Rigging for Circus Arts (Part 2)

Part 2: 10am-5pm, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th  May

Rigging for Circus Arts Course - Part 2

Part 2 of the course gives you two days of hands-on experience as well as the theory of setting up structures and safe rigging points and flying people in performances. The course also covers applicable regulations and methods of best practice for safe rigging for circus arts.

Is it for You?

The course is aimed at anyone who would like to gain an in depth understanding of the principles of circus rigging and gain hands-on practical experience in rigging for different circus arts and types of performance.

Programme Aim

This course gives you the chance to learn about the different aspects of circus rigging and to gain hands on experience in applying this knowledge. You will understand how to keep yourself safe during rigging operations, learn how to safely choose and rig the right equipment for the right circumstance, learn how to design and erect basic structures to support circus performers and learn the basics of how to safely fly people.

This course is not a qualification entitling you to perform rigging activities without the addition of significant practical experience with an experienced organisation or individual.

Programme Learning Outcomes

  • Understand safe working practice for rigging operations.

  • Know how to erect basic support structures for circus equipment and performers

  • Understand the need, the construction and the execution of rescue plans

  • Understand different methods of supporting the movements of performers in flying techniques

  • Understand best practice in the creation of risk assessments and method statements for rigging operations.

Details of Programme Structure

Each day will consist of theory and practice sessions:

Rigging for Circus Arts - Part 2

  • Day 1 am: Erecting structures,

  • Day 1 pm: Flying people

  • Day 2 am: Rescue of riggers from height

  • Day 2 pm: Health & Safety Documentation, SWR

Assessment

You will be required to pass a practical rigging exercise while demonstrating safe practice throughout. A theory exam will be given to ensure the technical aspects of the course have been understood.

Assessment Approaches Used

The practical assessment is designed to allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the main components of the course and to demonstrate safe practice while doing so. The theoretical assessment will ensure the technical and safety content of the course has been understood, this will be through a question paper.

Agenda

Day 1 MORNING

Erecting structures

  • Portable rigs

  • Truss

  • Truss Construction techniques

  • Truss Erection methods

Practical- Erect a goal post rig

Day 1 AFTERNOON

Flying people

  • Harness flying

  • Counterweight flying

  • Safety lines

  • Bungee harness

Practical- Install a counterweight harness system

Day 2 MORNING

Rescue from height

  • Rescuing Aerialists

  • Rescuing Riggers

Practical- Rescue riggers from height

Day 2 AFTERNOON

Overview of Lifting systems

  • Pulley systems

  • Chain hoists

  • Tirfors

  • Motors

Steel Wire Rope

  • Types of SWR

  • Terminations

  • Splicing SWR

  • Inspection & maintenance

Practical- splicing & terminating SWR

Health & Safety Documentation

  • Asset Registers

  • Inspection

  • Risk Assessments

  • Method statements

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Course Specific Safety Statement

Aerial Edge ensures that all participants and staff are provided with a safe working environment and considers the safety of all concerned to be its highest priority. All teaching and performance activities have risk assessments carried out relating to the specific activities and venue. Method statements created for all activities, staff are trained in safe teaching practice and safe operation of all equipment.

Sources of information:

  • HASWA (Health and Safety at work Act 1974)

  • WAH (Working at Height Regulation 2005)

  • LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)

  • LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association)

  • PUWER (Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations)

  • ABTT (Association of British Theatre Technicians) Lifting fundamentals

  • IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association)

  • CRAS (Circus Rigging & Safety)

  • Equipment manufacturers documentation