Aerial Silks: Understanding Safe Rigging, Components, and Best Practices

How Do You Rig Aerial Silks?

Rigging aerial silks safely requires specialized knowledge, professionally certified equipment, and a robust, professionally assessed anchor point to ensure structural integrity and prevent catastrophic failure during use.

Understanding Aerial Silks Rigging: A Critical Overview

Aerial silks, a captivating art form and demanding physical discipline, involve performing maneuvers while suspended from fabric. The safety of this activity hinges entirely on the integrity of its rigging system. Unlike many fitness activities, a failure in aerial rigging can lead to severe injury or fatality. Therefore, rigging aerial silks is not a do-it-yourself project for the uninitiated. It demands a thorough understanding of physics, material science, and structural engineering principles, ideally overseen or executed by a certified aerial rigger or structural engineer. This section emphasizes the paramount importance of safety and professional expertise.

Essential Components of an Aerial Silks Rigging System

A complete aerial silks rigging system comprises several critical components, each designed to withstand significant forces and ensure performer safety. All components should be rated for dynamic loads and come from reputable manufacturers with appropriate certifications (e.g., CE, UIAA, NFPA).

• Anchor Point: This is the most crucial element, providing the ultimate support for the entire system. Common anchor points include structural I-beams, trusses, or custom-fabricated rigging points. It must be professionally assessed by a structural engineer to confirm its load-bearing capacity.
• Sling/Round Sling: A high-strength, low-stretch sling (often made of polyester or nylon) forms the primary connection between the anchor point and the rest of the rigging hardware. It should be appropriately rated for the anticipated loads.
• Carabiners: These are specialized connectors used to link various components. For aerial applications, only auto-locking or triple-action locking carabiners made from steel or high-strength aluminum are acceptable. They must have a high Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) and Working Load Limit (WLL).
• Swivel: A swivel is often incorporated to allow the silks to rotate freely without twisting the rigging lines or creating torque on the anchor point. This enhances both performance aesthetics and safety by preventing rope or fabric twist accumulation.
• Rescue 8/Figure 8 (or Rigging Plate): This device is typically used to attach the aerial silks fabric to the rigging system.
  • A Rescue 8 allows the fabric to be threaded through its large and small rings, creating a secure, low-friction attachment point.
  • A Rigging Plate provides multiple attachment points, helping to organize the hardware and distribute the load when multiple components are connected. It's often used in more complex rigging setups or when connecting multiple apparatuses.
• Aerial Silks Fabric: The specialized fabric itself, typically made from polyester or nylon tricot, engineered for strength, stretch, and durability. The fabric should also be rated for aerial use.

Rigging Considerations: Site Assessment and Load Bearing

Before any rigging can commence, a meticulous site assessment is imperative.

• Structural Integrity: The overhead structure must be capable of supporting not just the static weight of the performer and apparatus, but also significant dynamic loads generated during movement. A certified structural engineer or an ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program) certified rigger must inspect and approve the anchor point.
• Clearance: Ensure ample vertical clearance (height) for the silks to hang freely and for the performer to execute maneuvers without touching the floor. Adequate horizontal clearance from walls, obstacles, or other performers is also critical.
• Floor Protection: High-density crash mats, typically 8-12 inches thick, must be placed directly beneath the entire range of motion of the silks to mitigate the impact of potential falls.
• Load Calculations: Understanding the difference between static and dynamic loads is vital.
  • Static Load: The combined weight of the apparatus and performer at rest.
  • Dynamic Load: The force exerted during movement, which can be several times the static load due to acceleration, deceleration, and swinging motions. All rigging components must be rated to safely handle the maximum anticipated dynamic load, often with a significant safety factor (e.g., 10:1 or 12:1 for life support).

Step-by-Step: The Aerial Silks Rigging Process

Once a professional assessment confirms the suitability of the anchor point and all components are acquired and inspected, the rigging process follows a precise sequence. This process should only be undertaken by, or under the direct supervision of, a certified aerial rigger.

