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.