Rigging Hardware
****************

This SOP defines the standards and procedures for inspecting, handling, deploying, maintaining, and
storing **rigging hardware** used by Maryland Productions (MP) and Event Revolution (RV). Rigging
hardware includes all rated components that connect, secure, and support loads and is **safety-
critical** at all times.

Improper hardware selection or use can result in load failure, injury, or fatality.


Purpose
=======

- Ensure safe and correct use of all rigging hardware.
- Standardize inspection, selection, and deployment practices.
- Prevent failures caused by worn, mismatched, or unrated hardware.
- Protect personnel, performers, venues, and equipment.
- Maintain clear accountability for rigging safety decisions.


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

- Rigging technicians  
- Lead riggers and Technical Directors  
- Warehouse staff prepping rigging hardware  
- Project Managers overseeing rigging scope  
- Authorized freelancers performing rigging work  

Only trained and authorized personnel may select or deploy rigging hardware.


Scope
=====

This SOP applies to:

- Shackles (screw pin and bolt-type)
- Spansets and roundslings
- Steel wire rope and assemblies
- Eyebolts and eye nuts
- Turnbuckles
- Quick links and connectors
- Rated hooks and master links
- Safety cables and secondary attachments

Lighting clamps and motors are covered in separate SOPs.


Rigging Hardware Safety Rules
=============================

- Never exceed the Working Load Limit (WLL).
- Never use unrated or unmarked hardware.
- Never mix incompatible hardware types or sizes.
- Never modify hardware.
- Remove damaged hardware from service immediately.
- When in doubt, **do not use it**.

Hardware failure is unforgiving.


Hardware Identification & Ratings
=================================

All rigging hardware must be:

- Clearly marked with:
  - Manufacturer  
  - WLL  
  - Size and material (where applicable)  
- Appropriate for:
  - Direction of load  
  - Type of connection  
  - Environmental conditions  

If a rating or marking is missing, the hardware is unsafe.


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

Before deployment:

- Inspect hardware for:
  - Cracks  
  - Deformation  
  - Excessive wear  
  - Corrosion or heat damage  
- Verify:
  - Pins thread fully and seat correctly  
  - Slings are free from cuts or abrasion  
  - Safety latches function properly  
- Remove any questionable hardware from service.
- Segregate damaged items immediately.

Rigging hardware must be inspected before every use.


Shackles
========

- Use correct shackle type and size.
- Verify pin is fully seated and secure.
- Never side-load a shackle unless rated for it.
- Orient shackles so load is applied correctly.
- Use bolt-type shackles where vibration is expected.

Shackles are load-path critical.


Spansets & Slings
=================

- Verify sling rating and configuration.
- Protect slings from sharp edges.
- Avoid knots or twisting.
- Use proper hitch types.
- Remove slings showing:
  - Cuts  
  - Fraying  
  - Chemical damage  

Damaged slings must be retired immediately.


Steel & Wire Rope
=================

- Verify correct diameter and construction.
- Inspect for:
  - Broken wires  
  - Kinks  
  - Flattening  
- Confirm proper terminations.
- Never bend tighter than minimum radius.

Wire rope damage is cumulative.


Eyebolts & Attachment Points
============================

- Use only rated eyebolts.
- Confirm correct installation depth.
- Never side-load plain eyebolts.
- Use shoulder eyebolts for angular loads.
- Verify host material is adequate.

Improper eyebolt use causes sudden failure.


Secondary Safeties
==================

- Use secondary attachments where required.
- Verify safeties are:
  - Rated  
  - Properly installed  
  - Independent of primary load path  

Secondary safeties are mandatory for overhead loads.


Deployment Best Practices
=========================

- Match hardware sizes across the load path.
- Keep load paths clean and simple.
- Avoid unnecessary connections.
- Document non-standard configurations.

Simple systems are safer systems.


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

- Inspect hardware during strike.
- Clean hardware as needed.
- Flag damaged or questionable items.
- Scan hardware back into inventory.
- Remove retired hardware from circulation.

Strike is a critical inspection point.


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

- Store hardware in designated bins or racks.
- Keep hardware organized by type and size.
- Protect from moisture and contamination.
- Never store damaged hardware with usable gear.

Organization prevents misuse.


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

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

- Select and deploy hardware safely.
- Follow approved rigging plans.
- Report hardware issues immediately.

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

- Approve hardware selection.
- Verify load paths and ratings.
- Enforce safety standards.

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

- Inspect, prep, and reset hardware.
- Remove unsafe hardware from service.

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

- Ensure proper rigging scope and staffing.
- Support safety-driven decisions.


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

- Hardware inspected before every use.
- Correct ratings and configurations used.
- Damaged hardware removed immediately.
- Issues documented and addressed.

Rigging hardware safety protects everyone.