Available ETCP Recognized Training: Rigging International Group

| ETCP Certifiable News: Spring 2022 |

Rigging International Group (RIG) is the premier rope access service and training provider. We specialize in on and offshore rope access solutions for clients in need of the utmost in professionalism and quality code standards. All of our technicians are IRATA and SPRAT certified as well as certified in their given trades and crafts.

For more course information and to register, please visit Rigging International Group.

April/May 2022 IRATA -Sprat Courses to be offered at the Las Vegas Training Center.

14    Monday, April 4, 2022    Friday, April 8, 2022

16 Monday, April 18, 2022    Friday, April 22, 2022

17 Monday, April 25, 2022    Friday, April 29, 2022

19 Monday, May 9, 2022    Friday, May 13, 2022

20 Monday, May 16, 2022    Friday, May 20, 2022

21 Monday, May 23, 2022    Friday, May 27, 2022

4240 N. Lamb Blvd., Suite 115
Las Vegas, NV 89115
(702)984-6313

Available ETCP Recognized Training: RPL Rigging Services

| ETCP Certifiable News: Spring 2022 |

313 Presents, Tactical Productions, and RPL Rigging 

Entertainment Rigging and Working at Height Training Session May 11,12, and 13th.
Pine Knob Amphitheater – Clarkston Michigan

Two-day hands-on training for Rigging and working at heights in the entertainment Industry.  Entry level training and ETCP Renewal credits.  

2 Day Class includes:

• Industry Case studies and Incident mitigation
• Gear and safety factors
• Work at height safety, fall protection, work positioning
• Basic Rope Access and Rescue
• Layout, floor markings, building wire rope baskets, dead hangs and bridles.
• Rigging Forces and loads
• Pulling Points and Team hauls
• Building Truss Structures
• Flying Truss systems
• Hoist and motor control
• Mechanical Advantage Systems

Contact
Paul Vought
Paul@TacticalProdSupport.com
989-400-1193

Available ETCP Recognized Training: Stage Rigging

| ETCP Certifiable News: Spring 2022 |

Stage Rigging has been committed to providing ETCP Recognized training since 2009 and will continue to offer recognized training at our Redwood City, California training center once the San Mateo county COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Please check the Stage Rigging Facebook page for the most current information on courses offered and scheduled dates. All classes offered provide ETCP renewal credits. For on-site training classes please call 650-299-1189.

Stage Rigging, Inc. is a diversified theatrical rigging company that provides a full range of specialized rigging services on a global basis for tours, corporate and special events, and expositions. Since its inception, Stage Rigging has had a single mission to provide the highest quality rigging services in the entertainment industry and has set many of the standards used in the market today. The result significantly reduces the risk associated with rigging activities, thereby creating a safer work environment for all.

Available ETCP Recognized Training: TAIT

| ETCP Certifiable News: Spring 2022 |

TAIT NAVIGATOR Automation Platform Training

Introduction (4 days)

• Principles and foundations for Automation Operators in live events

• Practical motion exercises and basic cueing in the Navigator Classic GUI

• Gain practical experience with the TAIT Navigator suite of products

Currently available Introduction classes:

• June 6-9, 2022

• July 11-14, 2022

• August 8-11, 2022

• September 12-15. 2022

Programming (4 days)

• In-depth exploration of live event programming

• Development of rules and collision avoidance

• Introduction to 3D visualization and modeling

• PREREQUISITE: Introduction class. This ensures a common baseline for all of the students in the Programming class. Given the flexibility of the Navigator Automation Platform, people may never be exposed to some of the ways in which we work in the classes. 

