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.