a winch with a much higher rated capacity than required or a performer flying [...]