Exhibit H - ANSI E1.4-1-2022 Manual Counterweight Rigging Systems.pdf

ANSI E1.4-1 – 2022

Entertainment Technology—Manual Counterweight Rigging Systems

Approved by the ANSI Board of Standards Review on 27 October 2022

Rig/2014-2029r10

© 2022 Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) All rights reserved.

ANSI E1.4-1 - 2022 Manual Counterweight Rigging Systems

Notice and Disclaimer

ESTA does not approve, inspect, or certify any installations, procedures, equipment or materials for compliance with codes, recommended practices or standards. Compliance with an ESTA standard or recommended practice, or an American National Standard developed by ESTA is the sole and exclusive responsibility of the manufacturer or provider and is entirely within their control and discretion. Any markings, identification or other claims of compliance do not constitute certification or approval of any type or nature whatsoever by ESTA.

ESTA neither guarantees nor warrants the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein and disclaim liability for any personal injury, property or other damage or injury of any nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication, use of, or reliance on this document.

In issuing and distributing this document, ESTA does not either (a) undertake to render professional or other services for or on behalf of any person or entity, or (b) undertake any duty to any person or entity with respect to this document or its contents. Anyone using this document should rely on his or her own independent judgment or, as appropriate, seek the advice of a competent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstance.

Published by:

ESTA

271 Cadman Plaza; PO Box 23200 Brooklyn, NY 11202-3200

USA

Phone: +1-212-244-1505 Email: standards@ esta .org

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ESTA's Technical Standards Program

The ESTA Technical Standards Program was created to serve the ESTA membership and the entertainment industry in technical standards related matters. The goal of the Program is to take a leading role regarding technology within the entertainment industry by creating recommended practices and standards, monitoring standards issues around the world on behalf of our members, and improving communications and safety within the industry. ESTA works closely with the technical standards efforts of other organizations within our industry, including USITT, ESTA, and VPLT, as well as representing the interests of ESTA members to ANSI, UL, and the NFPA. The Technical Standards Program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute.

The Technical Standards Council (TSC) was established by to oversee and coordinate the Technical Standards Program. Made up of individuals experienced in standards-making work from throughout our industry, the Committee approves all projects undertaken and assigns them to the appropriate working group. The Technical Standards Committee employs a Technical Standards Manager to coordinate the work of the Committee and its working groups as well as maintain a “Standards Watch” on behalf of members. Working groups include: Control Protocols, Electrical Power, Event Safety, Floors, Fog and Smoke, Followspot Position, Photometrics, Rigging, Stage Machinery, and Prop Weapons Safety.

ESTA encourages active participation in the Technical Standards Program. There are several ways to become involved. If you would like to become a member of an existing working group, as have over three hundred people, you must complete an application, available for download from ESTA’s TSP website at tsp.esta.org. Your application is subject to approval by the working group and you will be required to actively participate in the work of the group. This includes responding to letter ballots and attending meetings. Membership in ESTA is not a requirement. You can also become involved by requesting that the TSC develop a standard or a recommended practice in an area of concern to you.

The Rigging Working Group, which authored this Standard, consists of a cross section of entertainment industry professionals representing a diversity of interests related to rigging and stage machinery for theatrical events.

ESTA is committed to developing consensus-based standards and recommended practices in an open setting.

Future Rigging Working Group projects will include updating this publication as changes in technology and experience warrant, as well as developing new standards and recommended practices for the benefit of the entertainment industry.

© 2022 ESTA page ii Rig/2014-2029r10 http://tsp.esta.org/

Investors in Innovation The Technical Standard Program (TSP) is financially supported by companies and individuals who make undirected donations to the TSP. The Investors in Innovation when this standard was approved by ANSI's Board of Standards Review include these companies and individuals:

VISIONARY LEADERS ($50,000 & up)

ETC PLASA

VISIONARY ($10,000 & up; >100 employees/members) Cisco Columbus McKinnon Entertainment Technology

Disney Parks Live Entertainment

VISIONARY ($5,000 & up; 20–100 employees/members) Altman Lighting, Inc.

McLaren Engineering Group Rose Brand Stage Rigging

Theatre Projects Theatre Safety Programs

TMB

VISIONARY ($500 & up; <20 employees/members) About the Stage B-Hive Industries, Inc.

Scott Blair Boston Illumination Group Candela Controls, Inc.

Clark Reder Engineering Tracey Cosgrove & Mark McKinney Doug Fleenor Design Down Stage Right Industries Ltd.

EGI Event Production Services Entertainment Project Services Neil Huff Interactive Technologies iStudio Projects Jules Lauve Brian Lawlor

Michael Lay Link John T. McGraw Mike Garl Consulting Mike Wood Consulting Lizz Pitsley Reed Rigging Reliable Design Services Alan Rowe Sapsis Rigging Inc.

SBS Lighting Steve A. Walker Associates Dana Taylor Steve Terry Vertigo WNP Services

INVESTOR ($3,000–$9,999; >100 employees/members) Actors' Equity Association Golden Sea Professional Lighting Provider IATSE Local 728 IATSE Local 891

Lex

NAMM

Texas Scenic Company

INVESTOR ($1,500–$4,999; 20–100 employees/members) American Society of Theatre Consultants Area Four Industries BMI Supply City Theatrical Inc.

H&H Specialties, Inc.

InterAmerica Stage, Inc.

Lycian Stage Lighting Niscon Inc.

Tomcat Staging, Lighting and Support Systems

INVESTOR ($200–$499; <20 employees/members) Baxter Controls, Inc.

ChamSix Concept Smoke Systems Ltd.

Bruce William Darden Ian Foulds Liberal Logic, Inc.

