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Specifc theatre safety

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A theatre space, especially the stage area, is essentially a large machine for producing plays. It contains many hazards, especially to those unfamiliar with the mechanical and physical aspects of a theatre. To insure safety, the following regulations are in place:

First Aid, accidents, and reporting
A First Aid kit is maintained in all shops, and the Technical Director is responsible for seeing that it is maintained and kept stocked. This kit is located in a metal cabniet, with signs indicating its location.

This kit is intended for First Aid ONLY! In the event of anything OTHER than minor incidents, accidents are to be reported IMMEDIATELY to the Technical Director if present and/or the supervisor in charge of the area, who shall contact University Police at extention x73500, who are authorized to contact the proper emergency services. If the incident is serious or life-threatening, you should call 9-911 immediately. University Police should then be contacted as soon as practical. Render whatever first aid can be applied until emergency services arrive to relieve you.

All incidents must also be reported to the Technical Director after the fact. The First Aid kit is not your medicine cabinet. using materials from this cabniet when not necessary will result in disiplinary action.

Injuries Involving Bleeding
Only designated supervisors who have received bloodborne pathogen training shall administer first aid, assist, or transport an injured person who is bleeding. Blood and bodily fluids of all people should be handled as if they are infectious and could contain bloodborne pathogens such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Universal precautions must be followed---see the FAU Exposure Control Plan which is available from the Technical Director.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
If a SERIOUS INJURY occurs, immediately dial University Police at x73500. First aid can be administered or medical transport can be arranged if necessary.

Never move a person suspected of serious injury unless it is a life-threatening situation such as a fire. Attempts to move an injured person can cause further injury, especially to the spine and neck. Try to keep the injured person warm and still.

Persons with severe injuries or illnesses that require emergency department facilities for treatment are to be transported directly to Boca Raton Community Hospital. Persons with less serious conditions should obtain treatment at the Student Health Center.

Because of infection, minor cuts have the potential to become more serious. Wounds should be washed and dressed. Visit the Health Center if necessary.


FIRE EMERGENCIES
In the event of a fire, University Police should be notified immediately at x73500 and the following actions are recommended:


CHEMICAL EXPOSURE
If you spill a chemical such as paint thinners or fabric dyes on your skin:

If you get a chemical in your eyes:

If you inhale a chemical or are overcome by fumes:

Chemical Spills
The general procedure in the event of a spill is to notify supervisor (Technical Director if available) who will evacuate immediate area if necessary. The supervisor then calls campus security office. Campus security staff will consult with the EHS manager and with the campus Facilities Management director to make a determination on whether to call in the local hazmat team.

Fire control and Use
Fire is always a hazard in the Theatre. To minimize this problem, the following shall be adhered to at all times:

The Griswold Theatre is equipped with a Fire Curtain, which is designed to lower automatically in case of fire. AT NO TIME IS THE PATH OF THE FIRE CURTAIN TO BE BLOCKED BY SCENERY, PROPS, OR REHEARSAL PROPS OR FURITURE.

All technical personnel and students MUST, and all actors SHOULD, be trained in the location and use of fire extinguishers in the backstage areas. HOWEVER, if a fire cannot be extinguished within the first 10 seconds or so, GETTING EVERYONE OUT SAFELY IS THE FIRST PRIORITY! This is the responsibility of the Production Stage Manager and the Technical Director. Activate the fire alarm immediately!

If possible, the fire curtain lowering system (the "Break Glass" box) should be activated before leaving the stage. Fire alarm boxes are located at each exit to the building. Pull an alarm switch to alert the Fire Department on the way out if it has not already been activated.

Open Flames

THE USE OPEN FLAMES IN PRODUCTION IS STRONGLY DISCOURAGED. The use of open flames shall be permitted when necessary for production ONLY WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR who is responsible for training and overseeing personnel handling the effect. If necessary, the TD shall consult with and obtain permission from the City Fire Marshal before effects can be permitted. IF EITHER THE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR OR THE FIRE MARSHAL DISAPPROVES THE FIRE EFFECT, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, IT SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED.

At any time open flames are in use, at least one crew person shall stand by offstage with a fire extinguisher at hand the entire time the open flame is present, and that shall be that PERSON'S SOLE DUTY AT THAT TIME!

Combat and Weapons
ACTORS and DIRECTORS:
No stage combat shall be permitted in production or class without training and approval of the Theatre faculty responsible and/or the faculty Fight Director.

PROPS
Prop weapons are NOT toys. They are NOT to be handled EXCEPT by authorized persons and are the responsibility of the Props master of each production and/or the assigned Weapons Handler. NO ONE ELSE IS ALLOWED TO HANDLE ANY PROP WEAPON!

Prop weapons shall be securred when not in use, and shall be issued to the actors using them only when required, and shall be immediately turned back in to the props person responsible immediately when finished; the weapon shall then be immediately securred until the next performance.

All prop weapons MUST ALWAYS BE TREATED AS REAL weapons (which in fact they are). All guns used as props must be handled as if loaded; all edged weapons must be treated as sharp. EVEN BATED WEAPONS CAN KILL!

Smoking Rules
It is State Law that SMOKING IS PROHIBITED in all State buildings, including the Theatre facilities, in fact is illegal within 25 ft. of the outside doors. The single exception is smoking required by the business of a particular production. THIS SHALL NOT BE USED AS AN EXCUSE TO SMOKE IN THE THEATRE! Only such smoking as is absolutely necessary for a production is allowed.

Safety complaints and hazards
Any perceived safety concerns or hazards, large or small, MUST be reported to the supervisor in charge of the area, and/or the Technical Director, who shall take steps to correct the problem or to report the problem to the appropriate University authorities for action.

