What is a backup line in a rigging system?

• A. A decorative line that is not load-bearing.
• B. A secondary line or safety measure to catch a load if the primary line fails.
• C. The main line used to raise scenery.
• D. A measurement line for alignment.

Answer: (B)

A backup line is about redundancy and safety in a rigging system. It acts as a secondary line or safety measure that is there to catch and hold the load if the primary lifting line fails. In practice, you’d have the load supported by a main line, but a separate, independent line is rigged so that if the main line breaks, slips, or becomes detached, the backup line can take the load and prevent a drop. This line should be independent of the main line’s components and anchored to a different point when possible, with appropriate hardware and rated capacity to handle the load.

Understanding this helps you see why the other options don’t fit: a decorative line isn’t load-bearing, the main line is the primary lifting line, and a measurement line is used for alignment rather than safety. The backup line is all about providing a fail-safe in case something goes wrong with the primary line, enhancing overall rigging safety.