Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Guidance For Rigging in UK Venues
Guidance For Rigging in UK Venues
GUIDANCE FOR
RIGGING
IN UK VENUES
Page 1
FOREWORD
This document has been produced with the input of many individuals within the venue
operation and rigging industries. Contributors have included house riggers, rigging contractors,
health and safety managers and operations managers with responsibility for rigging in their
venues. Some of the content is taken or adapted from existing venue rigging codes / rules.
During the many meetings that have taken place, there have been a number of subjects that
have created lengthy discussion, however, the one subject that invariably raises emotion in
everyone is the need for timely and appropriate information. This is mentioned in Section 11
of the guidance but is also mentioned here because lack of good quality information submitted
within a reasonable period before an event is the one complaint that consistently arises from
venues. It is the key to forward planning and an efficient and safe operation on site. There are
many events for which accurate rigging plots, detailed method statements and risk
assessments are forwarded to venues well in advance of an event, however there are also
many where inadequate or inaccurate information is produced and is not made available until
very close to the event and sometimes on the day of the event. It cannot be over-stressed
that accurate, timely information is a major factor in improving safety and reducing conflict on
site.
Page 2
INTRODUCTION
This rigging guidance has been produced by members of the National Arenas Association for
use in UK venues.
Its purpose is to provide:
This document is NOT intended to be a technical manual for riggers, however it should be
regarded as setting minimum operational standards expected of riggers.
The guidance is structured such that it can be applied in any venue and it is therefore general
in nature. It should be used in conjunction with any venue specific rules and regulations.
DEFINITION
Rigging
For the purpose of this guidance, rigging is defined as The temporary suspension or
attachment of materials and equipment to a building or structure (including temporary
structures built specifically for the purpose) by means of wires, cords, slings, chains or lifting
appliances and related equipment. Theatrical counterbalance flying systems are not included.
Page 3
CONTENTS
PAGE No.
Foreword
Introduction
Definition
Contents
1.
Legislation
2.
Responsibilities
2.1
Employers / Client Responsibilities
2.2
Employees / Self-employed Responsibilities
3.
Competency
4.
5.
10
6.
Lifting
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
11
7.
12
8.
Working Practices
8.1
General Conditions
8.2
Suspension Points
8.3
Method of Attachment
8.4
Bridles
8.5
Load Spreader Beams
8.6
Truss Systems
8.7
Slinging
8.8
Work Areas
8.9
Suspended Signs
8.10 Catenaries
8.11 The Installation of Safeties
12
9.
16
10.
Access Equipment
10.1 Truss / Caving Ladders
10.2 Aerial Platforms
16
Equipment
Definition
Legislation
General
Guidance
Page 4
11.
17
Appendix 1
Codes of Practice and Guidance
19
Appendix 2
British Standards (BS), DIN & ISO Standards
20
Appendix 3
Guidance on the use of Personal Protective Equipment
23
Appendix 4
Guidance on the use of Rigging Equipment
27
Page 5
1.
LEGISLATION
1.1
Health & Safety legislation, Approved Codes of Practice, guidance and general
good practice apply to rigging operations as they do to all work activities. The
overall aim is to secure the health, safety and welfare at work of employees, the
self-employed and all other persons who may be affected by work activities (e.g.
audiences). While not an exhaustive list, the main Regulations are:
1.3
2.
Venues should reserve the right to inspect all rigging, working methods and
equipment to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, codes of practice etc,
and to refuse to permit the use of non-compliant equipment and working
methods.
RESPONSIBILITIES
In order to ensure compliance with the legislation in Section 1, all parties involved in or
controlling rigging operations have responsibilities to themselves and to others. There is
a general hierarchy to the process but it is important to note that persons in overall
control always retain some degree of liability for activities carried out under that
control, even when specialist contractors are hired in to do the work.
2.1
Employer Responsibilities
Venues generally may be considered as shared workplaces where employers
responsibilities fall upon the venue and its hirers and agents which may include
venue management companies, promoters, organising companies, production
companies and rigging contractors.
Page 6
Provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work so that they are
safe and without risk to health.
Ensuring reasonable arrangements are in place for the safe use, handling,
storage and transportation of articles and substances.
Provision of information, instruction and training to his employees.
Ensuring the workplace is safe, including safe access and egress, and is
without risk to health.
Provision of adequate facilities to look after the welfare of employees
whilst at work.