Luminator Technology Group

Jessica Sanders Sehr Gute GmbH David Thomas Techni-Lux Tracy Underhill Ralph Weber

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SUPPORTER ($50 - $2,999; >100 employees/members) Harlequin Floors

SUPPORTER ($50 - $1,499; 20–100 employees/members) High Output InCord iWeiss Oasis Stage Werks

Stagemaker Syracuse Scenery and Stage Lighting Co., Inc.

Vincent Lighting Systems Wuhan Zhongtian Jiaye Mechanical & Electrical Eng.

Co.

SUPPORTER ($50 - $199; <20 employees/members) Chip Scott Lighting Design Matthew Douglas III Beverly and Tom Inglesby

KASUGA

Luminator Technology Group Bill McCord Motion FX

Northern Lights Electronic Design Shanxi Tian Gong Sheng Optoelectronic Equipment Technology Co.

Sigma Net Patrick Wallace Mitchell Weisbrod

Memorial donor: The Estate of Ken Vannice

All donations to the Technical Standards Program benefit the entire program, and are not directed to any specific use or project within the program. Please help support the Technical Standards Program by becoming an Investor in Innovation. Visit our website at http://tsp.esta.org/invest, or contact the ESTA office at 1-212-244-1505 and select "TSP" from the menu.

© 2022 ESTA page iv Rig/2014-2029r10 http://tsp.esta.org/invest

Contact Information

Technical Standards Manager Karl G. Ruling

ESTA

271 Cadman Plaza PO Box 23200 New York, NY 11202-3200

USA

+1-212-244-1505 karl.ruling@esta.org

Assistant Technical Standards Manager Richard J. Nix

ESTA

271 Cadman Plaza PO Box 23200 New York, NY 11202-3200

USA

+1-212-244-1505 richard.nix @esta.org

Technical Standards Council Chairpersons Mike Garl Mike Garl Consulting LLC +1-865-389-4371 mike@mikegarlconsulting.com

Alan Rowe I.A.T.S.E. Local 728 Phone: 1 310-702-2909 amrowe@iatse728.org

Rigging Working Group Co-chairpersons Bill Sapsis Sapsis Rigging, Inc.

Phone: 1-215-228-0888 bill@sapsis-rigging.com

Chris Kaiser Syracuse Scenery & Stage Lighting, Inc.

Phone: 1-315-453-8096 ckaiser@syracusescenery.com

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Acknowledgments The following individuals were members of the Rigging Working Group, when this document was approved by the consensus voting body on 23 July 2022.

Voting Members:

Brent Armstrong; Alpine Rigging & Structural Design; CP R. Duane Wilson; Amer. Society of Theatre Consultants; DE Peter A. Scheu; Amer. Society of Theatre Consultants; DE Max A. Wilson; Applied Electronics; MP Jon Lenard; Applied Electronics; MP Will Todd; Area Four Industries; MP Keith Bohn; Area Four Industries; MP Neil Montour; Atlanta Rigging Systems; DR David Boevers; Carnegie Mellon University; DE Ed Leahy; Chicago Flyhouse, Inc; CP Jeffrey M. Reder; Clark-Reder Engineering, Inc.; G Shawn Nolan; Clark-Reder Engineering, Inc.; G Ken Tilson; Columbus McKinnon Corp.; MP Nick Fleming; Columbus McKinnon Corp.; MP Mike Skinner; Contract Services Administration Trust Fund; U Chris Moulton; Contract Services Administration Trust Fund; U Daniel Louis, P.E.; Daniel Louis, P.E.; I; DE Tyler DeLong; DeLong Rigging Solutions; U Don Earl; Earl Girls, Inc.; DR Steven Ricks; Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.; MP Michael Lichter; Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.; MP Cole Muth; Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.; MP Mike Weston; Encore Global; U Drew Wending; Encore Global; U Demian Purdy; Encore Global; U Tim Salamon; Encore Global; U Greg Williams; Encore Global; U Simon Grant; Encore Global; U Allen Winzler; Entertainment and Rigging Engineering; DE Eric Rouse; Entertainment Project Services, LLC; CP Joseph Champelli; Entertainment Project Services, LLC; CP Joshua “Fritz” Friedensohn; Entertainment Project Services, LLC; CP Ethan W Gilson; Entertainment Rigging Services, LLC; U John Ringelman; Freeman Companies; DR Chris Schmidt; Freeman Companies; DR Gert Jan Brouwer; Frontline Rigging & Motion B.V.; CP Joe Golden; Gallagher Staging & Productions; DR Miriam Paschetto; Geiger Engineers; DE Ted Jones; Grand Stage; U Zhou Jianzhao; Guangzhou Haoyang Electronic Co., Ltd.; CP Pat Grenfell; Hoist Sales & Service; DR Edwin S. Kramer; I.A.T.S.E. Local 1; U Rod Haney; I.A.T.S.E. Local 891; U Ross Long; I.A.T.S.E. Local 891; U Bruce Darden; InterAmerica Stage, Inc.; CP Drew Becker; InterAmerica Stage, Inc.; CP Jeremy Hodgson; Jeremy Hodgson; I; G Jonathan Deull; JSD Projects LLC; U William B. Gorlin; M.G. McLaren, P.C.; G Peter W. Batt; Mainstage Theatrical Supply, Inc; DR Mike Garl; Mike Garl Consulting LLC; DE

