Carry out rigging and de-rigging for theatre and live productions

URN: SKSTTL29
Business Sectors (Suites): Theatre and Live Productions – Technical
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on: 2025

Overview

This standard is about using components for rigging and de-rigging. This involves confirming an understanding of rigging designs and safely preparing, marking out and installing rigging from plans. At the end of the production it also involves de-rigging safely.

The rigging referenced in theatre and live productions is distinct and separate to entertainment rigging. In theatre and live productions rigging refers to installing technical production equipment, scenery and masking on rigging equipment or assembling scenic or technical elements for a production.

This standard is for anyone involved with rigging and de-rigging for theatre and productions.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. define work areas in line with rigging plans with sensitivity to venues and other contractors
  2. mark out work from plans in line with organisational procedures and rigging codes of practice
  3. prepare working areas on the ground and at height, in ways that contribute to safe and efficient rigging and de-rigging
  4. use access equipment and personal fall protection systems (PFPS) in line with manufacturers’ instructions
  5. follow method statements and schedules to ensure the safety of yourself and others
  6. prepare and assemble lifting equipment and lifting accessories in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice and method statements
  7. use agreed knots and rope work
  8. check rigging assemblies do not create hazards when used at height
  9. inform and seek advice from authorised people about deviations from designs
  10. rig secondary suspensions when required, in line with method statements
  11. select and use techniques to rig attachment points to supporting structures
  12. select and use lifting equipment, accessories and techniques to rig and de-rig assemblies in line with lifting plans
  13. respond to issues that arise during preparation for and during lifting operations in line with approved procedures, seeking help and advice as required
  14. confirm rigging points are removed and that no loose equipment is left at height after de-rigging
  15. store lifting equipment and accessories in line with approved procedures after use
  16. leave worksite tidy after use
  17. complete required records in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the importance of pre-use checks
  2. how to interpret rigging plans and method statements and work within their parameters
  3. the standard knots and ropework used in rigging and which knots to use in different applications
  4. methods of terminations and the importance of using the correct methods to make terminations in wire ropes
  5. the range of rigging and lifting equipment and accessories commonly used for rigging their advantages, disadvantages, incompatibilities and misuses
  6. how rigging accessories are used in the attachment or slinging of loads and to determine sling tension
  7. how to establish weight and distribution of proposed loadings from plans using load tables and understanding loading conditions
  8. working load limits of rigging materials and their compatibility
  9. why accurate weight information should be provided to venues and people responsible for making rigging attachments
  10. how to establish load capacities of rigging or support points in relation to their intended load
  11. how to identify load capacities of lifting equipment and how it changes with its configuration
  12. how structural members in venues can be used
  13. how to interpret and follow risk assessment
  14. how heat affects different rigging materials
  15. how to set up and use chain hoists, chain handling and management, chain bag safety, chain hoist controllers and their power supply and distribution
  16. the distribution of load and its effect on structures when operating hoists simultaneously
  17. when secondary suspensions are and are not necessary and best practice for rigging them
  18. why it is important not to deviate from the rigging plan without authorisation
  19. best practice for slinging with wire rope slings, shackles, round slings, clutch chain slings, open basket, split basket, choke hitches and in bridles
  20. how to work with modular structures including trusses and grid systems
  21. problems that may occur and how to deal with them
  22. why it is important to sign off completed work in line with legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2028

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

ScreenSkills

Original URN

CCSTTL24

Relevant Occupations

Rigger, Technician, Assistant Technician , Technical Supervisor , Technical Manager, Head Technician, Theatre Technician, Stage Technician, Production Technician, Technician Crew

SOC Code


Keywords

carry out; rigging; de-rigging; theatre and live productions;