This duty extends to those who may be contracted to undertake work on behalf
of the employer who will, in this case, be acting as a Client. The Client cannot
absolve himself of the principle duties outlined above by contractually deferring
them to his contractor or sub-contractors. Even though the Client may be
contractually two or three times removed from an individual working on a
project, he still carries responsibility for that individuals conduct. This duty also
applies to the self-employed.
Should an accident occur to a contractor or sub-contractor, the Client will be
expected to demonstrate to an enforcement agency that he undertook the
appropriate measures to ensure that his contractors were competent and
possessed the appropriate skills and resources to safely undertake the project
involved.
2.2
3.
COMPETENCY
3.1
Page 7
3.2
3.3
3.4
It is recommended that training for all riggers should include the following:
Page 8
Working at Height
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 set out a simple hierarchy for managing
and selecting equipment for work at height. Duty Holders must:
Page 9
The Working Load Limit (WLL) or Safe Working Load (SWL) of any item of
access or rigging equipment shall not be exceeded.
Walkways must be kept clear of loose rigging equipment at all times. All
equipment taken to high level and not used must be removed after work is
completed. Tools and equipment should be hoisted to high level by means of
rope or similar system rather than being carried by individuals.
Communication devices (e.g. hand portable radios) shall be attached by lanyard
to the harness, holster belt or similar.
4.3.
Hours of Work
Employers should refer to the Working Time Regulations. It is recognised that
long hours of work are often associated with rigging operations particularly in
the touring concert business. Riggers have a duty to ensure that their
competency is not affected by tiredness. Employers, Promoters, Production
Managers and Venue Managers have a duty to ensure that Riggers and Rigging
Supervisors get adequate rest periods.
5.
General
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for working at height must be provided by
employers and the self-employed in compliance with the Personal Protective
Equipment Regulations 1992. PPE for rigging activities must be suitable for
both work positioning and fall arrest.
The users of the PPE must be trained in its use and inspection. Each piece of
equipment shall be visually inspected prior to use by the operative. In addition
equipment should be inspected by an authorised person at least every six
months and after any fall or overload.
These inspections should be
documented.
The inspection regime is dependant on the usage, it is recommended that a
detailed inspection is undertaken every 3 months for heavy usage, and an
interim inspection used to highlight any potential problems. PPE examination
should not normally include proof loading in relation to textile equipment as the
load test may adversely affect the integrity of the equipment.
Guidance on the use of commonly used items of PPE is contained in Appendix
3.
5.2
Rescue
In the event of a fall and the successful operation of PPE, a rigger may be left
suspended in a precarious position with no immediate means of rescue. It is
therefore recommended that venues should have in place a rescue plan.
Within the venue, safe systems will be available such as catenary systems,
catch net systems, fall arrest systems or some combination of these. Ideally
consideration will be given to self-rescue methods during the design and
installation phases of such systems.
Page 10
6.
LIFTING EQUIPMENT
6.1
Definition
For the purposes of this guidance, lifting equipment / lifting tackle shall be
defined as 'any item used to raise, lower or suspend a load. This includes both
lifting appliances and lifting accessories.
6.2
Legislation
All lifting equipment / lifting tackle used shall comply with all current relevant
legislation (See 1.1 of this Guidance.)
6.3
General
All lifting equipment shall be of sound material and construction, free from
defects and fit for the purpose for which it is to be used.
SWL or WLL shall be clearly marked on all items.
The SWL / WLL of any item of lifting equipment must never be exceeded.
No item of lifting equipment shall be used for any purpose for which it is not
intended.
Where reasonably practicable all rigging equipment must be inspected prior to
use.
Rigging equipment must not be dropped from height and must be treated with
reasonable care.
Each item of rigging equipment is required to carry an individual distinguishing
mark, serial number or batch mark and be traceable from its manufacture.
Each item of rigging equipment shall be used in accordance with the
manufacturers guidelines.
Page 11
certificates
of
Guidance
Guidance on the use of commonly used equipment and systems is contained in
Appendix 4.
7.
WORKING PRACTICES
8.1
General Conditions
A competent rigger shall undertake all rigging work in a responsible manner and
consideration shall be given to the safety of all persons who may be affected by
such works. A Rigging Supervisor should be nominated for all rigging
operations.
Page 12
8.2
Suspension Points
All venues shall have venue specific requirements / regulations regarding
suspension points and the loading capacity of different elements of the building
structure. Riggers must ensure that they comply with these requirements and if
there is any doubt, there must be consultation with the venue management.