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Rick Montgomery; Motion Laboratories, Inc.; MP Mike Webb; Motion Laboratories, Inc.; MP Michael Shaw; Motion Laboratories, Inc.; MP Stefan Pries; NEP Live Events; DR Tim Hansen; Oasis Stage Werks; DR Orestes Mihaly; Production Resource Group; DR Troy Atkinson; Production Resource Group; DR Matt Jordan; Production Resource Group; DR John Caudill; Productions Unlimited; DE Jay Cid; R&M Materials Handling / Stagemaker; MP Bartholomew J. Mueller; Recreation Engineering Inc.; DE Bennett Brian; Reed Rigging Inc.; DR Andrew Volk; Reed Rigging, Inc.; DR Elmer Veith; Reliable Design Services; CP Matt Panther; Reliable Design Services; CP Richard J. Nix; Richard J. Nix; I; G Ryan Riordan; Riordan Rigging LLC; U Robert Haycock; Robert Haycock; I; U Jesse Adams; Rose Brand Wipers, Inc; DR Stewart Stephens; S2 Technologies; G Bill Sapsis; Sapsis Rigging, Inc.; U Shane Kelly; Shane Kelly; I; U Joseph Jeremy; Show Distribution Group, Inc.; CP Bill McIntyre; Show Distribution Group, Inc.; CP Sanford P. Gilzow; Shur-Rig LLC; G Robert Peterson; Shur-Rig LLC; G Dana Bartholomew; Silver State Wire Rope and Rigging; DR Siobhan Gee; Siobhan Gee; I; G Steve Walker; Steve A. Walker & Associates; G Kyle Kusmer; Steven Schaefer Associates, Inc; DE Christine L. Kaiser; Syracuse Scenery & Stage Lighting Co., Inc.; DR Harold Ike Shippers; Syracuse Scenery & Stage Lighting Co., Inc.; DR Stephan Jon Wood; Tait Towers Manufacturing LLC; CP David Bond; Tait Towers Manufacturing LLC; CP Ryan Kunkel; Tait Towers Manufacturing LLC; CP Reid Neslage; Texas Scenic Company; MP Russell Solomon; Texas Scenic Company; DR Tony Diemont; Texas Scenic Company; DR Jim Niesel; Theatre Projects Consultants, Inc.; DE Jerry Gorrell; Theatre Safety Programs; G Sam Michael; Thern, Inc.; MP Jeff Wilkowski; Thern, Inc.; MP Paul Brunner; Thern, Inc.; MP Thomas Cowdery; Thomas Cowdery; I; U Nathan Villines; Tyler Truss Systems; MP Bill Edwards; Tyler Truss Systems; MP Josh Conner ; Tyler Truss Systems; MP Todd Spencer; Ventana Capital Investments LLC; G Tracy Nunnally; Vertigo; CP John P. Moore; Vertigo; CP Ian Bevan; Walt Disney Company; DE Lee Chuong; Walt Disney Company; DE Peter V. Svitavsky; Wenger Corp.; CP Dan Culhane; Wenger Corp.; CP Paul Zagajeski; Wenger Corp.; CP Robert Dean; ZFX, Inc.; CP

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Troy Trinkle; ZFX, Inc.; CP

Observer Members:

William Ian Auld; Auld Entertainment; U Donald Hoffend III; Avista Designs, LLC; G Phillip R. Hampton; Charcoalblue; DE Ford Sellers; Chauvet Lighting; MP Daniel J. Clark; Clark-Reder Engineering, Inc.; G Matthew Antonucci; Contract Services Administration Trust Fund; U Jordi Van Berkum; Cybermotion North America; DR Jerald Kraft; Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc; MP David Darland; Encore Global; U Steven Michelman; Entertainment Project Services, LLC; CP Charlie Weiner; Eurotruss; MP Jim Digby; Event Safety Alliance; U Quinten James; Flying By Troy; U Ryan McAlpine; Foy Inventerprises, Inc.; DR Frederic Caron; Frederic Caron; U David M. Campbell; Geiger Engineers; G Jeong Sik Yoo; Ghost LX; DE Brandon Cox; Heavyweight Solutions; CP Russ Dusek; I Weiss; MP Stephen Vanciel; IATSE Local 631; U Patrick Bash; In-House Production; DR Jennifer Ferguson; Kito Group; MP Mark Riddlesperger; LA ProPoint, Inc.; CP William Beautyman; Limelight Productions, Inc.; DR Luke Ricca; Luke Ricca; G Marty Wesstrom; Mountain Productions Inc.; DR Jacob E. Loretto; Musson Theatrical Inc.; DR Patrick Stewart; Patrick Stewart; U Paul “Luke” Lewkowicz; Paul E Lewkowicz PC; DE Sean Harding; Port Lighting Systems; G Kurt Pragman; Pragman Associates, LLC; G John Neal; Rhino Staging; G Michael P. Gosenski; Rigging Systems LLC; U Roy Bickel; Roy Bickel; G Ryan Roby; Ryan Roby; U Darren Coats; Safety Factor Training and Consulting; U Tiny Good; Showtech Australia; U Monica Skjonberg; Skjonberg Controls, Inc.; CP Knut Skjonberg; Skjonberg Controls, Inc.; CP Robert Barbagallo; Solotech Inc.; DR Brad Dittmer; Stage Labor of the Ozarks; U Donald Scott; Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE; DE Jason Tello; T6 Truss Designs. LLC; CP Phillip Lewis; Tait Towers Manufacturing LLC; CP Ross Taylor; Taylor & Taylor Associates; G Steven Serafin; The Hartford Group; G John C. Snook; Thermotex Industries Inc.; CP Lynn M. Snook; Thermotex Industries Inc.; CP Tim Franklin; Theta Consulting LLC; G Chris Higgs; Total Solutions Group; G Justin Bennett; University of the Incarnate Word; U James M. Garner; Walt Disney Company; G Tyler Bland; Walt Disney Company; U