Currently available Programming classes:

• May 16-19, 2022

• June 13-16 , 2022

• July 18-21. 2022

• August 15-18, 2022

• September 19-22, 2022

3D (4 days)

• Combined axis control for 3D motion

• Setup, calibration, and cueing of 3D objects

• Practical use of 3D applications

• PREREQUISITES: Introduction and Programming

Currently available 3D classes:

• May 23-26, 2022

• August 22-25

Link for ‘Learn More About Classes’ - https://support.taittowers.com/hc/en-us/articles/360033261354 

Link for ‘Register for Classes’ - https://tait.litmos.com/self-signup/Index  

ETCP Welcomes New ETCP Council Members

| ETCP Certifiable News: Spring 2022 |

Brian Lawlor has retired from the ETCP Council. An original member of the ETCP Council, Lawlor was an invaluable asset to the program since its inception. Lawlor served as the IATSE International Vice-President and Co-Director, Stagecraft Division from 2004 to 2012. He continued to serve the IA as an International Representative and Trustee on the IATSE National Benefit Annuity and Pension Funds until his recent retirement. ETCP is thankful for Lawlor’s leadership, support, and dedication to help build ETCP.

Lawler’s position as a member of the ETCP Council has been filled by Michael J. Barnes and Hannah R. D’Amico.

Michael J. Barnes has served on the IATSE General Executive Board since 1998. He is an active member of IATSE Locals 8 and 52. Barnes served as President and Business Agent for Local 8 from 1991 to 2021 and served as Region 2 Representative for Local 52 for 24 years. In 2021, Barnes was named Co-Director of the Stagecraft Department.

The IATSE is a family tradition in the Barnes family. His grandfather became a member of Local 8 in 1917, his father joined in 1947. Barnes two daughters and son are also members of IATSE.

Hannah R. D’Amico is an International Representative for the IATSE Education and Training Department where she works with members of the IATSE Craft Advancement Program (ICAP) and the IATSE Training Trust Fund to develop skills and safety trainings for IATSE workers. She is honored to serve as a member of the ETCP Council and the Audiovisual Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA) Live Events Council.

D’Amico holds a bachelor’s degree from the Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations; a Certificate in Labor Studies from the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, Union Semester Program; OSHA 10/OSHA 30 completion cards; and is certified in Mental Health First Aid.

Paul Jordan, VP Environment, Health & Safety for NBCUniversal, joined the ETCP Council in April 2009. He will be retiring soon, and his position on the ETCP Council is being filled by Greg Petruska, who has actively served on as Jordan’s alternate representative on the Council. ETCP thanks Jordan for his support and commitment to help build ETCP.

Greg Petruska is the Director of Environment, Health and Safety for Live Theatre at NBCUniversal. He joined NBCUniversal in 2004. He has worked on such iconic shows as Saturday Night Live (SNL), Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and Law and Order. In 2008, Greg joined the Live Theatre Safety team to support the opening of Billy Elliot the Musical on Broadway. He currently supports Wicked and Billy Elliot the Musical in the US and Canada, the UK, and Australia and is responsible for all EHS programs related to live theatre.

Adam Tackett is assuming the NBCUniversal alternate representative position on the ETCP Council. Tackett is currently an Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Manager for Production (Live Theatre and Features) at NBCUniversal. He has more than 20 years in the industry, at large, and experience-based knowledge ranging from onstage to behind the scenes, casting, teaching, and production management.

Tackett is a passionate entertainment professional more than seven years’ experience in production EHS management, both domestic and international. He represents NBCUniversal in several organizations including: USITT, Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), Safety Advisors Forum for Live Entertainment (SAFLE), Theatre Advisory Group (TAG) within IOSH (UK), and the Mental Health Initiative with Behind the Scenes.

 

He prides himself on taking a “whole human” approach to safety management—recognizing that physical health and safety go hand in hand with mental/psychological health and safety to create a truly safe work environment. Through communication and collaboration, his focus is on building strong relationships to not only achieve compliance, but safely push new and innovative boundaries in the entertainment industry.

The ETCP Council looks forward to working with Michael Barnes, Hannah D’Amico, and Adam Tackett. 

California HB AB 1775 Moves Forward with the Help of California IATSE Locals

| ETCP Certifiable News: Spring 2022 |

California representative Christopher Ward has introduced legislation to the State Congress to increase safety in live events. This bill was written with the support of the California IATSE locals.

AB 1775 increases safety in the live event industry by requiring all companies that produce events at public venues ensure that all workers have the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration Outreach Training Program 10-Hour Course (OSHA-10), and supervisors and leads have the more extensive OSHA-30 training and have the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) certification or the employer meets the skilled and trained workforce requirements.

