Circus and Aerial Performance Safety Inspection Checklist

Aerial and circus performers work at heights without the safety margins common in construction. This inspection ensures apparatus, rigging, and audience safety systems meet professional aerial arts standards before any performer leaves the ground.

Industry: Events & Entertainment
Frequency: Per Performance
Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
Role: Technical Director / Aerial Safety Supervisor
Total Items: 25

Aerial Rigging Inspection

Inspect aerial rigging before performance.

Rigging attachment points certified for aerial performance loads?
Dynamic load calculations completed accounting for impact and swing forces?
All shackles, swivels, carabiners, and connectors inspected?
Secondary safety lines or longes rigged for high-risk moves?
Rigging signed off by ETCP-certified rigger?

Apparatus Inspection

Inspect all aerial apparatus before performance.

All apparatus (trapeze bar, silks, lyra, straps) free of damage and wear?
Fabric apparatus (silks, hammock, slings) within weight rating and free of tears?
Apparatus connection points to rigging inspected and secure?
Performer apparatus test completed before show audience arrival?

Crash Mats and Landing Zones

Verify crash mats and landing zones.

Crash mats positioned to cover all possible fall zones?
Crash mat thickness adequate for drop height (minimum 8 inches for high drops)?
No gaps between mats in landing zones?
Spotters positioned for all learning-level or new acts?

Performer Qualification

Verify performer qualifications.

All performers professionally trained for their specific aerial discipline?
All acts fully rehearsed in this venue with this rigging?
Performers physically fit and no injuries that could cause aerial safety risk?
No new unrehearsed moves performed during show?

Audience Exclusion Zones

Establish and enforce audience exclusion zones.

Audience exclusion zones below aerial acts clearly marked and enforced?
Exclusion zone size adequate for maximum swing radius plus safety margin?
Security or ushers enforcing exclusion zone during acts?
Audience briefed not to enter exclusion zone during aerial performances?

Emergency Procedures

Verify emergency procedures for aerial incidents.

Performer rescue procedure for stuck performer at height established?
First aid including spinal injury protocols available backstage?
Show stop procedure for aerial emergency communicated to all crew?
EMS access route to performance area clear?

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Why Use This Circus and Aerial Performance Safety Inspection Checklist?

This circus and aerial performance safety inspection checklist helps events & entertainment teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for technical director / aerial safety supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 25 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Circus and Aerial Performance Safety Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 25 inspection items across 6 sections: Aerial Rigging Inspection, Apparatus Inspection, Crash Mats and Landing Zones, Performer Qualification, Audience Exclusion Zones, Emergency Procedures. It is designed for events & entertainment operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per performance. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this Circus and Aerial Performance Safety Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Technical Director / Aerial Safety Supervisor professionals in the events & entertainment industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.