BS 7906-1:2005

This standard covers the use of lifting equipment for performance, broadcast and similar applications.

Part 1: Code of practice for installation, use and removal of above stage equipment (excluding trusses and towers)

“Chain hoist categorizations must be considered when selecting electric chain hoists for the listing or suspending of loads over people, and under certain circumstances it is essential to implement an inertia reel load arrestor as a secondary suspension. The load arrestor provides an ideal, independent, fully redundant, secondary suspension in these scenarios.”

BS 7906-1:2005 provides recommendation for the safe use of lifting used to lift and traverse equipment and personnel for the following applications:

• film;
• television;
• theatre and similar entertainment events;
• conference and exhibition.

The recommendations cover the supply, installation, use, maintenance and removal of components and systems, documentation, periodic inspection, and thorough examination.

Section 8.19 of this standard details all considerations for the selection, maintenance, installation, and operation of chain hoists within the entertainment industry. Chain hoists used in the entertainment industry fall into two categories: Category A and Category B.

Category A hoists are declared by the manufacturer as intended for use by the entertainment industry for lifting and suspending loads over people and meeting the requirements of BS 7905-1 or DIN 56925.

Category B hoists are not intended by the manufacturer for lifting or suspending loads over people.

Chain hoist categorizations must be considered when selecting electric chain hoists for the listing or suspending of loads over people, and under certain circumstances it is essential to implement an inertia reel load arrestor as a secondary suspension. The Guard Load Arrest products provide an ideal, independent, fully redundant secondary suspension in these scenarios.

The table below provides additional guidance on the selection of electric chain hoists.