With the recent stage collapses, ColossoVision has seen an increased awareness by event planners, producers and clients regarding safety.   In the last week we have fielded many inquiries regarding the safety of our screens, structures and installations.   The concerns are justified and we understand the need to ask.

In response to some of the concerns, I provide the following information for both our mobile and modular LED systems.  Before I continue,  I would like to mention the greater majority  of the events, producers, suppliers, volunteers, who are associated with the outdoor events where staging, rigging, screens, sound , lighting is concerned, take safety very seriously.  Safety is paramount for us as it is with the many companies we’ve had the privilege of working with.    Therefore this piece is not written with any intent other than to answer questions we have been asked.

Mobile Screens:

All of our mobile screens have been manufactured by Barco ,  a leader in LED screen manufacturing and engineering.   When Barco designed the Barco B10, safety was one of the key features along with quality.

Should adverse weather conditions develop , our mobile screens can be lowered from its trim height within 30seconds to minimize the dangers of high winds.   This is a very important safety feature for reducing the probability of problems.

I will also note that Barco is not the only manufacturer of mobiles which stands firm on safety .

So, how does one know if the mobile is safe?  Here are a few key items to ask for

• Does your supplier have approved specifications from an engineer for their mobile?
• Is the mobile certified?
• Does the mobile have proper outriggers or stabilizers?
• Ask your supplier if they have full coverage / insurance on the mobile.  Most insurance companies want to know what they’re insuring.
• Does your supplier have proper workers insurance in place? Not the same as equipment or liability insurance.
• Ask for references and don’t be afraid to call them.

Temporary Structures:

Trussing and scaffolding that is engaged in the rigging of  our screens is manufactured  by industry leaders who have engineering specs on all of their components.   Whether we buy the materials or rent them,  all of the structural components must meet engineering specs.

Having this information available to ColossoVision is very important as we in turn have all of our structures built with truss, scaffold or other materials, approved by an independent outside engineer.

Our structures as approved for building includes considerations for-

• Wind pressure rating of 0.5kpa ( equivalent to 100km/hr gusts ) with a factor of 1.25 — This rating can be increased to comply with local or regional codes as required.    But this is our minimum.
• Load distribution
• Quality of materials used for building the trusses or scaffolds
• Counter weights and types where needed
• Support wires if required
• Support or rigging crew for installation and dismantling.

I would like to take a moment to mention there are no judgments made or directed at anyone, company, or event in this writing, and I’m hoping we can all learn from the tragedies that took place.