Rigging Hardware

This SOP defines the standards and procedures for the selection, inspection, use, handling, and storage of general rigging hardware used by Maryland Productions (MP) and Event Revolution (RV). Rigging hardware is safety-critical and must always be rated, compatible, and in good condition.

Improper hardware selection or use can result in serious injury or catastrophic failure.

Purpose

  • Ensure all rigging hardware is used safely and consistently.

  • Prevent failures caused by worn, damaged, or unrated hardware.

  • Standardize inspection and handling procedures.

  • Establish clear accountability for rigging hardware condition.

  • Support compliance with industry safety best practices.

Who This SOP Is For

  • Rigging technicians

  • Lead riggers

  • Technical Directors

  • Warehouse staff prepping rigging hardware

  • Project Managers overseeing rigging scope

  • Authorized freelancers

Only trained personnel may select or install rigging hardware.

Scope

This SOP applies to all non-lighting-specific rigging hardware, including:

  • Shackles (screw pin, bolt type)

  • Spansets and roundslings

  • Wire rope and steel slings

  • Eyebolts and rigging points

  • Turnbuckles

  • Quick links and carabiners (rated only)

  • Beam clamps and structural attachment devices

  • Load-rated hardware used in rigging systems

Lighting-specific clamps and safeties are covered under Lighting Rigging Hardware SOPs.

Rigging Hardware Standards

Approved & Rated Hardware Only

  • All hardware must have a visible WLL or manufacturer rating.

  • Hardware without markings must be removed from service.

  • Field-modified hardware is prohibited.

  • Mixing incompatible hardware types is not allowed.

If the rating is unknown, the hardware is unsafe.

Inspection Requirements

Hardware must be inspected:

  • During warehouse prep

  • Before installation

  • During strike

  • Any time damage is suspected

Inspection Checklist

Remove hardware from service if any of the following are observed:

  • Cracks, bends, or deformation

  • Elongated holes

  • Stripped or damaged threads

  • Excessive wear or corrosion

  • Missing pins or safety features

  • Illegible or missing rating marks

Shackles

  • Use correct shackle type and size for the load.

  • Pin must be fully seated.

  • Orient pin correctly relative to load.

  • Do not side-load unless rated for it.

  • Safety-wire pins when required.

Never substitute bolts for shackle pins.

Spansets & Slings

  • Verify correct length and capacity.

  • Protect slings from sharp edges.

  • Use corner protection when required.

  • Never knot slings.

  • Avoid twisting.

Inspection

Remove from service if:

  • Cuts or abrasion exceed limits

  • Core fibers are visible

  • Chemical or heat damage is present

  • Tags are missing or illegible

Steel & Wire Rope

  • Inspect for broken wires.

  • Check for kinks, birdcaging, or crushing.

  • Verify proper terminations.

  • Do not exceed rated capacity.

Steel damage can be difficult to see—inspect carefully.

Eyebolts & Attachment Points

  • Use only rated eyebolts.

  • Verify proper seating and orientation.

  • Follow manufacturer angle reduction ratings.

  • Do not use shoulderless eyebolts for angular loads.

Improper eyebolts are a common failure point.

Installation Best Practices

  • Match hardware capacity to calculated loads.

  • Avoid cross-loading.

  • Minimize angular forces where possible.

  • Use redundant connections when required.

  • Verify all connections before loading.

Hardware selection matters as much as installation.

Handling & Storage

  • Do not throw or drop hardware.

  • Store by type and size.

  • Keep hardware clean and dry.

  • Separate damaged or retired items immediately.

  • Label bins and cases clearly.

Good organization prevents unsafe substitutions.

Retirement & Removal from Service

  • Remove hardware permanently if damaged.

  • Do not attempt to repair structural hardware.

  • Cut or destroy retired items to prevent reuse.

  • Document retirement when required.

When in doubt, retire it.

Roles & Responsibilities

Rigging Technicians

  • Inspect and use hardware correctly.

  • Report damage immediately.

  • Follow approved rigging plans.

Lead Riggers

  • Verify hardware selection.

  • Oversee inspections.

  • Enforce safety standards.

Warehouse Staff

  • Inspect hardware during prep.

  • Maintain organized storage.

  • Remove unsafe hardware from circulation.

Project Managers

  • Ensure appropriate hardware is specified.

  • Verify qualified personnel.

Quality Control

  • No unrated hardware in use.

  • Inspections performed consistently.

  • Damaged hardware removed immediately.

  • Safety violations corrected on the spot.

Rigging hardware quality directly affects safety.