This document discusses safety procedures for automated rigging systems used in theaters. It recommends only using qualified professionals for service and repairs. Operators should know the load capacity, ensure loads are securely attached and spread out, clear the travel path before operating, watch the batten while it moves, and have the system inspected annually. Automated rigging eliminates handling counterweights but still requires proper operation and maintenance to ensure safety when heavy loads are suspended over people.

1. Automated Rigging Safety
Whenever scenery hangs over people’s heads, it’s critical that operators and supervisors take every
precaution to be sure that the people on the ground are safe. Automated rigging eliminates the handling
of counterweights and climbing to a loading bridge to properly balance a manual operated counterweight
system. However, even these modern hoists require proper operation and maintenance to ensure
safety.
Follow these simple steps to keep actors, stagehands and other theatre personnel safe:
• Know the load capacity of your sets and structure. Do not exceed this load on any batten.
• Attach equipment and scenery firmly on the batten. Spread the load along the batten, or
attach it near the lift lines. This will help you avoid damage to the batten.
• Before operating any line set, make sure the travel path of the load is clear, and that no one is
under or near the load.
• Never leave the controls when a line set is in motion.
• Watch the batten—not the controls—while the load is moving, to be sure it doesn’t catch on
other battens, lights, or scenery. Assign spotters if you can’t see the complete travel path of the
batten and its load.
• Service and repairs must be performed by qualified professionals. There are no user-
serviceable parts on your motorized rigging.
• While it’s easy to assume that motorized rigging does not require as much maintenance as a
manual system, it’s still hanging a heavy load over people’s heads—so the same precautions
apply. Have the system inspected once a year by a qualified professional. It can be tougher to
recognize issues in an automated system, because many of the components are not in direct
sight or are hidden inside the winch itself. A professional with years of experience will know
what to look for, spotting issues before they become problems for your system.
©J.R. Clancy 2009
Design, Manufacture and Installation of Theatrical Equipment Worldwide
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