When the suspension point has been installed and the operative responsible for
the installation is completely satisfied it is safe, secure and capable of
supporting the load to be applied and within the SWL of all components used,
the hook will be attached to the master link or shackle.
8.3
Method of Attachment
Venues will have venue specific policies on methods of attachment but general
care should be taken to protect building steelwork from steel to steel contact
that can cause wear and damage.
This can be achieved by the use of soft webbing or round slings or steel wraps
covered by a PVC sleeve or by the steel work being protected by softenings.
Whenever possible the practice of 'choke hitch' wrapping of slings is to be
avoided. Where this is not possible the SWL of such slings shall be reduced to
75% of the WLL.
8.4
Bridles
When bridles are installed to provide suspension points, particular attention will
be paid to the included angle created between the individual legs of bridles.
This angle will at all times be the minimum possible to keep the horizontal load
to each leg as low as possible.
As a general rule, no bridle with an included angle of more than 90-degrees shall
be permitted. If it is necessary to exceed the 90-degree angle, then suitable
calculations should be carried out to ensure that the installation is safe in
respect of both the equipment being used and the building structure.
Only riggers trained in the proper use of such equipment shall carry out the
assembly of bridles. All equipment used shall have its WLL clearly marked and
shall be suitable for the load to be applied.
Particular attention should be paid to ensuring the correct seating of shackles
and other link items.
The master link or ring forming the suspension for the load shall have a WLL
equal to the suspended load weight multiplied by the number of legs used for
the construction of the bridle. For example, to suspend a 2 tonne load on a
three-legged bridle the SWL on the master link ring would need to be 6 tonnes.
This allows for angles up to 120-degrees to be used. Angles of less than this
allow lower capacity master links to be used.
Before undertaking any rigging operation, all point loads, distributed loads and
bridle angles should be assessed in relation to the venue attachment points to
ensure that all loads can be safely applied. Applied loads should take account
of the safe weight of the rigging and hoisting equipment.
Page 13
Where more than one bridle leg terminates at the single attachment point, the
resultant effects of all loads should be considered.
When bridling, great care shall be taken where attachments are to beams or
trusses in the same plane as the bridle, to ensure that they are fixed by positive
means to stop the natural tendency to slip together. In general it is preferable
that bridles are attached to beams at 90-degrees to the plane of the bridle.
8.5
8.6
Truss Systems
All suspended truss systems should have independent structural certification
and should only be used with certificated design parameters.
Particular attention shall be paid to the assembly of truss sections to ensure that
braces are aligned correctly as per manufacturers recommendations and that all
connectors are correctly fitted, tightened and complete with any locking pins in
place.
Generally all truss-mounted equipment shall be fitted with a back up safety
chain or safety steel having an appropriate WLL.
8.7
Slinging
The slinging of suspended equipment shall be undertaken to manufacturers
recommendations and in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Safe Use
of Lifting Equipment issued by the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association.
Prior to final lifting, a check will be made at ground level and any necessary
adjustments made.
8.8
Work Areas
Main areas for rigging operations are to be clearly defined and access to such
areas shall be restricted to competent personnel directly involved in the
operation.
Clear and adequate communication between persons working at high level and
ground crew is to be maintained with other operations suspended if necessary
until such time as deemed safe to continue.
Page 14
Ground crew personnel working within such areas are required to ensure that
unauthorised personnel remain clear of the works area until operations are
complete.
Other personnel working close to or in areas where rigging operations are taking
place must be aware of these operations.
This is particularly important when the actions of other personnel could
endanger the safety of rigging personnel e.g. sound and lighting crews.
When at the site of rigging operations, an area shall be designated for the
temporary storage and assembly of rigging equipment. This area is to be kept
clean and tidy at all times with excess equipment collected as soon as
operations are complete.
Safety signs provided by the venue shall be positioned at the entrance to all
areas of access during build-up and breakdown operations.
8.9
Suspended Signs
Any signs supplied for rigging shall be checked to ensure they are fit for
suspension.
The suppliers of such signs shall be responsible for the integrity of the sign and
its suspension fittings.
Signs of timber or metal framed construction may only be rigged if fitted with
fully closed eye lifting rings, bolted preferably through the full depth of the sign,
the capacity of which must be sufficient to completely support the load on any
individual fitting.
Screw-in eyes are not acceptable for this purpose and the venue will reserve the
right to refuse to allow the suspension of any signs where the suspension fitting
supplied is inadequate.
