Rigging

The Rigging department is responsible for the safe design, preparation, installation, operation, and removal of all overhead and structural elements used in MP/RV productions. Rigging is inherently high-risk work and must be executed with strict adherence to safety standards, load calculations, and approved procedures.

This section documents the rigging-specific standards that apply across warehouse prep, transport, on-site execution, and strike.

Purpose

  • Ensure all rigging work is performed safely and consistently.

  • Prevent injuries, equipment damage, and structural failures.

  • Establish clear standards for rigging prep, inspection, and operation.

  • Define responsibilities for rigging personnel and leadership.

  • Provide a reference for both routine and complex rigging scenarios.

Who This Section Is For

  • Rigging technicians

  • Lead riggers

  • Technical Directors

  • Project Managers overseeing rigging scope

  • Warehouse staff prepping rigging equipment

  • Freelancers performing rigging work

Only trained and authorized personnel may perform rigging tasks.

Scope of Rigging

This section covers:

  • Chain motors (electric and manual)

  • Truss systems (box, triangle, pipe)

  • Spansets, roundslings, and steel

  • Shackles and hardware

  • Pick points and load distribution

  • Ground-supported structures

  • Safety and inspection procedures

This section does not replace venue-specific rigging rules, engineering requirements, or local regulations.

Rigging Safety Fundamentals

  • All rigging must be designed within rated limits.

  • Load calculations must be completed before installation.

  • Never exceed working load limits (WLL).

  • Never stand or work under a suspended load.

  • All rigging hardware must be rated and inspected.

  • Stop work authority applies to all rigging operations.

Unsafe rigging is unacceptable under any circumstance.

Training & Authorization

  • Only trained riggers may perform rigging tasks.

  • Specialized tasks (motors, arena rigging, structural builds) require additional training.

  • Freelancers must demonstrate competency before assignment.

  • PMs must verify crew qualifications for the rigging scope.

Unqualified personnel must not rig.

Rigging Prep Standards

Warehouse Prep

  • Inspect all rigging equipment before packing.

  • Verify: - Load ratings - Certifications - Condition

  • Remove damaged or questionable items from service.

  • Pack rigging by type and size.

  • Label cases clearly.

No rigging gear leaves without inspection.

Documentation & Planning

  • Review rigging plots and weight calculations.

  • Confirm venue requirements and limitations.

  • Coordinate with other departments on loads and placement.

  • Identify required hardware and redundancies.

Planning prevents failures.

On-Site Rigging Operations

Load-In

  • Verify venue approvals and access.

  • Identify structural attachment points.

  • Install rigging hardware methodically.

  • Double-check all connections.

  • Attach safeties where required.

Communication is critical during rigging.

Working at Height

  • Use approved access equipment.

  • Maintain three points of contact.

  • Secure tools to prevent drops.

  • Keep work areas below clear.

  • Never rush elevated work.

Dropped objects are a serious hazard.

Motor & Lift Operations

  • Inspect motors and controls before use.

  • Verify correct power and control connections.

  • Establish clear hand signals or communication.

  • Lift loads slowly and evenly.

  • Stop immediately if abnormal behavior occurs.

Motor operation requires full attention.

Inspection & Redundancy

  • Inspect all rigging before applying load.

  • Use secondary safeties where required.

  • Verify shackle orientation and pin security.

  • Confirm spanset placement and protection.

Redundancy saves lives.

Strike & De-Rigging

  • De-energize motors and power systems.

  • Lower loads in a controlled manner.

  • Remove hardware carefully.

  • Inspect gear during removal.

  • Separate damaged items immediately.

Strike is as critical as install.

Rigging Equipment Handling

  • Do not drag or throw rigging gear.

  • Protect gear from abrasion and chemicals.

  • Keep slings clean and dry.

  • Store hardware in designated cases.

Mishandling shortens lifespan and reduces safety.

Roles & Responsibilities

Rigging Technicians

  • Perform rigging tasks safely.

  • Inspect equipment before use.

  • Follow approved plans and procedures.

Lead Riggers

  • Oversee rigging operations.

  • Verify calculations and installations.

  • Coordinate with PMs and other departments.

  • Enforce safety standards.

Project Managers

  • Ensure rigging scope is defined.

  • Verify crew qualifications.

  • Coordinate venue approvals.

Warehouse Staff

  • Inspect and prep rigging equipment.

  • Maintain organized storage.

  • Remove unsafe gear from service.

Quality Control

  • No uninspected rigging gear in use.

  • All loads verified before lift.

  • Safety violations corrected immediately.

  • Documentation completed as required.

Rigging quality directly affects safety.

Linked Rigging SOPs