COUNTERWEIGHT RIGGING SYSTEM SAFETY INSPECTIONS by Erik Viker The theatre workplace all too often features inadequate training, rushed work timelines, older and unsafe facilities, and jury-rigged equipment. Essential routine maintenance often gets overlooked or postponed until "when we have time," which often means "indefinitely." Although counterweight rigging systems seldom need major repair or total replacement, they can be dangerous if improperly maintained. Most veteran technical directors recognize the benefits of regular rigging system safety inspections, but this practice is often neglected by less experienced practitioners who sometimes treat counterweight systems as architecture rather than equipment. This article provides an overview of the counterweight rigging system safety inspection process and explores why it should be a regular part of theatre facility maintenance. TD & T S U M M E R 2 0 0 3 17