Theatre Rigging Equipment Inspection Program
Tony Cygan
Rigging equipment used in theatre/staging/performing arts venues poses a serious safety hazard if not maintained in good working order. It is the policy of the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) to ensure such equipment is safely maintained.
This program has been established to:
- Ensure rigging equipment is properly maintained and inspected.
- Ensure that work units understand and comply with inspection procedures concerning rigging equipment.
- Assign responsibilities to personnel which are necessary for successful implementation of this program.
Program Applicability
The Theatre Rigging Equipment Inspection Program applies to rigging systems used by Penn State employees within theatre and performance spaces. Covered systems include motorized rigging systems, counterweighted systems, stationary systems, and hemp systems.
This program does not apply to the following:
- Cranes, hoists, and slings, which are addressed under the Penn State Crane, Hoist & Sling Safety Program
- Fire curtains
- Items temporarily connected to battens, such as curtains, artwork, props, or set designs
Note: Although these items are excluded from the inspection program, all items must still be secured to battens in accordance with applicable industry standards.
Program Requirements
The Theatre Rigging Equipment Inspection Program establishes responsibilities and inspection requirements to ensure rigging systems are maintained and used safely.
Supervisor Responsibilities
- Supervisors—including Stage Stewards, Technical Directors, Theatre Facility Managers, faculty, or staff with oversight responsibility—must understand program requirements and ensure employee compliance. Supervisors must take prompt corrective action when unsafe conditions are identified, ensure necessary repairs are arranged, and investigate injuries or incidents involving rigging equipment.
Employee Responsibilities
- Employees must follow established work practices and immediately report any unsafe conditions or concerns related to rigging equipment to their supervisor.
Inspection Requirements
- Pre‑Use Inspections—before use, employees must visually inspect and operate rigging systems to identify conditions that could affect safe operation. Pre‑use inspections are not required to be documented.
- Annual Inspections—all rigging systems must undergo a documented annual inspection conducted by a competent person, as defined in the program. Employees designated to perform these inspections must receive appropriate training if they do not already meet the program’s definition of a competent person.
- Third‑Party Inspections—a documented third‑party inspection is required once every three years.
Recordkeeping Requirements
- Work units must maintain records of annual inspections, repair records, and third‑party inspection reports.
Documents and Forms
Programs:
- Theatre Rigging Equipment Inspection Program
Procedure:
- Robot Safeguarding and Safe Setup Requirements
Forms:
- General Shop Information (Appendix B)
- General Shop Safety Training (Appendix C)
- Equipment Specific Safety Training (Appendix D)
Additional Resources
- ANSI E1.4‑2014 – Entertainment Technology Standard