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Wendy Manson; Wendy Manson; G Gregory Orth; WNP Services, Inc.; DR Michael Wells; Xtreme Structures and Fabrication; MP Andrew Young; Andrew Young; U

Interest category codes:

CP = custom-market producer DE = designer DR = dealer rental company G = general interest MP = mass-market producer U = user

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Table of Contents Notice and Disclaimer................................................................................................................................................ i Investors in Innovation............................................................................................................................................. iii Contact Information................................................................................................................................................... v Acknowledgments.................................................................................................................................................... vi Foreword Reference standard organizations 1 Scope

1.1 General

1.2 Annex note references

1.3 Exclusions

1.4 Intent

1.5 Alternative designs

2 Definitions 3 Load suspension system requirements

3.1 Component requirements

3.2 Battens*

3.3 Lift line connections

3.4 Lift lines

3.5 Block requirements

3.6 Load suspension system accessories

3.7 Counterweight arbors

3.8 Counterweights*

3.9 Compensating systems*

3.10 Sandbag counterweights

3.11 Trim clamps

3.12 Pin rails*

4 Operating system requirements

4.1 Operating system exceptions

4.2 Locking rails

4.3 Rope locks

4.4 Operating lines

4.5 Operating line tensioning methods*

4.6 Operational travel limits

4.7 Outrigger batten

5 Guide system requirements

5.1 Guide system components

5.2 Guide methods

5.3 Coefficients of friction

5.4 Lubrication

6 System documentation, labeling and marking*

6.1 General requirements

6.2 Capacities and sizes

6.3 Locking rails*

6.4 Pin rails

6.5 Operating/loading bridges

6.6 Battens

6.7 Counterweight arbors

6.8 Block labeling*

6.9 Lubrication

6.10 Manuals*

6.11 General Signage

7 Inspections

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7.1 Prerequisites for initial system acceptance

7.2 General requirements*

8 Design loads and factors

8.1 Recognized codes and standards

8.2 Design factors

TABLE 1 – Tension Load Path Component design factors

8.3 Lift Lines

8.4 Radial Bearing Pressure

TABLE 2 – Radial Bearing Pressure*

8.5 Sheave Bearing Ratings

9 Basic functional and safety requirements

9.1 Edge protection

9.2 Operating system characteristics

9.3 Loading system characteristics

9.4 Training

Figures FIGURE 1 - Typical lineset FIGURE 2 - Typical double reeved lineset FIGURE 3 - Typical Rope and sandbag Lineset

Annex A

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ANSI E1.4-1 – 2022 Manual Counterweight Rigging Systems

Foreword

Prior to final approval of ANSI E1.4-2009, no American National Standard had addressed safety of counterweight rigging systems for the entertainment industry. The first documented recognition that safety standards were needed occurred in the early 1960's, when the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) established its Codes Commission to monitor and report on development of national codes that might be applicable to the entertainment industry. This commission eventually expanded its scope to include the Health & Safety subcommittee. By 1965 USITT had acknowledged that industry standards were necessary to ensure safety in the industry. The first formal, documented effort to accomplish this goal spawned from a Theatre Architecture Commission panel discussion at the 1980 USITT Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. In order to improve the level of safety and to establish a minimum standard for the manufacture of rigging equipment for use in the entertainment industry, the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc. (USITT) established its Rigging and Stage Machinery Standards Committee, with the mission of creating a comprehensive set of standards for this purpose. To further this goal, sub-committees were established to write standards in several areas that combine to achieve a set of standards to fully describe the mechanical equipment used in theatres. This document is an evolution of work first started by separate sub-committees for Manual Counterweight Flying Systems and for Rope and Sandbag Flying Systems. The resulting efforts were combined to form the basis of this document.

It was originally intended that this document be accepted as a standard of USITT and that it ultimately become an American National Standard. In order for the latter to happen, the USITT draft document was turned over to ESTA's Technical Standards Program. It has been further developed by the Rigging Working Group within that program. Members of the Rigging Working Group include appropriately qualified people who represent the broader industry of people who specify, manufacture, sell, and use this equipment, so that all interests are recognized and the standards represent a great depth of knowledge and experience in regards to the equipment.

In 2014, the RWG approved expansion of E1.4's scope into a suite of related standards, all pertaining to manual rigging systems.

This document establishes minimum standards for equipment. However, the proper installation and operation of this equipment are equally important. Equipment should be installed, operated and maintained under the supervision of a competent person. Further, the selection of the proper equipment for any application should be entrusted only to experienced personnel with the proper knowledge and training to recognize and understand all of the hazards and functional requirements involved in the particular installation.

This standard represents equipment manufactured under the constraints of current technology. It is not intended to restrict further developments or enhancements. Future revisions will not imply that previous editions of the standard were inadequate, nor is it the intention of this standard to suggest that equipment manufactured before the creation of this standard is inherently inadequate. However, the developers of this standard recognize that advancements in technology, combined with evolving awareness of safety and risk management throughout the entertainment industry, might also cause changes in traditionally acceptable or recommended industry practices.

Accordingly, in 2021, the developers of this standard deemed the inherent safety issues presented by wire-guided counterweight rigging systems sufficient enough to suggest that they no longer be provided for new installations, phasing them out of regular use.

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Reference standard organizations

The following standards organizations have developed specific standards documents that may pertain to certain normative requirements of this standard. It is not intended to identify all such organizations, or their respective standards, nor is it intended to imply that compliance with any such standard constitutes an exemption from any legal, jurisdictional, or OSHA-related safety requirements that may exist.

AISI - American Iron and Steel Institute, Inc.

