New technical standards produced after the collapse of the ceiling at London's Apollo Theatre in 2013 have been launched. Various organisations, including the Society Of London Theatre, UK Theatre and the Association Of British Theatre Technicians, collaborated on reviewing health and safety procedures after the Apollo incident, and have now issued revised technical standards and specific new guidance on the monitoring of 'suspended fibrous plaster ceilings'. A memo from the ABTT notes that: "Although ceiling inspections are nothing new for theatres, the guidance identifies a baseline survey which, while remaining proportionate, is more comprehensive and thoroughly documented than previously required". It goes on: "The Health & Safety Executive have said they believe that by 31 August 2016, all theatres that have, or potentially have, suspended fibrous plaster ceilings should have completed their baseline survey, have had their ceiling competently inspected and put in place measures to ensure the ceiling is safe. Any concerns theatre owners have regarding this work should be addressed in the first instance to their local authority".
After a temporary closure, London venue the Water Rats should be open for business again from the weekend after part of the venue's ceiling collapsed onto the stage whilst preparations were underway for an Israel Nash gig. The collapse occurred before sound checks began and there were no injuries at the venue in Kings Cross: The gig was moved to The Slaughtered Lamb pub in Clerkenwell. Emergency repairs are now taking place and organisers have said that that the structure of the building itself was not affected.
