Truss and Lighting Work Rules

All Hanging Truss and Lighting assembly plans with an Engineering Stamp must be submitted to Freeman for review prior to The NAMM Show. 

General Information

Zach Olguin, ETCP, the Freeman Rigging Supervisor is available for all pre-show rigging coordination at Zach.Olguin@freemanco.com. Send all plans to Zach to establish on-site set up plan no later than May 13, 2022.

Jason Tunstall, the Freeman Electrical Director is available for all preshow electrical coordination at ElectricalOps-SoCal@freemanco.com. 

In Southern California, Members of the Decorators Union Local 831 claim jurisdiction over installation and dismantle of truss. The Members of the Electrical Union Local 441 claim jurisdiction over hanging the lights and cabling on the truss and in the catwalks including but not limited to all electrical distribution and connections.

The Decorators Work Rules allows a 1-1 ratio of Decorator and the exhibitor’s fulltime employees to work together.

A 1-3 ratio of a Decorator and the exhibitor’s fulltime employees will be allowed for NAMM Exhibitors that manufacture or the manufacturer’s distributor of the truss.

The Electricians hang all lights and install all cabling on the truss and in the catwalks including but not limited to all electrical distribution and connections.

A NAMM exhibiting company who manufactures or distributes lighting equipment will be allowed to perform some of this work. Fulltime employees only. As each assembly is unique, the ratio will be determined upon review of the assembly plans and established with the exhibitor prior to booth set up.

Truss and Chain Hoist Distribution must be reviewed by the ETCP Freeman Rigging Supervisor.

During assembly Freeman Electricians will inspect all wiring, cabling and lighting prior to being raised or before show opening.

Any personnel within the designated footprint of the overhead work area will be required to wear a Type 1 Class G Hard Hat per OSHA regulations.

Ground Supported Truss

Truss that is supported by the Exhibit Facility floor is considered Ground Supported Truss. Seismic cables may be required for truss that is 16’ and over for earthquake purposes as determined by the Freeman ETCP Certified Supervisor.

Exhibitor’s fulltime employees may use their own ladders up to 10 ft in order to perform work safely at a maximum height of 12 ft.

An exhibitor may attach and operate chain hoists to ground supported truss within their booth if (1) they have documentation that the structure will safely support the weight of the hoists and (2) they are employees of the manufacturer or distributor of the hoist or truss.

An exhibitor may demonstrate this equipment during show days considering show rules.

Aerial Truss

Truss that is suspended from the ceiling of the Exhibit Facility is considered Aerial Truss.

All Aerial truss must have paperwork stamped from a Structural Engineer proving that it is designed to be rigged from the ceiling. Freeman will inspect all truss and attachments prior to raising the truss to its designated height.

Freeman will require a complete reflective ceiling plan (DWG file) showing all load calculations that will be applied to the ceiling in the booth space and the load calculations will be verified.

Any additional attachments or changes to the truss from the approved pre-show plan must be approved again by the onsite Rigging Supervisor to ensure the ceiling is still within safe loading parameters.

All Exhibitor work on Aerial truss must be performed at the working height of 5’ or lower. Truss that is at the final height for the show must be worked on by the Rigging Crew in a boom lift or scissor lift.

Freeman ESTA Certified Rigging staff will inspect all truss prior to raising.

Freeman ESTA Certified Rigging staff will operate all Chain Hoist Motors attached to the building.

Freeman is required to make all contact points to the Exhibit Facility.

Lighting and Electrical Distribution on Truss, Ground and Aerial Supported

Freeman Electricians will provide all power distribution from the Exhibit Facility for electrical requirements.

Freeman Electricians will inspect all Electrical Distribution to confirm the power is distributed correctly.

Exhibitors will be allowed (a signed waiver is required) in Lifts to focus lights with a Freeman electrician.

Exhibitor’s may program and operate intelligent lighting after installation.

Work Exhibitors are not allowed to perform

Exhibitors may not attach anything to the Facility ceiling.

Exhibitors may not climb truss unless written permission is granted from NAMM for the exhibitor to demonstrate system access equipment or fall protection equipment that is manufactured or distributed by the exhibitor.

Exhibitors may not provide or operate a boom lift or scissor lift.