ANSI - American National Standards Institute ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials AWS - American Welding Society IFI - Industrial Fasteners Institute ISO - International Organization for Standardization NACM - National Association of Chain Manufacturers ESTA - Entertainment Services and Technology Association SAE - Society of Automotive Engineers

1 Scope

1.1 General

This standard applies to permanently installed, manually operated counterweight systems of stage rigging hardware for the raising, lowering, and suspension of scenery, lighting, and similar loads. The systems illustrated in the Figures section describe common arrangements of systems used over performance areas.

1.1.1 System Variations

This standard applies to variations of manual counterweight rigging, including rope and sandbag systems.

1.1.2 Building Structures

This standard applies to rigging hardware and basic functional requirements only, and not to the structure from which it is supported. While not part of this standard, building structural capacity for the intended loads shall be considered in the design and application of rigging systems.

1.2 Annex note references

This document uses annex notes to provide additional reference information about certain specific section requirements, concepts, or intent. Subject matter with a corresponding annex note reference is identified by the asterisk (*) symbol, and the associated reference text is found in the Annex A section, identified with the referring text section number, e.g. an Annex Note to section 3.2 will be identified in the annex section as A.3.2.

1.3 Exclusions

1.3.1 Performer Flying

This standard does not apply to performer flying, or to raising or lowering people. Those systems shall comply with ANSI E1.43-2016

1.3.2 Powered Rigging

Powered rigging equipment shall conform to the requirements of ANSI E1.6-1, -2, -3, and -4 as applicable to the specific powered rigging equipment and application.

1.3.3 Manually operated hoists

Manually operated hoist systems shall conform to the requirements of ANSI E1.4-3 – 2020.

1.4 Intent

The purpose of this standard is to establish minimum performance requirements for manual counterweight rigging systems. This standard establishes a basis for reasonable standards of care, for safety and for general welfare with the intent to minimize hazards associated with Manual Counterweight Rigging Systems.

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1.5 Alternative designs

This standard is not intended to prevent alternative designs, materials, or technology. Alternative designs, materials or technology shall comply with the intent of this standard, as deemed applicable by a qualified person.

2 Definitions

2.1 Arbor guide: See Guide.

2.2 Arbor pit: An opening in the stage that extends below the stage floor to allow extended travel of counterweight arbors.

2.3 Batten: A pipe, tube, or other singular structural shape that is secured to the lift lines for the purpose of connecting loads to the counterweight system.

2.4 Batten clamp (pipe clamp): A piece of rigging hardware, usually of some rigid material, that wraps or clasps a batten, providing for the attachment of a lift line or other lifting media.

2.5 Belaying pin: A pin inserted into a pin rail hole, used for securing or controlling rope lift lines or spot lines.

2.6 Block: An assembly of one or more sheaves in a housing designed to support one or more lines and allow a change of direction.

2.7 Breaking strength: The load at which failure will occur in a component.

2.8 Bridle: Any suspension configuration in which a lift line is divided into 2 or more tension load path elements angled downward from the lift line termination and connected to the batten.

2.9 Clew: A device, typically a flat steel or aluminum plate with multiple holes, used to connect several lift lines into a single line.

2.10 Compensating system: A component of the counterweight system that automatically adjusts to counterbalance the weight of the lift lines as it shifts between the load side and counterweight side of the head block during operation.

2.11 Competent person: A person who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the workplace, and who is authorized to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

2.12 Counterweight arbor (counterweight carriage): A guided, movable rigid carriage assembly used to hold counterweights and to counterbalance a load.

2.13 Design factor: A ratio of the design load to the breaking strength of a material or component.

2.14 Design load: The maximum anticipated load that will govern design parameters.

2.15 Double reeve (double purchase): A system using compound reeving of the lift lines and operating line, designed to allow full-height batten travel distance with half the arbor travel distance, but with the requirement that the arbor to be loaded to twice the mass of the batten load.

2.16 Fleet angle: The angle between the centerline of a rope as it enters or exits a sheave groove, and the plane defined by the centerline (pitch) circle of that groove.

2.17 Guide: A device or assembly of devices that connect a counterweight arbor or tension block to the guide rails in order to control the path of its travel.

2.18 Guide rails: A means of guiding the counterweight arbor throughout its travel in the vertical plane, but which also limits horizontal or twisting motions of the arbor. Typical examples are T- or J- shaped members.

2.19 Guide system: Components and assemblies used to vertically guide a counterweight arbor, including components attached to the arbor specifically for such purpose.

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2.20 Head block: The stationary block assembly above and closest to the counterweight arbor or pin rail. The head block permits lift lines to change direction. In some counterweight systems, the head block is also grooved to allow the operating line to change direction by 180 degrees.

2.21 Hemp system: See Rope and sandbag system

2.22 Idler assembly: An assembly of sheaves and a housing, used to support only the self-weight of the lifting media reeved through it. Idler blocks are used for the same purpose as sag bars except that idlers provide a reduced coefficient of friction.

2.23 Installer: The person or organization that is responsible for the installation of the rigging equipment.

2.24 Lattice track: A wall-mounted guide system, usually for a single arbor, in which the guide rails are located at opposing sides of the arbor assembly, rather than on one side only.

2.25 Lift line: Any fiber or wire rope reeved through block(s) and attached to a load. Lift lines operate singly, as spot lines, or in "sets" of several lift lines working together to support a load.

2.26 Line set: A system of multiple lift lines, operated together to raise, lower, or suspend a load; all of the mechanical, component subsystems required for supporting, positioning, and operating those lift lines as a system.

2.27 Load Suspension system: The battens, blocks, counterbalancing and tension load path, components used to suspend and counterbalance the load.

