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.