The bill was before the Labor and Occupational Safety Committee last week where Eddie Raymond, retired Vice President/Training Director of IATSE Local 16, spoke in favor of the bill as did many IATSE members via conference calls. The bill passed unanimously out of committee and was referred to the Appropriations Committee for revue before going to the Assembly for a vote.

May Dates Now Available for BTS Mental Health First Aid Training

| ETCP Certifiable News: Spring 2022 |

There are still two dates available to take the Mental Health First Aid Training classes in May. Dates are posted on the Behind the Scenes website at btshelp.org/mhfa. “This is like knowing CPR,” says PERG Manager, Harry Box “You could be the person who could save a life if you are suitably prepared for it. I was impressed with the quality and content of the training.” You can make a difference by knowing how to start a conversation with someone you are worried about, how to listen non-judgmentally, and refer them to appropriate support. Upon completing the course, you will become a certified Mental Health First Aider which is valid for three years.

The course is delivered in two parts. The first is a two-hour self-paced online course that must be completed prior to a 6-hour virtual live instructor led session. Go to btshelp.org/mhfa to learn more and to select the date and time you wish to attend the virtual live session. 

The registration fee is $125. IATSE Members and those working under IATSE agreements may be eligible for Training Trust Fund reimbursement upon proof of successful completion of the course. A limited number of partial and full scholarships are available to individuals not eligible for reimbursement. Private group classes of 15 - 20 are available – contact mailto:mhfa@btshelp.org for information. Training for Canadians is available through the AFC at https://afchelps.ca/mhfa.

Do you know how to respond if you see someone who is deeply depressed, having an anxiety attack, or showing signs of alcoholism or substance use? Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related issue.

You’ll learn about the risk factors and warning signs of mental health and substance use problems, the 5-step ALGEE action plan to help someone who is developing a problem or is in crisis, and the available professional, peer and self-help resources.

Make 2022 the year you took an active role in helping to care for those you work with. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your skill sets by learning how to identify, understand and respond to signs of distress in your colleagues and help make our workplaces healthier and safer spaces for all. Visit btshelp.org/mentalhealth to see all the available tools and resources.

Toolbox Talks: Sample language to help create psychologically safe and respectful workplaces

| ETCP Certifiable News: Spring 2022 |

Language about mental health and respectful workplaces should be a part of every toolbox talk or safety briefing because psychological safety is as important as physical safety. Workers who are experiencing distress either from issues in the workplace or at home can be distracted to the point of creating a hazard.

It’s not always an easy subject to talk about though, so to make it easier for those delivering these talks the Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative suggests topics and provides sample language that can be used as is or tailored to fit your needs. This information is meant to be incorporated into your current safety or toolbox talks and is not meant to replace other safety briefings. Find out more at btshelp.org/toolboxtalks.

It is important to acknowledge the mental and physical stressors and challenges faced by everyone in the entertainment industry and offer your team tools to help them better manage and respond to these challenges. 

Sample language is provided under these main headings:

• How to talk about mental health and psychological safety

• Acknowledge stressors and challenges in the workplace

• Let people know it’s ok not to be ok

• How to take action and provide support

• Set guidelines for team interaction

• Foster a positive environment

Underneath each heading are a few key points, such as “Explain why mental health awareness is important in the workplace” or “Talking openly about potential stressors and anxiety triggers can lessen their impact.” Under each point we have provided sample sentences such as “Stress can contribute to accidents” or “We understand that coming back to work right now is especially challenging for all of us because our workplace looks and feels different than when we left it.” The information is available for download as a Word document so it’s easy to cut and paste. It only takes a few moments to look through the topics and sample language and put together wording that’s appropriate for your situation and that you feel comfortable delivering. 

In addition to the sample language provided under each topic, we also offer a selection of brief pre-scripted talks that take less than two minutes to deliver. If you don’t want to craft your own from the sample individual statements, simply find a pre-scripted talk whose language you are comfortable with and you are ready to go.

