Stage & Studio Technology
Inspection, suitability assessment and conformity assessment of lifting equipment used in theatres, studios and entertainment venues.
Specialised Areas
Commissioning Suitability Assessments
Accredited suitability assessments for new or substantially modified stage lifting systems.
Safety Functions and Control Systems
Assessment of safety-related control functions, emergency-stop systems, supervision functions and support for SIL / PL evaluation.
Ropes and Suspension Systems
Periodic inspection of lifting accessories, suspension systems, trusses and rope systems.
NDT Rope Inspection
Instrument-based inspection of long or difficult-to-access wire ropes.
Load Testing
Load testing and functional testing to verify safe operation.
The obligation
Stage and studio lifting equipment — where loads are often raised above people's heads, in front of an audience — is subject to heightened safety and inspection requirements. Here, periodic documented inspection is not a formality but direct protection of life and property.
The risk
A failure in an event environment has immediate, severe consequences. Non-compliant or undocumented equipment also jeopardises event permitting and the chain of liability.
Our solution
Inspection of stage and studio lifting equipment is a specialised discipline. Equipment frequently operates above people and audience areas and incorporates complex mechanical, electrical and control systems.
GÉPTESZT performs periodic inspections, commissioning suitability assessments and conformity-assessment activities for theatres, television studios and entertainment venues.
As an accredited inspection body, we are authorised to perform suitability assessments prior to the commissioning of stage lifting equipment.
Our assessments consider not only mechanical integrity, but also the operation of the complete system.
What do we inspect?
- ✓Stage lifts and point hoists
- ✓Upper-stage and lower-stage lifting systems
- ✓Suspensions, trusses and accessories
- ✓Lifting and rigging accessories
- ✓Wire rope systems
- ✓Event and studio safety systems
Project Coordination and Shutdown Windows
In theatres, television studios and event venues, inspections are often limited to short pre-arranged shutdown periods. Maintenance contractors, installation teams and inspectors frequently need to work within the same time window.
When required, GÉPTESZT deploys larger inspection teams and coordinates closely with maintenance partners to ensure that all equipment can be inspected within the available shutdown period.
The challenge is not only performing the inspection itself, but organising the work so that hundreds of devices can be assessed within the available shutdown period.
More Than Lifting Equipment
Technical systems found in theatres and studios are often significantly more complex than conventional industrial lifting equipment.
Equipment is frequently distributed across machine rooms, fly towers, galleries, stage traps and other specialised technical areas. Counterweight systems, rope arrangements and structural components are often hidden within dedicated technical spaces.
Understanding and independently navigating a large theatre or television studio installation typically requires years of practical experience. Effective inspection involves not only examining individual devices, but also understanding the operation and interaction of the complete system.
Special Regulatory Environment
Stage and studio technology differs from many other technical fields because compliance assessment often requires consideration of multiple regulatory and technical sources.
In practice, national theatre and broadcast safety regulations, together with lifting-equipment requirements, all play a role in determining compliance.
Important technical references include EN 17206, which addresses safety requirements for machinery used in stage and production areas.
Where no direct national requirement exists, accepted international industry practices, DIN documents and BSI guidance are often used as reference points.
Legal background
Links point to the current official text; the Hungarian decrees are available in Hungarian only.
- 35/1997. (XII. 5.) MKM rendelet (Theatre Safety Code)
Safety code for theatre and performing-arts venues, stage machinery and equipment.
- 12/2000. (VI. 15.) NKÖM rendelet (TV & Film Safety Code)
Safety code for television and film recording and broadcasting work.
- 47/1999. (VIII. 4.) GM rendelet (Lifting Equipment Safety Code)
Stage hoists and rigging are lifting equipment — this code applies to them too.
Let's discuss your project
Tell us about the equipment or products involved — we'll help identify the inspections, documentation and conformity-assessment steps required.