Due to the flimsy nature of materials used, paper signs may only be suspended
if constructed from 'Tyvec' or a similar approved material.
Drop weighting to the bottom of banners may only take place when the
weighting is completely sealed within the banner by positive means, such as
stitching or vinyl welding. The provision of bottom drop weight pockets by
gluing is not acceptable.
8.10
Catenaries
Due to the potential structural damage that can be caused by catenary wire
installation, and also the potentially hazardous nature of the installation and
removal process, the rules for installation of catenary wires should always be
checked with the venue management. Catenaries should never be installed
when public are in the halls.
Page 15
8.11
9.
10.
ACCESS EQUIPMENT
All access equipment shall be used in accordance with manufacturers instructions and
recommendations, including the use of safety harnesses and suitable head protection.
The SWL of access equipment shall be permanently displayed on the equipment. It is
the responsibility of the operator of the equipment to ensure that the carried weight
does not exceed the SWL.
Special attention should be paid to the correct assembly and stability of ladders and
other static forms of access equipment, including the use of outriggers where fitted.
Persons trained in the correct use of such equipment should only carry out assembly of
static access equipment. Operators of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPS) for
use in rigging related operations, are required to be in possession of a current valid
certificate of Training Achievement and Competency of Operations, certified by a
recognised independent training authority conforming to CITB standards or equivalent.
It is a requirement that such certification is available for inspection at the venue.
The responsibility of carrying out the manufacturers recommended daily checks,
including fuel, will be that of the operator. If different operators use the equipment
during the course of the day then all operators should carry out a pre-use check.
Standing directly on forks, attachments or pallets, not intended for such applications, is
strictly forbidden. Any accidents involving access equipment used for rigging purposes
shall be reported to venue management immediately in addition to any other statutory
reporting requirements that may be applicable.
Page 16
10.1
10.2
Aerial Platforms
If it is necessary for an operative to leave a MEWP at high level, he / she must
identify a secure point of anchorage for the safety harness lanyard. The lanyard
shall be secured before leaving the platform.
When returning to the platform, the operative must ensure the lanyard remains
in position until the transfer to the carriage has been completed. At no time
should the operative be connected to both the MEWP and the structure.
11.
11.2
Risk Assessment
LOLER refers specifically to the Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations regarding the requirement to carry out a suitable and sufficient
Risk Assessment of lifting operations.
Page 17
Those individuals and / or organisations that are responsible for the lifting
operations must carry out the Risk Assessment, or have employees who carry
out the operations. The Risk Assessment must be documented and available for
examination.
Page 18
APPENDIX 1
Codes of Practice and Guidance
Page 19
APPENDIX 2
British Standard, DIN and ISO Standards
BS
BS
BS
BS
BS
302-1/2
463
464
1139
1290
BS 2853
BS 3032
BS 3243
BS 3481
BS 3551
BS 4278
BS 4429
BS
BS
BS
BS
BS
4898
4942
5281
5950
6166
BS 6399
BS 6570
BS 66681/2
BS 6994
BS 7035
BS 71211/2
BS EN 292-2
BS EN 418
BS EN 698
BS EN 701
BS EN 795
BS EN 818-2
BS EN 1261
BS EN 1677-1
BS EN 1677-2
Page 20
BS EN 1677-4
BS EN 12275
Other Standards
Temporary Demountable Structures (ISE)
Specification for the Design and Manufacture of Lifting Equipment for
Performance, etc.
BS 7905 PT1 Specification for the Design and Manufacture of Trusses and
Towers for Performance, etc
BS 7906 PT1 Code of Practice for use of Lifting Equipment for Performance etc
BS 7905 PT2 Code of Practice for the use of Trusses and Towers for
Performance, etc
BS 7906 PT2 Lifting Equipment Engineers Association Code of Practice for Safe
Use Of Lifting Equipment (C.O.P.S.U.L.E)
Page 21
ESTA (US)
Page 22
APPENDIX 3
Guidance on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Harnesses
The safety harness forms the ergonomic link or interface between the human body and
the attachment system. Most rigging work involves both work positioning or fall arrest
applications; it is therefore essential that a suitable harness be worn. A multiapplication harness is most suitable as it provides the sternal/dorsal attachments for fall
arrest and the lateral/central waist attachments for work positioning.
