Rigging Inspection

This SOP defines the inspection requirements, criteria, and documentation standards for all rigging equipment used by Maryland Productions (MP) and Event Revolution (RV). Rigging inspections are a critical safety control and must be performed consistently at multiple stages of the equipment lifecycle.

No rigging equipment may be used unless it has passed inspection.

Purpose

  • Prevent rigging-related failures and accidents.

  • Identify damaged, worn, or unsafe equipment before use.

  • Standardize inspection procedures across all rigging gear.

  • Ensure compliance with safety standards and best practices.

  • Establish clear documentation and accountability for rigging condition.

Who This SOP Is For

  • Rigging technicians

  • Lead riggers

  • Warehouse staff performing prep inspections

  • Repair and maintenance staff

  • Project Managers overseeing rigging scope

  • Authorized freelancers handling rigging equipment

Anyone handling or approving rigging equipment must understand inspection requirements.

Inspection Frequency

Rigging equipment must be inspected at the following times:

  • Warehouse Prep Inspection – before deployment

  • Pre-Use Inspection – before installation on-site

  • Operational Inspection – during use

  • Strike Inspection – during removal

  • Periodic Inspection – scheduled, documented inspections

Failure to inspect at any stage is a violation of this SOP.

General Inspection Rules

  • Inspections must be visual and tactile.

  • Adequate lighting is required.

  • Clean equipment before inspection when possible.

  • If unsure about condition, remove from service.

  • Never assume prior inspections are sufficient.

When in doubt, take it out.

Equipment Covered

This SOP applies to all rigging-related equipment, including:

  • Chain motors

  • Motor controllers and pendants

  • Truss sections and hardware

  • Shackles, spansets, and steel

  • Slings and roundslings

  • Eyebolts and attachment points

  • Ground support components

  • Rigging tools and accessories

Inspection Criteria by Equipment Type

Chain Motors

Inspect for:

  • Chain wear or elongation

  • Hook deformation or cracks

  • Safety latch operation

  • Oil leaks or unusual noise

  • Damaged power or control cables

  • Valid inspection or service tag

Remove motors from service if any issue is observed.

Truss

Inspect for:

  • Cracked or bent chords

  • Damaged welds

  • Deformation at connection points

  • Compatibility issues

  • Missing or damaged hardware

Truss with structural damage must be retired or repaired by qualified professionals.

Shackles & Hardware

Inspect for:

  • Cracks or deformation

  • Stripped or damaged threads

  • Bent pins or bodies

  • Missing markings or ratings

  • Excessive corrosion

Unrated or damaged hardware is prohibited.

Spansets & Slings

Inspect for:

  • Cuts, tears, or abrasion

  • Core fiber exposure

  • Chemical or heat damage

  • Faded, missing, or illegible tags

  • Uneven wear patterns

Any compromised sling must be removed from service.

Steel & Wire Rope

Inspect for:

  • Broken wires

  • Kinks or birdcaging

  • Crushing or corrosion

  • Damaged terminations

Steel damage may be subtle—inspect carefully.

Ground Support Components

Inspect for:

  • Bent or cracked frames

  • Missing hardware

  • Leveling mechanisms

  • Structural integrity

  • Compatibility with loads

Ground support failures can be catastrophic.

Inspection Outcomes

Pass

  • Equipment is safe and within acceptable limits.

  • May be used as intended.

Remove from Service

  • Equipment shows damage, wear, or uncertainty.

  • Tag Do Not Use.

  • Route to repair or retirement.

Never return unsafe equipment to circulation.

Tagging & Identification

  • Use clear Do Not Use tags for failed items.

  • Do not rely on verbal warnings.

  • Segregate failed equipment immediately.

  • Do not remove tags without authorization.

Tags protect everyone.

Documentation

Inspections must be documented when required:

  • Scheduled periodic inspections

  • Motor service inspections

  • High-risk or critical equipment

  • Equipment removed from service

Documentation should include: - Asset or serial number - Date - Inspector name - Findings - Action taken

Records must be retained per policy.

Responsibilities

Rigging Technicians

  • Inspect equipment before use.

  • Stop work if issues are found.

  • Report concerns immediately.

Lead Riggers

  • Verify inspections are performed.

  • Review inspection findings.

  • Enforce removal of unsafe equipment.

Warehouse Staff

  • Perform prep inspections.

  • Track failed equipment.

  • Maintain inspection records.

Project Managers

  • Ensure inspection requirements are met.

  • Support equipment removal decisions.

Quality Control

  • No uninspected rigging equipment in use.

  • Failed items removed immediately.

  • Documentation completed when required.

  • Repeated failures reviewed for root cause.

Inspection discipline saves lives.