2.28 Loading bridge (Loading gallery): A load-bearing, elevated personnel access and work area, located to permit counterweight loading and unloading at the arbor.

2.29 Locking collar: A device placed on a counterweight arbor rod to reduce unintended vertical movement of counterweights on the arbor.

2.30 Locking rail: A structural railing that supports the rope locks.

2.31 Loft block: An overhead block through which one or more lift lines pass before being attached to the batten.

A loft block typically permits the change of lift line direction in the vertical plane.

2.32 Mule block: A supplementary block located between the head and loft blocks, designed for the specific purpose of changing the direction of lift line travel.

2.33 Operating line: The line that an operator pulls to move, position or hold a counterbalanced load.

2.34 Operating system: Components and assemblies used to move, position and hold the counterbalanced load.

2.35 Out-of-balance condition: A condition where the weight of the batten load differs from the weight of its associated counterweight equipment by more than 23 kg (50 lbs).

2.36 Outrigger batten: A batten mounted in a fixed position parallel to the locking rail, and intended to protect counterweight equipment from unintended contact with non-rigging system elements.

2.37 Pin rail: A rigidly mounted railing, and its associated supports, with holes designed to accept belaying pins, used to tie off rope and sandbag rigging lines. It transfers unbalanced system loads to the building structure.

2.38 Pitch diameter: The diameter of a sheave measured to the centerline of the rope for which it is designed.

2.39 Qualified person: A person who by possession of a recognized degree or certificate of professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter and work.

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2.40 Reeve: To pass a rope over the sheaves in a block or a system of blocks.

2.41 Reverse bend: A condition where a rope is reeved in opposing directions, over two or more sheaves, within two lays of the rope strands.

2.42 Rope and sandbag system: A type of counterweight system that uses natural or synthetic rope, instead of wire rope, for the lift lines, and uses sandbags as the counterweight method.

2.43 Rope lock: A positioning device, located on the locking rail that holds an operating line of a balanced counterweight set and prevents unintended movement.

2.44 Sag bar: A linear structural element or other assembly used to support the self-weight of one or more lift lines. A sag bar is used for the same purpose as an idler assembly.

2.45 Sandbag: Fabric bag filled with sand, and used with rope rigging to counterbalance a load.

2.46 Shall: A term used in this standard to indicate that an action is mandatory.

2.47 Should: A term used in this standard to indicate that an action is recommended under most conditions, but is not mandatory.

2.48 Single reeve (single purchase): A system of rigging employing weights, blocks and lines to hold or move a load of similar weight, using a 1:1 mechanical advantage for counterweight and batten load.

2.49 Spot block: A block designed to function as either a head block or loft block in temporary applications, and is also designed to be easily repositioned.

2.50 Spot line: A single line, used in conjunction with one or more spot blocks to support a load.

2.51 Spreader plate: Plate that is installed between counterweight arbor rods to keep the rods from spreading during rapid travel or impact, preventing counterweights from falling out of the arbor.

2.52 Tandem block: A block that consists of a series of single or multiple groove sheaves, each mounted on a separate shaft.

2.53 Tension block: A block designed to remove slack from an operating line, preventing it from twisting in its travel, and from rubbing against wire ropes, structural framing, and adjoining equipment.

2.54 Tension load path: The path of tension-only load that follows the axis of the rope or wire rope lift lines, including all connections and terminations along this path. The single reeve system tension load path includes all connections between the arbor and the batten. The double reeve system tension load path includes all connections between the head block and the batten. The rope and sandbag system tension load path includes all connections between the pin rail and the batten.

2.55 Thimble: A grooved fitting around which a rope is bent to form an eye. It supports and protects the rope to prevent kinking and wear.

2.56 Trim chain: A length of chain and fittings used to connect a lift line to a batten (or other load) and adjust its level relative to the other lift lines along the batten.

2.57 Trim clamp: A device with spring-loaded cams that allows several ropes to be held together and operated as a group.

2.58 Tread diameter: The diameter of a sheave measured at the bottom of its groove.

2.59 Truss batten: Pipes, tubes, or other structural shapes, in which main chord members are connected together with bracing members as a truss, and used in place of a pipe batten.

2.60 Wire guide: Tensioned wire ropes installed and used to guide the path of clews.

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2.61 Working load limit (WLL): The maximum rated capacity of a component or system during normal operating conditions, as determined by the component manufacturer, or as determined by a qualified person for a specific application.

3 Load suspension system requirements

Line sets in a Manual Counterweight Rigging system shall contain a load suspension system.

3.1 Component requirements

Component assemblies shall be designed, engineered, and manufactured to withstand all design loads and environmental factors without permanent deformation or damage to components, and shall comply with the requirements of section 8 Design Factors.

3.1.1 Structural connections

Where load suspension components are connected to building structure, connections shall be designed and approved by a qualified person.

3.1.2 Ductile components required*

Component assemblies, arbors, block housings and mounting components shall be made of materials having ductile properties that will deform plastically without fracturing. The use of materials that are non-ductile shall be permitted only when approved by a qualified person.

3.1.3 Threaded fasteners, minimum material strength

Strength and material requirements for externally-threaded fasteners shall not be less than SAE J429 Grade 5 or ISO R898 Class 8.8 rating. Strength and material properties for internally threaded fasteners shall not be less than SAE J995 Grade 5 rating. Bolts in tension shall have nuts of corresponding grade. Threaded connections of alternative design shall be permitted if they have been approved by a licensed professional engineer.

3.1.3.1 Fastener installation

Fasteners shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Fastening methods shall prevent unintentional loosening. When the nut is fully seated, the bolt starting threads shall be visible, to facilitate inspection.

