Risk Management
Employee Safety Manual
Theater/Auditorium Safety
May 2007

Theater/Auditorium Safety

1.         PURPOSE:

1.1       John Wood Community College has developed these Theater/Auditorium Safety guidelines and procedures to be followed by employees and students while working on productions from the planning stages to strike.

1.2       These guidelines are applicable to all members of the college community.  Questions and/or comments regarding these guidelines should be directed to the Director of Safety and Security.

2.         TRAINING:

2.1       The Chair of the Fine Arts Department and the Manager of ITT shall work together to ensure that proper training is conducted regarding these guidelines and any other theater/auditorium safety related procedures.

3.         PRE-PRODUCTION MEETING:

3.1       Prior to any theater production, the Chair of the Fine Arts Department, the Manager of ITT, and anyone else directly responsible for the production should meet to cover the type of production, set design, and to review any requests for the use of special equipment or materials.

4.         SET DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION:

4.1       Props and Decorations:

4.1.1    To ensure safety, proper assembly directions and procedures should be adhered to at all times.  Wood and decorative materials should be non-combustible or flame resistant or rendered so with commercially available products, whenever possible.  As a general rule, open flame devices are prohibited, however permission may be granted by the Director of Safety and Security for use of small candles, etc. on a case by case basis. Use of smoke machines, strobes, and/or gun shot sound effects should be approved by the Chair of the Fine Arts Department with a notice included in the production program.

4.2       Structural Issues for Set Design:

4.2.1    The Chair of the Fine Arts Department must approve any set design that includes steps, ladders, traps, or other specialty devices.

4.3       Rigging:

4.3.1    For theaters that have fly space where rigging is used, some rigging guidelines include:

4.3.1.1             Anything attached to a fly bar must have a safety cable attached as well.

4.3.1.2             Check that everything attached to a light, including barn doors, gel cases, and safety cables, is secure before it is raised.

4.3.1.3             Make sure the rope or cord is strong enough for what you are lifting and that the rope or cord is not frayed or damaged in any way.

4.3.1.4             Warn people on the stage or grid before moving any rigged scenery or other objects.

4.3.1.5             Maintain visual contact with a moving piece at all times.

4.4       Personal Protective Equipment:

4.4.1    Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes all types of equipment used to increase individual safety while performing potentially hazardous tasks.  This may include protection for eyes and face, head, feet, hands, respiratory system, or any equipment used to protect against injury or illness.  The Director of Safety and Security can assist in assessing the need and making selections of PPE.

4.4.1.1             The use of PPE for the head (hard hats) is required for those working on the stage when other individuals are working on the cat walks above the stage.

4.4.2    For more information on PPE, see the online training presentation titled The Basics of Personal Protective Equipment and refer to the Employee Safety Manual procedure titled Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

4.5       Power and Hand Tools:

4.5.1    Anyone using a power tool for set construction should receive proper training prior to use.  The person in charge of set construction should review the operation of the equipment making sure to point out safety features and guards.  Anyone using the tool should understand the proper use and limitations of the tool.

4.5.1.1             The Director of Physical Plant will be responsible for providing proper training in the use of power tools.

4.5.2    Some guidelines for using tools include:

4.5.2.1             Inspect tools before use to check for any defects such as frayed wires or damaged hand tools.

4.5.2.2             Remove defective tools from service and have them repaired or replaced.

4.5.2.3             Only use power tools that are grounded with a 3-pronged plug or that are double insulated.

4.5.2.4             Never carry a power tool by its cord.

4.5.2.5             Unplug power tools before loading them, changing blades or bits, making adjustments, or cleaning them – and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

4.5.2.6             Never use power tools on wet surfaces or in wet weather.

4.5.2.7             Discontinue use of defective or unsafe equipment as soon as the defect becomes known.

4.5.2.8             Dull tools are unsafe and can damage work.  Maintain tools and always use sharp cutting blades.

4.5.2.9             Never alter or remove any machine or blade guards.

4.5.2.10           Report all incidents to the person in charge of set construction.

4.6       Ladders:

4.6.1    Ladders should be inspected at frequent, regular intervals and maintained in good condition free from oil, grease, or other slippery materials.  Defective ladders should be removed from service by the Physical Plant until repaired.  Ladders that can not be repaired should be destroyed.

4.6.2    Ladders should always be placed on stable bases and, whenever possible, should be secured near the top and at the bottom.  Boxes, barrels, or other unstable surfaces should never be used to extend the reach of a ladder.

4.6.3    For more information refer to the Employee Safety Manual procedure on Ladder Safety.

4.7       Chemical Hazards:

4.7.1    The key to safe chemical usage is to be aware of information on the physical and health hazards of chemicals, safe handling precautions, and emergency and first aid procedures.

