The Rigging Safety Initiatve (RSI) offers free stage rigging inspections and safety training for secondary schools across America. Schools can apply for the service twice a year, in spring and fall. The deadline for the spring cycle was April 25, but don’t let that discourage you from learning how you can participate.

The RSI is open to all secondary schools nationwide. Once a school’s application is approved, they choose from a list of participating ETCP certified rigging inspectors in their area. USITT pays the inspector directly for the inspection and four to six hours of safety training for faculty and student stage crew. The only cost to schools may be the inspector’s travel and housing — if necessary — and any special equipment such as a lift to access the system.

USITT has a national network of inspectors, so many schools find their cost is ZERO. The school gets a detailed status report on their rigging — what’s working properly and what potential safety problems can be prevented with routine care. Free safety training for up to eight staff & students helps ensure safe operation of a complex system. Thanks to our sponsors & donors, we can promote safe stages for students at little or no cost to schools!

For a list of participating rigging inspectors, click here (IA Stage is a USITT approved Rigging Contractor!)

When you're controlling equipment overhead, there should be no question about which button controls what. Clean and clear labelling makes a difference.
When you’re controlling equipment overhead, there should be no question about which button controls what. Clean and clear labelling makes a difference.
Anybody want to hazard a guess as to what's wrong with the picture on the left? Corrosion has compromised this equipment.
Anybody want to hazard a guess as to what’s wrong with the picture on the left? Corrosion has compromised this equipment.
Can you imaging stepping on something like this while you're working overhead? We're talking potential ankle injury or a preventable trip and fall. And snapped cables like this can compromise the entire grid! Check out the student on the right. He's kneeling on a SkyDeck tension wire grid, which is designed so that the cables will not bend, kink, or break.
Can you imaging stepping on something like this while you’re working overhead? We’re talking potential ankle injury or a preventable trip and fall. And snapped cables like this can compromise the entire grid! Check out the student on the right. He’s kneeling on a SkyDeck tension wire grid, which is designed so that the cables will not bend, kink, or break.
As a specialty theatrical rigging and stage equipment company, we're all about spreading the word about safe rigging practices. One of the best ways to stay safe is to learn to recognize what unsafe gear looks like. Which cable would you rather have overhead?
As a specialty theatrical rigging and stage equipment company, we’re all about spreading the word about safe rigging practices. One of the best ways to stay safe is to learn to recognize what unsafe gear looks like. Which cable would you rather have overhead?