RIGGING SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Working in a Live entertainment routinely exposes you to a wide range of hazards. Ensuring the safety of everyone is our number one priority. This Safety Policy aims to review these hazards and best practices for remaining safe while working in the Live entertainment field.
After this document, you will find an agreement you must sign and return acknowledging that you have read, understand, and will abide by the guidelines provided.
This is not intended to be a complete training document and does not give you the approval to use any of the equipment contained within this document.
The following outline is meant to guarantee that the highest safety standards and work practices are implemented at all times on Everlast Productions job sites and or managed facilities at all times.
The theatrical, entertainment, and event industry is one of the fastest growing and dynamic industries globally as well as one of the largest for overhead job site hazards and or safety issues. For these reasons, national safety standard organizations require that all work be performed by competent and qualified personnel/technicians at all times.
Everlast Productions strives hard to meet or exceed the highest American safe working practices and international safety standards. We expect every vendor/contractor / labor organization on our job sites and or managed venues to follow the same strict safety guidelines set forth but not limited to the following safety and standard organizations:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
The United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)
The Entertainment Services & Technology Association (ESTA)
The Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA)
The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP)
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Competent Personnel
One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions, which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
Qualified Person
One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work or the project.
Fall Protection
Falls can occur in any occupational setting. They can happen simply by walking up or down the stairs, climbing an A-frame ladder or getting in and out of an Aerial work platform, for examples.
As many as 828 fatalities have occurred within a 12-month period in the construction & general industries. 302 were from falls making it the leading cause of death in this industry.
Fall prevention is very serious. Everlast Productions requires all vendors/contractors/labor organizations to have qualified and competent personnel on our job sites and or Everlast-managed facilities. Staff required to work at height are required to possess the ability to recognize fall hazards, understand the requirements of fall protection, and the differences between fall restraint and fall arrest.
In addition, said vendors/contractors & labor organizations will be required to understand the applications of (PFAS) Person fall arrest systems/equipment as well as the implementation of rescue plans and the processes of creating a safe working environment.
All fall scenarios/situations are different and require their own fall protection plan in place before working at height can begin.
Fall protection is required whenever you are working more than at an elevation greater than 6’ and proper railings are not in place.
A fall protection plan should include but is not limited to:
Identification of potential fall hazards.
Trained employees on safety hazards associated with working environments.
Trained employees on the proper use of fall protection equipment.
Fall protection equipment must be inspected prior to each use.
An emergency action plan and rescue plan prior to working at heights with fall protection.
All the requirements for Fall Protection for the general industry are covered under OHSA regulations 29 CFR, 1910 and 1926.
Aluminum Trusses
Any and all Aluminum truss flown or used in ground support configurations must meet or exceed safety guidelines set forth and governed by: ANSI E1.2 2012 regulations.
Design, manufacture, inspection and application of all aluminum trusses, structural components, and towers.
Truss load data must be followed at all times.
All truss sections must pass a visual inspection before every use.
All truss that does not pass a visual inspection by the production rigger, rigging supervisor or project manager will not be allowed to be used.
Rigging Hardware
All rigging hardware & components must be load rated and traceable to a professional manufacturer that certifies and guarantees the performance of their products and meets or exceeds safety standards set by OSHA 1910.184 & ASME B30.9-2010. No rigging hardware and or components that do not have a manufacture rating and or data stamp shall not be used.
Most professional hardware will have the manufacture stamp and safe working loads clearly visible on the components, such as but not limited to the following examples:
Working Load Limit (WLL)
Safe Working Load (SWL)
Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS)
Kilonewtons (Kn)
Synthetic Slings
Steel Flex Slings
Wire Rope Slings
Shackles
Drum Hoists
Personnel lifts
Fiber Ropes
Chain
Grade 43 Chain
Ratchet Straps
Electric Chain Hoists
All electric or manual chain hoists that do not pass a visual inspection by the production rigger, rigging supervisor or project manager will not be allowed to be used. All hoists must meet or exceed the following national safety standards set and regulated by:
ANSI E1.6-1
ANSI E1.6-2
ANSI E1.6-3
ANSI E1.6-4
All manufacturers, models, and capacity of hoist must have G80 alloy chains as that is the only chain approved by OSHA for overhead lifting.
