Rigging Ground Support
**********************

This SOP defines the standards and procedures for inspecting, assembling, deploying, operating, and
striking **ground-supported rigging systems** used by Maryland Productions (MP) and Event
Revolution (RV). Ground support systems are load-bearing structures and must be treated as
**safety-critical** at all times.

Improper ground support setup can result in collapse, injury, or catastrophic equipment damage.


Purpose
=======

- Ensure safe and correct use of ground-supported rigging systems.
- Standardize inspection, assembly, and deployment procedures.
- Prevent failures caused by improper assembly, ballast, or site conditions.
- Protect personnel, performers, venues, and equipment.
- Establish clear expectations for ground support safety and monitoring.


Who This SOP Is For
===================

- Rigging technicians  
- Lead riggers and Technical Directors  
- Warehouse staff prepping ground support equipment  
- Project Managers overseeing ground-supported structures  
- Authorized freelancers assembling or working on ground support  

Only trained and authorized personnel may assemble or modify ground support systems.


Scope
=====

This SOP applies to:

- Truss towers and goal-post systems
- Vertical truss with baseplates
- Crank towers and lift towers
- Ground-supported LED wall frames
- Temporary scenic or display structures
- Ballast systems and outriggers

Permanent structures and engineered staging systems are excluded.


Ground Support Safety Rules
===========================

- Never exceed manufacturer or engineered load ratings.
- Always account for environmental forces (wind, weather).
- Never modify ground support components.
- Always use required ballast, outriggers, or guying.
- Never work under an unsecured or unstable structure.
- Stop work immediately if instability is observed.

Ground support failures are sudden and unforgiving.


System Identification & Compatibility
=====================================

- Verify:
  - Manufacturer and model  
  - Component compatibility  
  - Rated load capacities  
- Never mix:
  - Different manufacturers  
  - Different truss series  
  - Incompatible bases or towers  

If compatibility is uncertain, do not assemble.


Warehouse Prep & Inspection
===========================

Before deployment:

- Inspect:
  - Baseplates and frames for cracks or deformation  
  - Towers and truss sections for damage  
  - Pins, bolts, and hardware for wear  
- Verify:
  - Required ballast quantities  
  - Outriggers and stabilizers  
- Remove damaged components from service immediately.

Ground support must be inspected before every use.


Site Evaluation
===============

Before assembly:

- Verify ground conditions:
  - Level  
  - Stable  
  - Capable of supporting loads  
- Identify:
  - Underground hazards  
  - Slopes or soft surfaces  
- Confirm:
  - Adequate footprint  
  - Clearance from structures and utilities  

Site conditions directly affect safety.


Assembly Procedures
===================

- Assemble on level ground.
- Use all required pins, bolts, and safeties.
- Fully seat and secure all connections.
- Verify vertical alignment.
- Install ballast and outriggers before loading.

Incomplete assembly is unsafe.


Ballast & Stabilization
=======================

- Use only approved ballast methods.
- Verify ballast weight and placement.
- Secure ballast against movement.
- Install outriggers or guy lines where required.
- Re-check ballast after initial loading.

Ballast is not optional.


Environmental Considerations
============================

- Monitor:
  - Wind speed and gusts  
  - Rain or moisture  
  - Temperature extremes  
- Reduce loads or stop operations as conditions require.
- Follow manufacturer or engineered wind limits.

Environmental forces can exceed static loads.


Operational Monitoring
======================

During use:

- Monitor for:
  - Movement or sway  
  - Settling  
  - Unusual noises  
- Re-check:
  - Ballast  
  - Connections  
- Stop work immediately if instability is observed.

Conditions can change during the event.


Strike & Reset
==============

- Remove loads before disassembly.
- Disassemble in reverse order of assembly.
- Inspect components during strike.
- Flag damaged parts immediately.
- Scan equipment back into inventory.

Strike inspection protects the next deployment.


Handling & Storage
==================

- Handle ground support components with team lifts when required.
- Protect connection points during transport.
- Store components on designated racks.
- Keep systems segregated by type and rating.

Proper storage preserves structural integrity.


Roles & Responsibilities
========================

Rigging Technicians
-------------------

- Assemble and monitor ground support safely.
- Follow approved layouts and plans.
- Report issues immediately.

Lead Riggers / Technical Directors
----------------------------------

- Approve ground support configurations.
- Verify load and ballast calculations.
- Enforce safety and stop-work authority.

Warehouse Staff
---------------

- Inspect, prep, and reset ground support equipment.
- Remove unsafe components from service.

Project Managers
----------------

- Ensure adequate time and staffing.
- Support safety-driven decisions.


Quality Control
===============

- Ground support inspected before use.
- Correct ballast and stabilization installed.
- Environmental conditions monitored.
- Issues documented and addressed.

Ground support safety protects everyone.