Blog | Safety First: Why Proper Process Matters When Hanging Production Equipment

31 Tweet

---

Hanging production equipment—like lights, speakers, trusses, or projection gear—may not be the most glamorous part of church tech ministry, but it might be the most critical. Improperly rigged equipment doesn’t just put your investment at risk—it puts people’s lives at risk.

In many churches, production systems have evolved quickly. What started with a few clamp lights and extension cords has turned into full-stage lighting rigs, flown speakers, and complex ceiling grids. If your team is installing or maintaining any kind of overhead gear, you need to pause and ask:
“Are we doing this safely and professionally?”

Here’s why it matters—and how to implement best practices in your church.

⚠️ The Risks Are Real

• Equipment falling from above can seriously injure or kill someone.
• Overloaded beams or ceilings can cause structural damage.
• Makeshift solutions (like zip ties or wood screws) may fail under weight or vibration.
• Insurance policies can be voided if installation doesn’t meet code or safety standards.
• Even small mistakes—like a single loose bolt—can lead to expensive consequences.

In short: this isn’t a “DIY and hope it holds” moment.

🛠️ Best Practices for Safe Rigging and Installation

1. Hire or Consult a Qualified Professional

If you’re hanging anything overhead that exceeds a few pounds or involves permanent installation, bring in a licensed professional rigger or structural engineer. Even if you do most of the work yourself, get an expert to assess your plans and sign off on the load.

2. Know Your Structure’s Limits

Not every ceiling is load-rated. Some drywall ceilings can’t support anything heavier than a smoke detector. Before hanging anything from joists or beams, confirm the load capacity and whether it was engineered for that use.

3. Use Proper Hardware and Rated Rigging

• Always use rigging gear (clamps, shackles, cables) that are rated for the weight you’re hanging—with safety margins.
• Don’t use gear from the hardware store unless it’s properly certified.
• Use secondary safety cables (safeties) on anything flown. If the primary connection fails, the safety should catch it.

4. Document and Label Everything

Create a system of documentation for:

• Weight loads per rigging point
• Type and rating of gear used
• Date of last inspection or adjustment

Label all hanging gear with load data and inspection dates. This makes future maintenance and safety checks much easier.

5. Train Your Volunteers Thoroughly

If volunteers are involved in setup or teardown (especially mobile churches), make sure they know:

• How to identify safe vs. unsafe gear
• What to do if they spot a problem
• Who to report to before touching rigging or mounted equipment

Never let untrained volunteers fly or adjust overhead gear.

6. Schedule Regular Safety Inspections

Just because it was safe five years ago doesn’t mean it still is. Vibrations, environmental conditions, and age can weaken mounts and hardware. Set up a schedule to:

• Check bolts, clamps, and cables
• Look for rust, cracks, or fatigue
• Test motorized hoists or pulleys (if used)
• Recalculate load if new gear has been added

✅ A Culture of Safety Is a Culture of Worship

When your church takes safety seriously, it communicates care, responsibility, and stewardship. It honors your volunteers. It protects your people. And it builds trust.

Yes, production should be excellent and creative—but never at the expense of someone’s well-being.

💬 What About You?

Have you experienced a near-miss or learned something the hard way in your rigging process? What steps has your church taken to ensure safety when hanging production gear?

Share your experience or advice in the comments below. Let’s help each other raise the bar on safety and stewardship.