It’s now a year since COVID-19 became a part of our consciousness. From the first murmurs on the news of a virus in China, little did we realise last January the devastating impact the pandemic would have on our industry. Our theatres are still dark, stadiums and arenas remain empty as musicians and artists ‘work on new material’ for future tours, and museums, so used to being filled with visitors lie empty.

But the show must go on – if not on stage, then behind it. Inspections and maintenance are not only necessary but a legal requirement. In much the same way as you cannot drive a car without its MOT, theatres and other venues cannot operate with equipment that has not passed rigorous inspection. We all know that prevention is better than cure and the consequences of not ensuring the safety of equipment could be disastrous. Keeping on top of inspections is ultimately a cost effective exercise, enhancing the longevity of your equipment, ensuring it lasts as long as possible.

Even under this current lockdown, we are busy helping venues across the country ensure that their equipment is 100% compliant and ready to be used at a moment’s notice.

We are also offering our services to local crane companies for whom it is equally as important to be up to date with inspections and to be able to demonstrate compliance with LOLER and PUWER regulations, both of which fall under the Health and Safety at Work Act. www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/loler.htm  https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/puwer.htm

We effectively managed to continue fulfilling our customers’ inspections and maintenance needs throughout the first lockdown in a COVID compliant way, carrying out statutory examinations of rigging equipment and chain hoists at venues throughout the UK.

Whether you’re a performance venue or a company with lifting equipment, please get in touch with us at info@unusual.co.uk to book your inspection.