4.7.2    Whenever possible, use non-flammable materials like water-based paints.  Water-based paints are less hazardous and allow for easier clean up and disposal than oil-based paints.

4.7.3    Control all ignition sources in areas where flammable liquids are used.  No smoking or open flames should be present during the use of such flammables.  Spray paint cans are under extreme pressure and could rupture when exposed to fire or extreme heat.

4.7.4    Paints and/or thinners should never be mixed with general trash or poured down the drain.

4.7.5    For additional information on the proper uses, storage, and clean up of hazardous materials please review the online training presentation titled HazCom (MSDS) and refer to the Employee Safety Manual procedure titled Hazard Communication (MSDS).

4.8       Lifting and Material Handling:

4.8.1    Back pain and injuries related to lifting and material handling are some of the most frequent types of injuries.  Stage pieces are often awkward, heavy, or unusually shaped, which impedes proper lifting techniques.

4.8.2    For information on proper lifting techniques, please review the online training presentation titled Safe Lifting – Avoiding a Painful Back.

5.         LIGHTING AND SOUND:

5.1       Electrical Safety:

5.1.1    Electricity is intrinsic in modern life, however, many people, especially students, have never worked with electricity directly before working on a set construction project.  To work safely with electricity it is important to understand what hazards it presents and how these hazards can be controlled.

5.1.2    Persons should not attempt electrical repairs without proper training.  Equipment that malfunctions or causes electrical shocks should be removed from service and repaired by a qualified individual.  The Physical Plant is responsible for all campus electrical inspections and repairs.

5.1.3    Extension cords are only designed for temporary use.  Use of thin, light duty extension cords can increase the risk of fire and shock.  Make sure extension cords have adequate current capacity for the equipment being used.  Do not pull an electrical cord out of a socket by the cord.  Inspect for frayed or split cords or plugs before use.  Do not cover extension or electrical cords with rugs or run under or through door hinges.

5.1.4    Training is essential in working with lighting circuitry, dimmers, and instruments.  Only authorized individuals should be allowed to work the control areas.  No food or beverages are permitted in the lighting and sound control areas.

6.         CAST AND CREW:

6.1       Cosmetics:

6.1.1    Only products approved for makeup use that have been tested extensively for toxic hazards should be used for stage productions.  Old containers of makeup could contain bacteria and should be thrown away.  Wash face and hands before and after applying cosmetics.  If using a “communal” makeup kit, use a clean brush or your hands to apply.  Shared makeup should never be applied directly to your face.

6.1.2        The Center for Safety in the Arts offers these guidelines for shared makeup users:

6.1.2.1             Crème Sticks:  Slice these out with dental spatulas onto individual papers such as butter trays.  Label and reuse them individually for touch-ups.

6.1.2.2             Lipsticks:  These too can be sliced and labeled.  For a long running show, individual lipsticks should be provided.

6.1.2.3             Pancakes and Powders:  Powdered products provide a less viable environment for infection, but try to individualize usage.  Supply powders in the smallest containers available.

6.1.2.4             Mascara:  Use individual applicators and containers if possible.

6.1.2.5             Eyeliners and Eye Makeup:  Use individual products if possible.

6.1.2.6             Brushes:  Use disposable brushes.

6.1.2.7             Sponges:  Use disposable sponges whenever possible.  Reusable ones can be disinfected.  Give out individual sponges at the beginning of a show and maintain separate use.

6.1.2.8             Miscellaneous:  Any type of facial hair, skullcaps, sequins, or other face product should be disinfected before use by a new performer.  Use an approved bactericide for disinfection.

6.1.3    Makeup artists should make a practice of washing their hands between actors.  Sponges and brushes should be washed after use on each individual.

6.1.4    When removing spirit gum or latex, avoid prolonged skin contact with solvents.

6.2       Fatigue:

6.2.1    Fatigue is a serious safety concern that should be considered during all stage productions.  With performance dates approaching, most crewmembers can become overworked.

6.2.2    Follow these simple guidelines to avoid fatigue:

6.2.2.1             Get proper rest; reduce caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol; take frequent breaks; plan ahead and follow a schedule; know when to quit and recognize signs of fatigue.

6.3       Heat Stress:

6.3.1    Even air-conditioned theaters can be hot from stage lighting which produces an incredibly hot glow.  Hot lighting coupled with stress and excitement can produce heat stress.

6.3.2    Drink plenty of liquids during a performance to replace the fluids lost from sweating.  Water and sports drinks are recommended.  Avoid caffeine, soft drinks, and alcohol.

7.         REPORTING:

7.1       Any incidents, accidents, injuries, or illnesses should be reported immediately to the Chair of the Fine Arts Department or to the person in charge of set construction or the production in accordance with the college’s Accident Investigation procedure.

7.2       Emergency situations in the theater should be handled in accordance with the college Emergency Response Procedures.