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Many theatres, concert halls and other live performance venues, as well as electrical and audio visual technicians working in live performance in the province of British Columbia may be unaware that electrical certification is required.

 

In British Columbia, the BC Safety Standards Act Electrical Safety Regulations requires workers who handle electrical or audio visual equipment to hold a valid electrical ticket. The Full Entertainment (FE) or Limited Entertainment (LE) certifications were developed to meet the needs of the entertainment industries. However the requirements and level of expertise required to obtain an FE or LE are well above the average needs for live performance venues.

 

The LPEC does not apply to the motion picture or television industries, whose workers require an LE or FE. It is required for electrical work performed in touring shows and festivals in addition to theatres, concert halls and other performing arts venues.The LPEC test was written by technicians working in the industry. The LPEC program includes an online study guide, with sample questions. The study guide will be available online as of January 15, 2011. 

Electrical technicians working in the performing arts identified the certification gap, and raised concerns that venues were out of compliance and crew members were at risk in terms of safety and liability. As a result, Actsafe worked with the industry to develop the new Live Performance Electrical Certificate (LPEC). The LPEC will cover electrical work performed during the setup, run and strike of live events and work that lighting crews usually perform to cable and maintain a lighting rig or to set up audio-visual or public address systems for live events and performances. Technically, it is work that requires interconnecting plug and cap assemblies and branch circuits.

As an introductory offer, the test will be offered free for the first six months from February 1 to July 31, 2011. The exam fee will be $50 beginning August 1, 2011. This is a one-time only certification, with no expiry date or requirement for renewal.

Performing arts venues should be aware that unless their electrical and audio video technicians currently hold an FE or an LE, they are out of compliance with provincial electrical regulations and should make every effort to come into compliance. Feel free to give us a call at Actsafe if you have any questions please call us at 604 733-4682 or toll free 1 888 229-1455.