All manufacturers, models and capacity of hoist must have a visible and legible load testing certification and manufacturer label or data plate that outlines:
Model Number
Load Capacity
Horse Power
Hoist Speed
Power Supply
Amps
Manufacture Date
Quality Assurance
Rules and Best Practices
Emergency protocol
In the case of an injury or other medical emergency:
- Ensure the situation is stable and further injury can be avoided.
- Call 911 if you suspect serious injury.
- A qualified person should begin first aid or CPR (as required) as soon as possible.
- Report all accidents to the closest person in charge.
Accident reporting
- All accidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported using an incident report.
Safety Guidelines
Common Sense: Much of what will be discussed in this manual may sound like common sense. Nonetheless, it is essential to lay out all rules and guidelines to make sure everyone is on the same page. Do not cut corners in order to work faster or more conveniently at the risk of yourself or others.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
PPE is the equipment used to increase safety while performing potentially hazardous tasks, including:
- Respirators
- Dust masks
- Ear Protection (Headphones are not considered proper PPE)
- Hard Hats
- Safety Glasses (Eyeglasses are not considered safety glasses)
- Gloves
Appropriate PPE must be worn any time you are performing a task that warrants PPE.
You must be trained in the proper use of any PPE you are using.
Contact your supervisor with specific questions on when to use PPE.
Drug and alcohol policy
- The possession, use, or sale of drugs and alcohol on premises is strictly prohibited. You are prohibited from reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Access to facility
- No one is allowed to work in the facility without checking in with security.
- No one is allowed to work in the catwalk space alone.
- Work ID must always be displayed.
Proper attire
It is the responsibility of all workers to be properly dressed for the work they are doing. This may require:
No loose or baggy clothes may be worn while working with tools or at height.
Long hair must be pulled back when using power tools.
Closed-toed shoes are required at all times.
Steel-toed shoes may be required at certain times.
Working with tools
Each tool has its own set of safety rules. They are safe when properly used, but they can cause serious accidents when misused. Never use a tool that you are unfamiliar with without proper training and permission from the appropriate supervisor.
Tools should only be used for their intended purpose.
Always be alert and focused when using tools.
Do not use dull or damaged tools.
Use PPE as recommended.
Do not run with tools.
Dispose of sharp items such as blades in proper receptacles.
Do not hold nails, pins, or screws in your mouth.
Do not use damaged or malfunctioning tools. Report any damaged tools to your supervisor.
Always be aware of your surroundings, including those around you, when working with tools.
Power Tools
Power tools include tools powered electrically, pneumatically, and hydraulically.
Ensure hair, clothing, gloves, and jewelry do not get caught in moving parts.
Verify that the condition of the electrical connection or air hose is free of damage before using.
Unplug power tools after use.
Secure your workpiece before using a power tool.
Do not leave heating tools, such as curling irons, hot plates, and welders, near flammable items.
Do not point air-powered tools at other people.
Do not use air nozzles around your head.
Never disengage, remove, or defeat tool guards.
Cell phone use
- There should be no unnecessary use of cell phones during equipment load in or while in any heavy machinery on the jobsite. If you must take a call or respond to something on your phone, you should move off the working area first.
Housekeeping
Clean up your work area at the completion of each project. Do not leave a mess in place to clean up at the end of the day.
Do not leave tools and supplies out when not in use.
Do not let your work area become too cluttered. This can lead to trip hazards. Clean as you go.
Flatten or remove nails, screws, and staples sticking out of lumber.
Do not leave long sticks in trash barrels. They can poke others in the eyes.
Do not block fire extinguishers, doors, or marked tool-safety areas.
Keep pathways to fire exits and for crossing the shop clearly. It can be dangerous to carry large items while walking over lumber and trash.
All Heavy machinery showed be cleared marked with company Logo and Number.
Lifting and carrying
Use your legs, not your back, to lift.
Use a buddy for objects more significant than one person can safely lift. Just because you can lift something by yourself does not mean you should.
Communicate all physical movements before, during, and after a lift so all parties are aware of what is going on. When performing tasks in performance spaces, using stage directions and terminology help communication (i.e. “move stage left” vs “move over there”).