3.1.3.2 Flat washers required*

Attachments made through slotted or elongated holes, or through holes greater than 1.6mm [1/16 in] over the fastener diameter, shall use flat washers.

3.1.4 Weldments

Welding shall be performed in accordance with AWS standards current at time of manufacture.

3.1.5 Manufacturer's instructions*

Load suspension components shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, or as determined by a licensed professional engineer.

3.2 Battens*

3.2.1 Batten loads

Battens shall support the design loads in accordance with the requirements of this standard.

3.2.1.1 Batten design loads

Batten design loads shall be determined by a qualified person. Batten design loads shall not be less than their corresponding maximum counterbalance capacities.

3.2.1.2 Normal design load

Battens shall be designed for a uniformly distributed load of not less than 45 kg/m (30 lbs/ft). The design point load shall not be less than 45 kg (100 pounds), located at mid-span between any two lift lines.

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3.2.1.3 Lesser design loads

Battens intended for lower design loads shall be permitted, provided that the batten design, loading and support conditions are approved by a qualified person.

3.2.1.4 Maximum deflection

Maximum deflection for a uniformly distributed load or a concentrated point load shall not exceed 1/180 of the span distance between adjacent lift lines.

3.2.2 Batten splices

The number of splices in a finished batten length shall be minimized to the extent possible. Batten splices shall be constructed in a manner that retains at least the same strength as the unspliced batten material. The use of threaded pipe fittings shall not be permitted as a splicing method.

3.2.3 Protective finish

Battens shall be protected against corrosion.

3.2.4 Visibility markings

A minimum of 100 mm (4 inches) at each end of the batten shall be durably marked with an approved OSHA safety color, except in architecturally sensitive areas.

3.2.5 Batten material strength requirements.

3.2.5.1 Steel battens

Batten material yield (Fy) strength shall not be less than 213,738 kPa [31 ksi]

3.2.5.2 Exception for aluminum battens

Aluminum battens shall be designed in accordance with the Aluminum Design Manual, 2020 edition, and shall conform with clause 3.2.1.4 Batten design, maximum deflection.

3.2.6 Truss battens

Truss-battens shall meet the requirements of this standard, except when the truss is constructed of aluminum.

3.2.6.1 Aluminum trusses

Aluminum truss-battens and truss frames shall comply with ANSI E1.2-2021, Entertainment Technology – Design, Manufacture, and Use of Aluminum Truss and Towers.

3.2.7 Electrical raceways and plugging strips

3.2.7.1 Not in the load path

Unless specifically designed to carry loads, electrical raceways and plugging strips shall not be considered as a load-bearing component of the load path. Where they are designed to be load-bearing, they shall meet or exceed the design requirements of this section.

3.2.7.2 Part of the connected load

Electrical raceways and plugging strips shall be included as a connected batten load when determining the lineset's capacity.

3.3 Lift line connections.

Lift lines shall be connected at both ends using rated hardware designed for the connection, or using methods approved for use with the lifting media.

3.3.1 Connecting hardware material properties

Shackles, eyebolts, eye nuts, and turnbuckles shall be made of forged steel material.

3.3.2 Batten clamps

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3.3.2.1 Strength of materials

Batten clamps shall be made from ductile materials and shall comply with the strength requirements in section 8.

Aluminum batten clamps shall be designed in accordance with the Aluminum Design Manual, 2020 edition in addition to the requirements of section 8.

3.3.2.2 Clamping requirements

Batten clamps shall completely encompass the batten circumference, and shall maintain sufficient clamping force to resist axial batten rotation, and movement along the batten. The clamp shall permit attachment to the lift line using any hardware connection designed for the connection type, and in a manner that meets the criteria of section 8 Design loads and factors. Batten clamps shall not have sharp edges or corners.

3.3.3 Secure connections

Adjustable or removable connections shall be fixed in position after placement or adjustment. Screw pins in shackles and turnbuckle jaws shall be fixed after pin insertion to prevent loosening.

3.3.4 Trim adjustment

Each lift line shall have a method for slack adjustment and adjusting batten level and trim. Once adjusted, the trim adjustment assembly shall be secured to prevent loosening.

3.3.4.1 Trim chain assemblies*

Trim chain assemblies shall use chain approved by the manufacturer for the application, and shall use rated connection hardware to connect the chain ends to either the batten or to the lift line termination.

3.3.4.1.1 Double load path

The trim chain assembly shall form a double load path from the batten up to the lift line termination, by wrapping not less than 1 1/2 times around the batten. Both load path links of the chain shall be connected to the lift line termination using rated connection hardware or methods. Double load path trim chain assemblies shall have a breaking strength greater than the breaking strength of the wire rope.

3.3.4.1.2 Single load path permitted

Trims chains in a single load path shall be permitted if certified in writing by the chain manufacturer as being suitable for the intended application.

3.3.4.2 Trim-adjustment batten clamps

Clamping trim adjustment methods shall meet the requirements of 3.3.2.2, clamping requirements.

3.3.5 Bridles

Bridle components, attachments, fittings, terminations, and connections shall comply with all relevant requirements of this standard. Bridles shall not be spliced to lift lines.

3.3.5.1 Bridle angles

Bridle leg angles shall not exceed 60-degrees (30-degrees from vertical), or shall be as approved by a qualified person, based upon the specific loading conditions of the application.

3.3.5.2 Bridle connections

Bridle connections at the batten shall be fixed in place to prevent movement along the batten.

3.4 Lift lines

3.4.1 No abrasion

Lift lines shall not contact any part of the building structure, adjacent line sets or other equipment not otherwise intended for contact. A competent person shall determine the method used to prevent such contact.