For most rigging applications the harness must comply with EN 361 and be designed to
spread the force of a fall over the structure of the body and give optimal conditions for
a suspended human. It is strongly recommended that a multi-application harness be
used for all high level working in the industry.
Harnesses used for fall arrest applications must be used in-conjunction with a shockabsorbing device that reduces the fall resultant load to 6kN for the anchorage point and
the body. These must be attached to the sternal or dorsal anchorage point.
Harnesses used for work positioning should have a central/lateral work positioning
attachment point and be comfortable (padded).
Harnesses should be free from any defects, mechanical action, working of the
webbing, acids, solvents, alkalis and UV degradation. They should be stored in a bag,
away from sunlight, heat and chemicals. They must be inspected with a regularly
maintained inspection log. Any harness that appears to be defective should be referred
to an authorised person for inspection. Any harness that is found to be defective or has
been subject to a fall should be removed from use and disposed of in a manner that
prevents future use.
Lanyards
Lanyards are the flexible connection element between the harness and the anchorage
point. Lanyards should only be used by competent persons, as it is essential that they
are used and inspected correctly.
Lanyards used for fall arrest applications must have an in-line shock absorber that
complies with EN 355. Shock absorbing lanyards must comply with EN 365. The shock
absorbing lanyards are designed with tear out stitching that releases when the lanyard
is loaded above 2 kN.
This reduces the resultant loads to a body or the anchorage point to below 6kN. It is
therefore essential any anchorage point, to which the lanyard is connected, is capable
of taking a 6kN (600kg) load. A lanyard length must not exceed 2m, and must never
be extended beyond this.
Types - Y Lanyard with shock absorber
This device ensures continuous attachment by using each leg alternately. The free
leg must never be attached to the harness when the anchorage leg is applied. It must
either be hanging free or clipped next to its partner on the dorsal or sternal attachment
of the harness.
Page 23
Page 24
Connectors
Karabiners & Scaffold Hooks
Karabiners & scaffold hooks are used for fall arrest or work positioning and must
comply with EN 362. Steel karabiners are preferable to aluminium because they last
longer and are more robust. They must be self-closing and self or manual locking.
Scaffold hooks are only suitable for use onto tubes or steel sections at right angles so
that the lanyard loads in the plane of the hook. Clipping them to a diagonal member or
a small diameter tube will weaken them dramatically in a fall.
-
Page 25
Other PPE
Other PPE that should be considered includes non-slip footwear in good condition and
of such material to enable a rigger to feel the structure he/she is walking on. In
certain cases there will be a requirement to wear fully protective shoes where
heavy/awkward material are being positioned. Snag resistant clothing.
Page 26
APPENDIX 4
Guidance on the use of rigging equipment
Slinging or Shortening Chains
Only chains designed and approved for load carrying purposes shall be used in rigging
operations. All chains should be short link and be side welded Grade 80 steel and
conform to BS EN 1677
The lengthening/shortening of chain is only permitted using a certified load bearing link
assembly, specifically intended for that function, i.e. no chain will be
lengthened/shortened by means of nuts and bolts, steel wire rope lashing or wire rope
grips.
Chains must never be knotted, twisted or pass over sharp edges.
The chain must be free from gouges, nicks, corrosion, and worn links; its links must
never be twisted or bent. If any of these defects are present the chain should be
discarded.
Note
It is recognised that there are ongoing efforts within the industry to gain formal
approval for the use of long link chains developed specifically for use within the
entertainment industry. At the time of publication, no such formal approval has
been given.
All electrical connections shall be checked for soundness and all electrical cables
to be routed to provide suitable relief from strain and abrasion.
Cooling fan covers when fitted shall be checked to ensure they are securely
fitted.
Safety chain stops shall be inspected and secured where necessary.
Hooks and their linkage systems shall be inspected prior to each usage to
ensure they are properly secured. The load supports for the hook will be from a
single source; master link or shackle (not two legs of a bridle). This applies to
both top and bottom attachments.
Page 27
*
*
*
*
*
Chain bags shall be secured and located in a manner to minimise risk of chain
spillage.
No item shall be positioned so as to impair the free running of the chain through
the hoist either in or out.
The chain must be lubricated, free from twists, damaged or deformed links. The
chain must be attached using a sling or truss connector, it must never be back
hooked.
Particular care shall be taken when running slack chain through hoisting
equipment to ensure that no twists or knots are present in the chain and to
ensure that all operation of hoists is smooth and unhindered.
The visibility of a chain should be improved by hanging a hazard sign from the
hook when the hoist is not in use.
