BSR E1.6-3--201x, Selection and Use of Chain Hoists in the Entertainment Industry, is available here for public review through May 3.

The draft standard is part of the BSR E1.6 powered theatrical rigging system project. This part, BSR E1.6-3, establishes minimum safety requirements for the selection and use of serially manufactured electric link chain hoists having capacity of two tons or less in the entertainment industry. This standard does not address the design or maintenance of these hoists.

For more information, contact Karl G. Ruling, technical standards manager, ESTA, 875 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1005, New York, NY  10001; phone 1-212-244-1505; or e-mail standards@esta.org.

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The Conseil québécois des ressources humaines en culture (CQRHC) and CITT announced that the ETCP exams for entertainment riggers will be available in French this spring.

After five months of work, CITT announced that the inaugural administration of the French paper and pencil ETCP Arena and Theatre Rigging exams will take place in Montréal on Tuesday April 27 on the eve of the opening of EN COULISSE at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. Another first: both French and English paper and pen exams will be administrated simultaneously. In the meantime, interested French-speaking riggers can assess their skills prior to applying for the certification exam by taking the 50-question rigging practice exams, which were launched online on March 1.

The French certification exams will be available only in the paper and pencil format. CITT, through its regional sections will work towards ensuring Francophone riggers have regular access to the exams throughout the year.

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Visitors to PLASA Focus: Leeds 2010, April 27 and 28 at the Royal Armouries, are invited to take part in a series of seminars presented by some of the industry's leaders. The two-day Education & Learning Programme, which runs at the same time as the exhibition, proved a major success last year and this year will cover an equally diverse range of topics. Beginning with The Theatres Trust Annual Conference, this year's debate focuses on the principles of School Theatre Design. That's followed by the Production Managers Forum with the Stage Management Association (SMA) and a session entitled Preparing for the Future with the National Skills Academy (NSA).

On the second day, two regional case studies will be presented. David Stuttard, technical director of Wexford Opera House, will discuss rebuilding this landmark venue. The study examines the ground-breaking installation that's putting Manchester's iconic music scene back on the map. The importance of safety in rigging will be addressed by UK Rigging and Total Solutions Group in a workshop on the topic What's the Damage? and a seminar by InfoComm International, Realising the Value of Project Management, will explore how effective project management and efficient processes can help retain margin and add value. The seminar programme is now live at www.plasafocus.com/leeds.

Like the show, admission to all seminars is free; however visitors must register as space is limited.

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