3.4.2 Splicing not permitted

Lift line splices shall not be permitted.

3.4.3 Reverse bends

In applications where reverse bends are incorporated, the lift line's service life shall be decreased as determined by a qualified person.

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3.4.4 Lift line terminations

Lift lines shall be terminated at each end. Use of the termination as a connection shall be permitted.

3.4.4.1 Protection of turnback loops required

Eye or loop terminations formed with a turnback shall use methods to prevent wear of the rope by connected load path elements.

3.4.4.2 Other termination hardware

Termination hardware shall be load rated and sized for the working load limit of the line.

3.4.4.3 Manufacturer's instructions*

Termination hardware shall be installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Variations from manufacturer's installation and use recommendations shall be permitted only where requirements for such use are more stringent.

3.4.4.4 Wire rope termination methods*

Wire rope lift lines shall be terminated in accordance with the Wire Rope User Manual, using one of the following methods.

3.4.4.4.1 Swage fittings

Swage-type wire rope fittings shall be selected and applied in accordance with the fitting manufacturer’s recommendations, based on the rope material, construction type and environmental considerations.

3.4.4.4.2 Wire rope clip fittings

Wire rope clips shall be made of forged materials. Wire rope clips made of malleable materials shall not be permitted.

3.4.4.5 Natural and synthetic fiber rope termination methods* Connections for natural-fiber and synthetic ropes shall comply with the requirements of Section 3.3 Lift line connections. Where knots are used for the connection, the entire termination and connection shall maintain the design factors for rope lifting lines as shown in Table 8.2.1, after all derating factors are applied.

3.4.4.6 Natural and synthetic fiber rope terminations without thimbles Terminations without thimbles shall be permitted for natural fiber and synthetic ropes where the bending diameter of the loop without a thimble is not less than the bending diameter of the loop with a thimble, or where the rope's design load meets the requirements of 3.4.4.5 for knotted connections.

3.5 Block requirements

3.5.1 General

Blocks in the load suspension system shall meet the following general requirements.

3.5.1.1 Line retention*

Lines shall be prevented from unintentionally leaving their grooves.

3.5.1.2 Shafts

Shaft material shall have minimum yield strength (Fy) not less than 310,230 kPa (45 Ksi). Shaft threads shall be external to the block housing, and shall not be subjected to radial or tangential shaft loads. For shafts that are retained using non-threaded methods, the shaft shall be restrained from axial or radial motion, using any method approved by a qualified person.

3.5.1.2.1 Shaft support

Shafts shall be supported by the block assembly, and shall be restrained from axial and radial movement in a manner that prevents wear or damage to any block component.

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3.5.1.2.2 Bearings

Bearings shall be designed to resist axial and radial loads, as determined by a qualified person according to the block application design criteria.

3.5.1.3 Sheave grooves

Sheave grooves shall be designed to support the rope in accordance with the Wire Rope Users Manual. Grooves on multi-grooved sheaves shall have equal pitch diameters.

3.5.1.4 Mounting

Block assemblies shall include methods for connecting the block to structural framing. Connections shall be adjustable to permit alignment of wire ropes. Nonadjustable fixed connections shall be permitted if periodic adjustment is not required for normal operation. Block mounting shall be designed to prevent block movement and to prevent loosening of the block or its mounting hardware.

3.5.1.4.1 Welding

Welding to structural framing shall be permitted with the approval of a licensed professional engineer. This attachment method shall only be performed in a manner that permits maintenance or removal of the block.

3.5.1.4.2 Drilling*

Drilling of structural framing, for attachment of a block with bolts, shall be permitted with the approval of a licensed professional engineer.

3.5.1.4.3 Anchors

When attaching blocks to non-metallic materials, the anchorage method shall be approved by a qualified person, and shall be installed according to both the manufacturer's recommendations and local code requirements, for the materials into which they are installed.

3.5.1.4.4 Mounting clips*

Mounting clips shall be constructed and sized for the block load and mounting condition. They shall be installed so that the block cannot shift on the support structure. When clips are used to grip a beam flange, the clip shall not yield when the clamp fasteners are tightened to the block manufacturer’s recommended torque values.

3.5.1.4.5 Swiveling or pivoting blocks

If the block is designed to swivel (360 degrees) about a pin, or pivot (180 degrees) about a shaft, the mounting shall be designed to accommodate the additional forces in a manner that shall not restrict the free movement of the block.

3.5.1.5 Labels and Marking

Blocks shall be labeled in accordance with Section 6.8.

3.5.2 Loft blocks

Loft blocks shall comply with section 3.5.1 General requirements.

3.5.3 Mule blocks

Mule blocks shall comply with section 3.5.1 General requirements. If field conditions require, the assembly shall be adjustable to maintain fleet angle alignment of the lift lines. Mule block position shall not be supported by lift line tension.

3.5.4 Head blocks

Head blocks shall comply with section 3.5.1 General requirements.

3.5.4.1 Upright blocks

Upright head blocks shall mount to the top side of the structural framing, with the operating and lift lines passing around the sheave and down through the mounting base.

3.5.4.2 Underhung blocks

Underhung head blocks shall mount to the bottom side of the structural framing with the operating and lift lines passing around the sheave below the mounting base.

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3.5.4.3 Tandem/Multisheave blocks

Blocks containing more than one sheave shall comply with the requirements of this section, except that multiple shafts to support multiple sheaves shall be permitted. Where multiple shafts are used, no sheave, shaft or bearing component shall interfere with any other such component.

3.5.4.4 Head block location

Head blocks shall be positioned over the arbors so that arbor travel does not impose horizontal forces onto the guide system.

3.5.4.5…