Revised Outdoor Event Structures Standard Available for Public Review

NEW YORK — The Rigging Working Group, part of PLASA’s Technical Standards Program, has announced that a revised version of ANSI E1.21 – 2006, Entertainment Technology — Temporary Ground-Supported Structures Used to Cover the Stage Areas and Support Equipment in the Production of Outdoor Entertainment Events, is available for public review. The existing standard covers only the portable stage roofs often used for outdoor events. The new draft version (BSR E1.21 – 201x) covers the design, manufacture, and use of all the portable structures used to support scenery, lighting, and sound equipment, as well as the stage roofs. Structures for the public, such as audience bleachers and food stands, continue to be outside the scope of the draft standard.

BETHESDA, MD — The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) recently published NECA-BICSI-607-2011, Standard for Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding Planning and Installation Methods for Commercial Buildings (ANSI). The new standard was jointly developed between NECA and Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI). NECA-BICSI 607 is the latest new publication in the National Electrical Installation Standards series published by NECA.

INDIANAPOLIS – IATSE Local 30 is administering a fund for the family of Nathan Byrd, the spotlight operator who died after falling with the rigging in the Aug. 13 stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair. Byrd, a single parent, is survived by two teens, age 13 and 15. The fund will assist with funeral expenses and other basic needs.

INDIANAPOLIS — A strong, isolated blast of wind that came in advance of a line of thunderstorms knocked down the main stage at the Indiana State Fair at 8:49 pm Aug. 13. The collapse killed four people on site. A fifth victim, Nathan Byrd, 51, died later that night. A spotlight operator who fell with the rigging, Byrd had been among the 45 people hospitalized, many with serious injuries. Although other crew members were seen falling with the rigging, no additional deaths were reported.