[SML] Fall arrest/protection/etc question

[Bill Sapsis]

Sean

In an ideal world, the tour carries a fall arrest package that is separate from the rigging package(s) and is used solely for fall arrest.

That being said, there are components of a fall arrest package that are indistinguishable from a rigging package.  Shackles & steel slings, for example, are often packed in the wrong case.  Unless the equipment is specifically marked as fall arrest or rigging, you won’t know the difference.

The bottom line is that all rigging gear, be it for fall arrest or hanging a truss, etc., is supposed to be inspected before each and every use.  That’s the best defense against gear being packed incorrectly.

Hope that helps.

Bill

bill at sapsis-rigging.com<mailto:bill at sapsis-rigging.com>
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From: Stagecraft <stagecraft-bounces at theatrical.net> on behalf of "stagecraft at theatrical.net" <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
Reply-To: "stagecraft at theatrical.net" <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 2:16 PM
To: "stagecraft at theatrical.net" <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
Cc: Sean McCarthy <seanrmccarthy at gmail.com>
Subject: [SML] Fall arrest/protection/etc question

This is probably for Bill, but anyone with insight:

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2000-11-03#:~:text=If%20any%20component%20of%20the,the%20criteria%20in%20%C2%A71926.502.

Specifically:  " If any component of the rigging system, such as a shackle, wire rope, or synthetic sling was or is used to hoist materials, these components are not be used as part of a fall protection system. If they have not been so used, they may be used as part of a fall arrest system if they meet the criteria in §1926.502."

It's been a few years since I've seen what's out with arena touring shows.  I know with the advent of automated truss spots there's LESS reason to climb trussing.... but are all these tours now going out with entire packages of rigging that has NEVER been used to hoist materials?  Or am I totally misunderstanding the rule?  What is the current 'best practice' to provide fall arrest on flown trussing?

Thank you!

--Sean
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