Back braces are available. If you would like to wear a brace, inform your supervisor, and one will be given to you.
Use appropriate equipment to assist with lifting and moving equipment, including:
Dollies and hand trucks
Johnson Bars
Chain Hoists
Forklift
Personnel lifts may not be used to lift objects
When carrying large items through doorways, be mindful of hand position. Hands holding the outside edges have a greater chance of jamming against door frames or narrow passages.
When carrying tall objects like a flat or ladder, lift with one hand high and one hand low. One hand should carry the weight of the object on the bottom, and the other extended hand on top should help balance the object.
Take a break from repetitive motion or change position to avoid injury.
Any long-term repetitive motion or stance can cause injury.
Working at heights
General
Never work at heights when you are alone.
Only equipment specifically designed for working at heights may be used. Standing or climbing on the furniture or other unapproved objects is not allowed.
Always maintain three points of contact.
Use all equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Only use ladders, scaffolds, and lifts on a level surface.
Clear the area below before you start working.
Use appropriate fall protection.
If you are working around a temporary opening (ie pit, traps, etcetera.), a barrier must be set up along with temporary signs to warn individuals of the opening.
All tools must be tied off, especially while working at height.
Pockets should be emptied prior to ascending and items such as wallets, keys, and cell phones must be left on the ground.
When working overhead with loose items such as hardware, completely clear the area below.
If something is dropped, immediately and loudly call out “HEADS” to communicate those below.
Barriers and signage should be placed at each entrance to the room to ensure no one enters without knowing overhead work is taking place.
Lifts, ladders, and scaffolds should be locked when not in use to prevent unauthorized use.
Scissor lifts are to be signed out with the supervisor.
Rigging
The rigging equipment may only be operated by those trained and approved by theatre management.
When rigging is taking place on stage:
All moves must be communicated loudly and clearly.
All reweighting activities must be communicated loudly and clearly.
Watch the travel of truss so they do not catch on other truss, lights, or scenery. Assign “spotter(s)” if you can’t see the complete travel path of the truss and its load.
Stay alert while operating rigging. If anything seems wrong or unusual, stop what you are doing and contact your supervisor.
Never exceed the capacity of the system or any rigging component.
Only equipment approved for overhead lifting or suspension may be used.
Refer to manufacturer’s instructions for specific operational guidelines.
Rigging systems must be inspected annually.
Working with electricity
Powered equipment such as tools, lighting instrumentation, projectors, speakers and consoles may only be maintained and operated by those trained and approved by theatre management.
Always inspect the equipment, extension cords and electrical fittings for damage before use. Do not use if you see exposed wiring or scoring on plugs and receptacles.
Know where the panel and circuit breakers are located in case of an emergency.
Make sure each circuit breaker is clearly labeled. Each switch should be positively identified as to which outlet or machine it is for.
Tape down extension cords when in use to avoid trip hazards.
Make sure an extension cord and/or outlet is rated for the level of amperage or wattage that you are using.
Unusually warm/hot outlets or cords may be a sign of unsafe wiring or an overloaded circuit. Should these conditions exist, unplug the equipment until a qualified electrician has checked the wiring.
Always use the correct size fuse. Using larger fuses may cause excessive currents in wiring and possibly start a fire.
Make sure you are plugging equipment into the correct power supply.
Lighting should be used away from combustible materials such as clothes or curtains to avoid fire hazards.
When performing maintenance on tools, make sure they are unplugged or turned off at the breaker if they cannot be unplugged. Make use of the lockout/tag out procedure as necessary below.
Never open an electrical panel unless under the supervision of a qualified electrician.
Machinery requiring three-or single-phase power from a company switch requiring bare-end camlocks must only be tied in by a qualified electrician.
When tying in camlocks to equipment, be sure power is off. Start with the ground (green), neutral (white), and then hot (red, blue, and black). If untying camlocks, make sure power is off, and start with hot then neutral and ending by disconnecting your ground.
Stage edge
- The stage edge should be guarded at all times and only removed during production and technical rehearsals.
By reading the above guidelines in any part does not define any persons as trained, qualified and or competent personnel. These guidelines are in place to hold all vendors/contractors to have qualified and competent personnel on our job sites and or Everlast-managed facilities to help ensure safe working environments.