When the tour visited Manchester’s MEN Arena, Star Rigging ensured an efficient production build by assembling a team comprised of the cream of the northern riggers. The team of 16 riggers showed their experience and competence, rigging 45 tons across 72 points, which they finished the morning rig an hour ahead of schedule. Following the rigging of the McCartney production, the Star Rigging team all attended an induction regarding the use of the ‘Latchway fall arrest system’ recently installed into the MEN Arena. The course instructed the riggers how to work with the new system, which incorporates a number of features that mean riggers working at height in such venues are better protected in the event of a fall.
Star Rigging is the in-house rigging company at the MEN Arena, and, as at the Newcastle Telewest Arena, the company project managed the installation of this fall arrest safety system for riggers working at the venue, ensuring it is suitable for rigging incoming shows. Both venues are leading the way by investing in safety systems for people working at height.
Star Rigging director Mark Armstrong said: "This team of riggers are amongst the best in the world and it was good to see them working so well on this new system. The induction course also facilitated some interesting discussions regarding the system and the rescue procedures, which we are constantly fine tuning with the help of the professionals we sub-contract."
(Lee Baldock)