We know that the last couple of years in particular has been very stressful and returning to work is bringing a new set of concerns for everyone. Many people are struggling with anxiety, grief, feeling overwhelmed, inability to concentrate, changes in appetite or sleep, changes in drinking or substance use patterns, or other issues affecting daily functioning. But this moment also presents us with an opportunity to begin a culture change in our industry. Many entertainment workers struggled with mental health challenges prior to the pandemic due to the long hours and high stress that accompanies work in every segment of the industry. During the last years, most people have felt some degree of emotional distress and have a better understanding and awareness of the role mental health and psychological safety play in their daily lives. This is the moment to talk openly about these subjects and to de-stigmatize them. This is how change happens.

New ETCP Certificate Holders, ETCP Recognized Trainers, and ETCP Retirees

| ETCP Certifiable News: Spring 2022 |

New ETCP Certificate Holders

Arena - Rigging

Mihai Antonescu - San Diego, CA

Nicole Bloom - San Diego, CA

Joseph Burch - San Diego, CA

James Dewey - Lakewood, OH

Nathan Garbutt -  Lakeside, CA

Nathan Harrenstein - Escondido, CA

Eddie Hernandez Jr. - La Mesa, CA

Edward Jolley - San Diego, CA

Tibor Lepes - Imperial Beach, CA

Adolfo Mejia - Riverside, CA

Tanner Osborne - San Diego, CA

Andrew Stokes - San Diego, CA

Timothy Talpai - Moorpark, CA

Jonathan Theroux - Bois-des-Filions, QC

Robert Welper - San Diego, CA

Andrew Zenner - San Diego, CA

Theatre – Rigging 

Jordan Gable - Sunnyside, NY

Michael Paddock - Milford, CT

Charles Pennington - Newport News, VA

Entertainment Electrician

Frederick Babson - Los Angeles, CA

Robert Henggeler - Hamilton, OH

Brian Moore - Muncie, In

Portable Power Distribution Technician

Frederick Babson - Los Angeles, CA

Ryan Rodriguez - Laguna Niguel, CA

New ETCP Recognized Trainers

Patrick Wallace – Rigging 

Brian Phillips – Rigging 

ETCP Retirees

Curt Collins - Arena – Rigging and Entertainment Electrician

Kenneth Mabs - Arena – Rigging 

Robert Morbeck - Arena – Rigging 

Thomas Schindler - Entertainment Electrician

Michael Sapsis - Theatre – Rigging 

David Hatch - Entertainment Electrician

Brian Lukas - Entertainment Electrician

George Oldham - Theatre – Rigging 

Paul Sannerud - Theatre – Rigging 

ETCP Recognized Programs

| ETCP Certifiable News: Spring 2022 |

 

ETCP Recognized Employers, Contractors, and Labor Providers

ETCP Recognized Employers, Contractors, and Labor Providers have made an important professional commitment to safely serve the entertainment industry by utilizing ETCP Certified Technicians.

Are you interested in being an ETCP Recognized Employer, Contractor, or Labor Provider?

The ETCP Recognition Program represents a commitment to the enhancement of safety and reduction of risk in the workplace by utilizing ETCP Certified Technicians on projects and job sites.

What are the benefits of being ETCP Recognized?

Your company may use the special ETCP Recognized logo on its marketing materials, setting your organization apart by making it clear the company prioritized providing highly-skilled workers who are conscientious about safety.

Once ETCP Recognized, your organization will be searchable on the ETCP website with full contact information and a link to the company’s website.

Contractor Recognition Program

You should fill out the Contractor Best Practices Agreement if you do not have full-time ETCP Certified Technicians on staff, but you hire certificate holders to work on your jobs. This is also true if you hire companies that are ETCP Recognized Employers to work on your projects.

Employer Recognition Program

You should fill out the Employer Best Practices Agreement if you employ full-time technicians who are ETCP Certified.

Labor Provider Recognition Program

You should fill out the Labor Provider Best Practices Agreement if you are a union local or other organization who provides ETCP Certified Technicians to job sites.

Find ETCP Recognized Contractors, Employers or Labor Providers

These organizations have made an important professional commitment to safely serve the entertainment industry by utilizing ETCP Certified Technicians. Search here: https://etcp.esta.org/findrecognized/search.php. 

To learn more about having your organization listed as an ETCP Recognized Contractor, Employer or Labor Provider, click here https://etcp.esta.org/findrecognized/becomerecognized.html.