AV RIGGING SAFETY: WHY YOU SHOULDN’T DIY YOUR OVERHEAD GEAR

When it comes to AV systems, there are plenty of things that can be handled in-house with the right team. Rigging is not one of them.

From safety concerns to liability risks, rigging is one of the most serious parts of any audio, video, or lighting installation. It’s easy to underestimate, but getting it wrong can have serious consequences. We’re talking about hundreds, sometimes thousands, of pounds of equipment hanging overhead. This is not the place to experiment.

Here’s why rigging should always be handled by professionals.

1. Lives Are Literally on the Line

Improper rigging can lead to falling equipment, serious injury, or worse. You may think your structure can support that lighting truss or speaker array, but unless it has been evaluated by someone qualified, you’re making an assumption. That assumption could end up costing someone their safety.

Professional riggers understand how to calculate loads, select proper anchor points, and make sure everything is safely supported. They bring more than gear—they bring expertise that saves lives.

2. Your Insurance Might Not Cover You

If you hang equipment without using a licensed and insured contractor, and something fails, your insurance company might deny the claim. Liability could fall directly on whoever did the install.

Working with a certified integrator or rigging company helps ensure your install is not only safe, but also fully covered if anything ever goes wrong.

3. Rigging Is Regulated for a Reason

There are specific codes and safety standards that apply to rigging in public and commercial spaces. This is especially true for churches, schools, and auditoriums. These regulations are not optional—they are mandatory and enforceable.

Certified riggers follow OSHA regulations and ANSI standards, and they document every load, anchor, and suspension point to make sure your install meets legal and structural requirements.

4. Poor Rigging Is Hard to Detect

What looks secure from the ground might not be safe at all. Loose bolts, undersized hardware, or a fatigued anchor point can go unnoticed until the system fails.

Professional rigging teams are trained to spot weak points and install systems that remain safe under stress, over time, and during real-world use.

5. There’s a Safer, Smarter Way

Hiring professionals doesn’t mean giving up control of your project. It means partnering with experts who know how to protect your space, your team, and your investment.

At Crown Design Group, we approach rigging with the same precision we bring to audio, video, lighting, and networking. We work with structural engineers and certified riggers to ensure your system is safe, compliant, and built to last.

Bottom Line

Rigging is not just another task on the project list. It is a safety system. It deserves experienced hands, certified practices, and thoughtful planning.

If you’re not 100% sure your rigging setup is safe, we can help.

Let us evaluate your space and make sure every piece of gear overhead is properly supported and professionally installed. If you’d like us to come out and conduct an evaluation, contact us today and to discuss your system.