Service & Maintenance
Theatre Seating Safety Inspection
Regular safety inspection of tip-up theatre and cinema seats in line with EN 12727. An inspection report with a proposed scope of repairs for operators of public halls.
What we solve
Seats in an auditorium are public equipment that wears down year after year. After years of use, bushings and pins wear out, the seat pan shifts off its original axis, the folding mechanism closes too fast, or the stops are missing or worn — creating dangerous gaps that did not exist when the seats were manufactured. At that point it is no longer a matter for the manufacturer, but for maintenance and operation.
For whom
Theatres, cinemas, cultural centres and other operators of public halls who are responsible for the safe operation of the auditorium.
Solution
We carry out a safety inspection of theatre seating. The service is typically performed once a year and results in a report with a proposed scope of repairs.
Result
An auditorium in a demonstrably safe condition, together with documentation the operator can present during an inspection.
What the inspection includes
- checking the anchoring of all seats
- checking the clearances of the mechanisms
- checking the folding function
- checking the risk of finger trapping or pinching
- checking for sharp edges and damaged parts
- checking the timber parts
- checking the upholstery and padding
- tightening joints
- lubricating and adjusting moving parts
- drawing up an inspection report with a proposed scope of repairs
What we base the inspection on
The safety of theatre and cinema seating is not just a matter for the manufacturer, but also for regular maintenance and operation. Our inspection is based on the following standards and regulations:
Standards and regulations
EN 12727:2017
Furniture — Beam seating — Test methods and requirements for strength and durability, and for safety of use. It sets out safety requirements for permanently installed seating in auditoriums, addressing among other things the risk of finger trapping and pinching, strength, stability and the service life of mechanisms.
Act No. 22/1997 Coll.
The Czech Act on Technical Requirements for Products and related product safety regulations — the operator must use the product in a way that does not endanger users.
Civil Code
The operator of a building is liable for damage caused by neglected maintenance.
Building regulations and workplace safety
For public buildings, general requirements for safe operation can also play a role during inspections.
The risk of finger trapping
In self-closing seats, the mechanism must not create dangerous shear or pinch points that could injure fingers — that is exactly what the standard addresses. After years of use, however, bushings or pins often wear out, the seat pan shifts off its original axis, the mechanism closes too fast, or the stops are missing — creating new dangerous gaps that did not exist when the seats were manufactured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need a safety inspection of your auditorium?
Get in touch — we'll inspect the seating and prepare a report with a proposed scope of repairs.