1. Professional Assessment and Anchor Point Installation:
   • Confirm that the anchor point has been professionally evaluated and certified for the intended load.
   • If a new anchor point is required, it must be installed by a qualified structural professional.
2. Connecting the Primary Sling:
   • Loop the appropriately rated round sling securely around the certified anchor point. Ensure it is seated correctly and not twisted or pinched.
3. Attaching the Primary Carabiner:
   • Connect the first auto-locking carabiner to the loop of the round sling. Double-check that the gate is fully closed and locked.
4. Integrating the Swivel:
   • Attach the swivel to the primary carabiner. This prevents the silks from twisting the rigging system during use.
5. Connecting the Fabric Attachment Device:
   • Attach the Rescue 8 (or rigging plate) to the bottom end of the swivel using another auto-locking carabiner.
6. Threading and Securing the Silks Fabric:
   • For Rescue 8: Thread both tails of the aerial silks fabric through the larger opening of the Rescue 8, then over the top and down through the smaller opening, ensuring the fabric is seated evenly.
   • For Rigging Plate: The silks can be tied directly to the rigging plate using a specific knot (e.g., a figure-8 on a bight) or choked onto a dedicated attachment point. The Rescue 8 method is more common for traditional single-point silk rigging.
7. Pre-Use Inspection:
   • Before any weight is applied, meticulously inspect every connection point. Check that all carabiner gates are locked, slings are seated correctly, and the fabric is properly threaded and secured.
8. Test Load:
   • Gradually apply weight to the silks, starting with a partial load and progressively increasing to a full body weight, observing for any shifts, creaks, or unusual sounds. This should be done by a qualified individual.

Safety Protocols and Best Practices

Adherence to rigorous safety protocols is non-negotiable for aerial activities.

• Always Use Certified Equipment: Every component, from the anchor to the fabric, must be certified for aerial use and meet relevant safety standards (e.g., CE, UIAA, NFPA).
• Regular Inspections: Conduct a visual inspection of all rigging components before every use. Look for fraying on slings, wear on carabiners, deformation of hardware, or any signs of damage.
• Professional Inspections: Schedule periodic, in-depth inspections by a certified aerial rigger or structural engineer, even if the system appears sound.
• Crash Mats: Deploy appropriately thick crash mats covering the entire potential fall zone beneath the silks.
• Never Exceed Working Load Limit (WLL): Understand the WLL of each component and the entire system, and never exceed it. Factor in dynamic loads.
• Redundancy (Where Applicable): While primary silks rigging is often single-point, the principle of redundancy (having a backup system in case of primary failure) is fundamental in aerial arts and should be considered where feasible or for more complex setups.
• Proper Training: Only allow individuals who have received proper training and instruction to use the rigged silks.

Maintenance and Inspection

Ongoing maintenance and detailed inspection are crucial for the longevity and safety of aerial rigging equipment.

• Daily Pre-Use Check: Visually inspect all soft goods for fraying, cuts, or abrasion. Check all hardware for cracks, deformation, sharp edges, or corrosion. Ensure all locking mechanisms function smoothly.
• Periodic Detailed Inspection: A qualified rigger should conduct a thorough inspection at least every 6-12 months, or more frequently with heavy use. This includes disassembling parts, cleaning, and more in-depth assessment.
• Retirement Criteria: All rigging components have a finite lifespan. Retire soft goods immediately if any damage is detected. Retire hardware if it has been dropped from a significant height, shows signs of cracking, deformation, or corrosion, or if locking mechanisms fail. Follow manufacturer guidelines for service life.
• Proper Storage: Store silks fabric and rigging hardware in a clean, dry environment, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, chemicals, and pests to prevent degradation.

Conclusion

Rigging aerial silks is a highly specialized and inherently risky endeavor that demands expert knowledge and unwavering commitment to safety. While this guide provides an overview of the process and critical considerations, it is imperative to reiterate that you should never attempt to rig aerial silks without the direct involvement and approval of a certified aerial rigger or structural engineer. The forces involved are substantial, and the consequences of failure are severe. Prioritize professional expertise, use only certified equipment, and maintain a rigorous safety protocol to ensure a secure and enjoyable aerial practice.