PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT > RIGGING
RIGGING
Rigging is the term used for hanging an aerial apparatus. Riggers work in theater or music venues to safely hang the lights and backdrops or ensure a performer can “fly” safely. Dynamic movement in aerial such as swinging and drops produce a LOT of force, so here is a rule of thumb to keep in mind before you put your weight on an aerial apparatus. Can this beam support a 2,000 pound car? If the answer is “no”, then I wouldn’t trust it to hold me.
So, If you are considering screwing a little I-bolt into the ceiling of your living room or hanging some silks from a tree branch. DON’T. It’s not safe. You may break your neck and you will most likely void your home owner’s insurance policy. Study under the watchful eye of an experienced aerial instructor at an aerial studio with safe rigging and crash mats. Be safe. Be smart.
If you do get to the point in your aerial development where you are ready for a home set-up, look into purchasing a 8″ x 4′ x 8′ crash mat and a portable tripod or quad leg aerial rig from a reputable manufacturer (which will run you a minimum of $4,000 and up.)
Most rigging hardware is built for the construction and rock climbing industries, but also used in theater and circus. Familiarize yourself with the following industry terms.
WLL: Working Load Limit
The WLL is the safe working load for a piece of equipment. It is the maximum load you should put on a piece of hardware. Do not exceed it. The WLL is a fraction (20%) of the breaking strength. The WLL is set by the manufacturer.
Static Load
Weight of the performer and the apparatus.
Characteristic Load
Maximum dynamic load on an apparatus during performance by the aerialist.
Peak Load
Maximum dynamic Load on an apparatus during an aerialist’s performance.
MBS: Minimum Breaking Strength
The MBS is the force it takes for something to break.
DESIGN FACTOR
The Design Factor is the “safety factor”. The WLL of the hardware is the MBS divided by the Design Factor.
Here is the equasion: MBS/DF = WLL
Design Factors are different for various hardware. For example, a synthetic sling has a typical design factor of 5:1, a shackle is 6:1, but a ratchet strap is 3:1.
Some hardware is rated based on a WLL, others on it’s MBS. And one or both of these numbers should be printed on your hardware. Aerial Silks are an exception. For example, low stretch 40 Denier Nylon Tricot is manufactured with the intent of being used as clothing, but utilized by the circus industry. However, because of their common use in Circus, these fabrics have been stress tested by independent destructive testers.
Be very selective when purchasing something that you are literally hanging your life on. Below are sites sell reputable products. Personally, I would not purchase any aerial hardware from Amazon.com.
HARDWARE SUPPLIERS
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