Motorised Lifting
During motorised lifting procedures, all cables shall be routed along trussing and
secured, in order to provide adequate relief from strain and abrasion.
A nominated competent person shall be responsible for the set up and operation of the
motor control system.
The motor control position should be such that the operator has a clear view of the
entire operation. If this is not possible, other competent persons should be located in
such a way that all areas of the operation are visible to at least one of the operatives
and all operatives should be in audible contact, via radio if necessary.
A clean defined area should be created around the control position.
In the case of multiple chain hoist lifting operations, electrical control cables shall be
clearly numbered/ identified and a temporary record of the identification system kept as
required.
All electrical control equipment for use with hoisting systems shall be fitted with a
quick-acting electrical isolation device, capable of being used in an emergency.
Operators will remain in close proximity and have unrestricted access to the electrical
emergency cut off facility during all lifting procedures.
Computer controlled 'intelligent' lifting systems will be fitted with a manual override
and shutdown facility for use in the case of emergency.
Electrically powered hoists shall be isolated from the power supply once hoisting
procedures are completed or during interim periods where other work activities are
undertaken.
Motor control distribution systems can be fitted with phase reversal facilities so that all
motors run in the same direction. In recognition of this, rigging crews should bump
every motor prior to lifting to ensure connection and direction of travel.
All electrical systems shall contain devices for the protection of the final circuits
against overload, short-circuit and earth fault.
Steel Wire Rope (SWR)
SWR is required to be supplied with a certificate of test/examination. This certificate
relates specifically to the rope.
Page 28
Once the rope is modified by additions and/or alterations (e.g. ferrules, thimbles, etc.)
which are intended to be permanent and the resulting assembly is capable of (or
intended for) load suspension, the assembly shall be deemed to be an item of lifting
tackle and as such is required to be proof tested and certified in accordance with the
appropriate regulations.
All SWR used for load suspension purposes shall comply with current relevant British
and European Standards.
End loop terminations for SWR assemblies, shall only be assembled by means of
hydraulic swage press ferrules or wire rope grips:
*
*
Where wire rope grips are used to effect end termination these shall be installed
following manufacturers guidelines and not used on wire ropes above 19mm.
Quick-Term or Bullet connectors, Gripples and Wedge-Sockets must be used in
lifting operations or in conjunction with PPE and must be CE marked to the
appropriate standard.
Wire rope grips shall not be used to join lengths of SWR mid-span.
Only persons properly trained in the use of hydraulic swage presses shall be allowed to
make up loop termination.
Knotted, kinked or distorted SWR shall not be used.
Any wire rope shall be deemed unserviceable if 5% or more of the total numbers of
wires are broken in any length equal to ten-rope diameters.
Splices shall not be used to attach or join any SWR.
It is a requirement that a current valid certificate of test / inspection is available for all
SWR used for load suspension.
When removing SWR from reel:
*
*
*
Rope should be laid out from the reel or coil onto a clean, dry surface in a
straight line without slack, to prevent kinks and twisting, which would cause a
disturbance of the lay.
Axle stands or equivalent shall be used on wire rope drums to facilitate
unreeling. The cable must never be looped off the drum. This may cause kinks
and twists that damage the lay.
Check wire rope for kinks or damaged strands. Any length found damaged
must be destroyed.
Bulldog grips consisting of a saddle and a 'U' bolt should always be used with the U
on the short or dead end of wire ropes and the saddle on the long or live side. This is
because the saddle applies load with less damage to wire rope construction than the
'U' bolts.
The first grip will be placed as close to the thimble as possible and subsequent grips
spaced at 6 times the diameter of the rope in use, i.e. for a 6mm-rope the spacing
would be 36mm.
Page 29
Grid Systems
Raising and lowering of grid systems should be planned and communicated to
all contractors involved in the operation.
Prior to movement of the grid areas above and below the grid should be
evaluated to ensure there are no obstructions or risk of collision.
Only trained and competent riggers and venue Technical staff that are
nominated for the task shall be allowed to operate a grid system.
A grid must never be raised / lowered when people are beneath it, the footprint
below the grid must be cordoned off.
Where practicable, any payloads on the grid should be removed prior to
movement.
The grid should be inspected for loose equipment and that all other equipment is
correctly fastened or captive.
Correct information of weight loading must be supplied to the venue Technical
department. Reference must be made to the Permissible Loading Arrangements.
Page 30
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Page 31