Rigging Inspection
******************

This SOP defines the required **inspection procedures for all rigging equipment** used by Maryland
Productions (MP) and Event Revolution (RV). Rigging inspections are mandatory, safety-critical, and
must be performed consistently to prevent equipment failure, injury, or fatality.

No rigging equipment may be used unless it has passed inspection.


Purpose
=======

- Identify unsafe rigging equipment before it is deployed.
- Prevent load failure caused by wear, damage, or misuse.
- Standardize inspection practices across warehouse and on-site operations.
- Establish clear authority to remove equipment from service.
- Maintain documented inspection accountability.


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

- Rigging technicians  
- Lead riggers and Technical Directors  
- Warehouse staff performing prep inspections  
- Project Managers overseeing rigging scope  
- Authorized freelancers handling rigging equipment  

Only trained personnel may inspect or approve rigging equipment.


Scope
=====

This SOP applies to **all rigging-related equipment**, including:

- Chain motors
- Truss systems
- Shackles and hardware
- Spansets, roundslings, and steel
- Eyebolts and attachment points
- Ground support systems
- Secondary safeties

Inspection requirements apply at multiple stages of the equipment lifecycle.


Inspection Authority
====================

- Any qualified rigger has **stop-work authority**.
- Equipment failing inspection must be removed from service immediately.
- No schedule, budget, or show pressure overrides inspection results.

If it fails inspection, it does not get used.


Inspection Phases
=================

Rigging inspections must be performed at the following stages:

1. Warehouse prep
2. On-site before use
3. During operation (as conditions change)
4. During strike and return

Each phase serves a different safety purpose.


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

Before equipment leaves the warehouse:

- Inspect for:
  - Cracks, bends, or deformation  
  - Excessive wear  
  - Corrosion or heat damage  
- Verify:
  - Clear manufacturer markings  
  - WLL ratings  
  - Proper hardware compatibility  
- Confirm:
  - Motors function correctly  
  - Chains are clean and untwisted  
  - Truss connections are undamaged  

Remove any questionable equipment from service immediately.


On-Site Pre-Use Inspection
==========================

Before applying load or lifting:

- Re-inspect:
  - All connection points  
  - Pins, bolts, and safeties  
  - Slings and hardware orientation  
- Verify:
  - Correct hardware selection  
  - Proper load paths  
  - Balanced loads  
- Confirm environmental conditions are acceptable.

Never assume warehouse inspection alone is sufficient.


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

During use:

- Watch for:
  - Unexpected movement  
  - Noise or vibration  
  - Shifting loads  
- Re-inspect if:
  - Loads change  
  - Weather changes  
  - Equipment is adjusted  

Stop work immediately if abnormal behavior is observed.


Strike Inspection
=================

During de-rigging:

- Inspect equipment as it is removed.
- Look for:
  - Damage caused during use  
  - Wear revealed under load  
- Flag:
  - Items needing repair  
  - Items requiring retirement  
- Document findings before storage.

Strike inspection protects the next deployment.


Inspection Criteria by Equipment Type
=====================================

Chain Motors
------------

- No oil leaks
- Functional limit switches
- Undamaged hooks and safety latches
- Clean, untwisted chain

Truss
-----

- No cracked welds
- No bent chords or diagonals
- Undamaged connection points
- Compatible system components only

Hardware
--------

- Clear WLL markings
- No deformation or cracks
- Proper thread engagement
- Functional safety latches

Slings & Steel
--------------

- No cuts, fraying, or broken wires
- No chemical or heat damage
- Legible identification tags


Documentation Requirements
==========================

All inspections must be documented when:

- Equipment is removed from service
- Damage or abnormal wear is found
- Incidents or near-misses occur

Documentation must include:

- Date
- Inspector name
- Equipment type and ID
- Findings and actions taken

If it is not documented, it did not happen.


Removal From Service
====================

Equipment must be removed from service if:

- It fails any inspection criterion
- Ratings or markings are illegible
- Damage exceeds acceptable limits
- Its history or condition is uncertain

Removed equipment must be clearly tagged and segregated.


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

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

- Perform inspections before use.
- Monitor equipment during operation.
- Report issues immediately.

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

- Approve equipment for use.
- Enforce inspection standards.
- Decide on repair or retirement.

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

- Perform prep and return inspections.
- Track removed or retired equipment.

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

- Ensure inspection time is scheduled.
- Support safety-driven decisions.


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

- Inspections performed at all required stages.
- Unsafe equipment removed immediately.
- Documentation completed.
- Repeat issues reviewed and addressed.

Rigging inspection is the foundation of rigging safety.