1. Purpose

These are guidelines for general use in Jams and open tying events. In a class or workshop then the presenter may have different policies, which should be adhered to.

The studio is equipped with bamboos and Hashira’s and they are there to be used by people who are competent to use them.

Suspension is dangerous and should not be undertaken by anyone who is not trained, experienced and feels confident to do so. We will be arranging classes to teach this and can also put you in touch with teachers for private tuition

Participants can also use their own suitable rings and carabiners suspended from the ceiling beams. However not all of the beams are suitable for load bearing so please ask a team member before you set up. Some pillars are also not suitable for use as Hashira suspension points, please ask a member of the team and do not create your own Hashira points.

Participants are reminded that lock offs on carabiners and rings are different from those used on bamboo and please only use suspension points that you know how to lock off onto.

Do not swing on the bamboos or other points that you may erect.

2. Eligibility

Experience: Only participants who are experienced and have completed in-person suspension workshops or private tuition for the type of point being used can use them to suspend.

Physical Health: Please disclose to your partner any medical conditions (e.g., joint issues, circulation problems, pregnancy) before participating either as a rigger or model - everyone’s safety comes first.

Mental Health: Suspension can be physically and emotionally intense. If you feel unwell, overwhelmed, or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol then do not participate.

3. Safety Protocols

Pre-Suspension Check: Riggers must inspect all points, ropes, knots, frictions of the suspension points before every session to satisfy themselves that the equipment is in good condition and safe to use.

Supervisionn and help: At least one team member must be present in the studio at all times.

Emergency Planning: Always plan how to safely bring someone down if discomfort or danger arises.

Equipment Standards: Use only high-quality, purpose-built suspension gear (e.g., carabiners, rings, ropes). All suspension uplines must be of sufficient type and strength with a healthy safety margin. Do not use frayed or worn ropes as uplines. Safety shears must always be within easy reach.

Community Rope is not permitted for use an an upline in any full or partial suspension.

Suspension Lines: No single-line full suspensions unless directed in a supervised workshop. Always use a secondary upline for safety.

Choking Hazards: Avoid any rope placement that could restrict airways. Neck rope must never be tied off.

Transitions: Completely remove any neck or hair rope before making transitions.

Lockoffs: Use appropriate lockoffs for all suspension points. If you are unsure what lock off to use then do not suspend.

Rigging Points: Always confirm with an event supervisor before attaching any suspension point.

4. Consent & Communication

Informed Consent: All participants must give informed consent before any suspension begins.

Ongoing Consent: Check in with your partner and observe for any warning signs of nerve compression, or other potential for injury throughout the session to ensure continued comfort and consent. Models do not assume that the rigger knows what you are feeling. If you are worried, in unexpected discomfort or pain then tell your rigger.

Clear Signals: Agree on clear safety signals including to stop immediately if needed. In the Studio universal verbal safe words are amber for I am in discomfort that I would like you to try to do something about and red is for i would like the sesssion to end as soon as safely possible. Please remember that usually releasing a person from suspension takes time so please communicate feelings of distress as soon as possible.

5. Hashira’s

Advanced Equipment (e.g., Hahira’s): Only permitted for those with prior in-person training and explicit staff approval. (Some pillars in the space are not suitable for use as Hashira)

6. Self-care

Care: Make sure you are rested and hydrated before doing ropes, and give yourself time to recover after any suspension.

Health Check: Be vigilant of numbness, tingling, or circulation concerns.

7. Emotional Aftercare

Emotional Support: Suspension can be emotionally intense and it is usual to spend time together to debrief and offer emotional support afterwards to ensure all participants feel grounded and safe. However at busy times if possible please move to another area to allow the suspension point to be used by someone else.

8. Violations of Policy

Non-Compliance: Ignoring these guidelines or tying in an unsafe manner may result in suspension privileges being revoked or being asked to leave the Studio

Team Members. There will always be one team member in the studio when suspension is taking place. Team members are there to try to ensure the smooth running of the event. It is the participants responsibility to know the studio policies and adhere to them. Our policy is only to intervene if we believe that something is unsafe or potentially unsafe. The team members are not there to act as a spotter, give advice or to assist, unless in an emergency. Please bear in mind that they and the studio may have a different risk profile to you and your partner. If they believe that you are doing something unsafe or potentially unsafe then they will advise you to change it; please respect what they suggest and comply; do not argue or have an intense discussion whilst someone in suspension.

9. Liability

By participating, you and your partner accept personal responsibility for your safety and acknowledge that Studio Ma is not liable for injuries or accidents arising from suspension or rope activities.