Non-Medical Emergencies
In Case of an Emergency such as rape, assault, robbery, or severe damage to a building:

General shop guidelines:

Here is a copy of the certificate. Print this out and bring to the shop for qualification (right click the icon and choose save as)

While the machinery in this shop can be used in a manner that is safe, scenic construction is an inherently dangerous process. Observation of the safety guidelines established for this shop will minimize risks and greatly reduce the probability of injury.

Do not use the power machinery if you cannot be alert and concentrate on what you are doing. This includes such circumstances as:

Even if you are having one of those days where you are being absent-minded or are in some way distracted, stay away from the machinery. Using the machinery in the shop requires your full attention.

In the business of theatre, many things are required with short notice and so must be made quickly. Do not let urgency displace the importance of working safely. Enhance efficiency in other areas. Do not try to save time by taking short cuts or rushing with the machinery. Keep things in perspective, do not risk maiming yourself for life in the interest of expediency.

Scene Shop Safety Rules
THEATRE SHOP SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS

The following should be considered as guidelines for working in the Theatre Shop areas. They have been written and are enforced for your safety, and as such should be followed at all times. If you have any questions regarding the safe operation of any tool or method of construction, please feel free to ask the Faculty or Staff. You are responsible to know and understand all of the following:

1. All persons working in the shops shall be properly attired. This includes long pants and close-toe shoes. Hard-sole shoes should be worn if possible since gym shoes do not afford sufficient sole and toe protection. At no time will anyone wearing a dress, shorts, or sandals be allowed to work in the shop areas as none of these garments give sufficient protection to the wearer. Also, long hair is to be tied back to avoid any chance of getting it caught in moving machinery.

2. The Scene Shop is an eye protection area and safety glasses are required whenever entering this space. In general, when operating any power tool, safety glasses are to be worn. Also when participating in any amount of abrasive sanding or spray painting, respirators are also to be used in addition to safety glasses. Ear protection is available to all students and staff in the shop areas at all times. It is up to the student or staff members to determine when this protection is necessary.

3. Every attempt should be made to keep your work area clean and organized. This means periodically sweeping up excessive waste and returning unnecessary tools to their proper places.

4. There is to be NO SMOKING IN THE SHOP AREAS. No soft drinks or food are permitted in the shop areas .

5. No person shall work in the shops while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Prescribed drugs which could cause drowsiness, lightheadedness, or disorientation should also not be used. Any student using such prescribed medications should notify both the Faculty and Staff in charge. Any person removed from the shops for the above reason shall not be allowed to return unless authorized by the Faculty.

6. Any time that you have a problem with any tool or machine, bring it to the attention of the Staff so they may assist you. Never attempt to repair or adjust any machines. If a machine or tool is accidentally damaged, bring it to the attention ofthe Staff. Please do not try to hide or cover up any damages.

7. Before operating any power tools, make sure all allen wrenches, chuck keys or other foreign materials are clear of the machine's work area.

8. Dangling necklaces or large rings, long loose scarves or loose sleeves should not be worn in the shop as they may become entangled in moving machinery.

9. Always make sure that all power tools are turned off and the electrical power disconnected before leaving the machine. Never leave an unattended machine running, even for "one second".

10. Always unplug or disconnect from power all power tools before changing blades, bits, or attachments.

11. IF YOU DON'T KNOW - ASK! There is no such thing as a dumb question.

12. A shop supervisor must be present whenever a student is working in the Scene Shop.

13. At least two people must be present at all times when power tools are in use.

14. Students shall not use equipment which they have not been properly trained to operate.

15. The Scene Shop shall be clean and all tools put away at the end of each work day.

16. All explosives and flammable liquids must be kept in a locked cabinet when not in use.

17. Horseplay of any kind is not permitted and will result in a reduction or suspension of shop privileges.

18. Work on elevated structures must be done on safety ladders or scaffolding

Safety rules for each of the major powertools in the Scene Shop are posted near each tool. NO PERSONS WILL BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE ANY POWER TOOL UNTIL TRAINED AND APPROVED BY THE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR. Likewise, personnel and students must be trained and approved before being permitted to operate any powered costume shop equipment. All required safety rules must be followed at all times.

Guidelines for using tools:

MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemicals and materials used in the shops are maintained by the Technical Director and are available at any time to all persons in the theatre area. Workers in the shops, students and paid assistants are required to follow safety guidelines on each sheet for each material and chemical. If you do not understand or have questions about anything in any MSDS, or about any process, see the Technical Director for clarification.

Work requiring training
Many of the processes and systems in the theatre complex pose hazards while in use. Before students and staff are permitted to use them, they must be trained and approved by the appropriate supervisor of the area. These tools include but are not limited to:


The Scene Shop is equipped with certain ventilation systems, which shall be used at all appropriate times.

Dust collection system must be operating when table saw, band saw, or radial arm saw is in use. Training on these tools must include training on the ventilation system.

Welding shall be allowed only when room ventilation equipment is in use. The dust collection system is NOT considered part of this system.

Personal Protective Equipment
In addition to normal permitted work cloting (see Scene Shop Safety Rules, Item 1) the shops are provided with personal protective equipment. Use of such equipment is not optional and shall be used at all times when performing associated activities.

Such personal protective equipment shall include but is not limited to:

EYE PROTECTION: safety glasses, goggles, or face shields shall be required when operating power tools.

EAR PROTECTION: ear plugs or ear muffs shall be required when operating louder power tools, such as radial arm saw, table saw, circular saw, chop saw, or portable grinder at any time, or any percussive tool (pneumatic nail gun), at ALL times. Ear plugs or ear muffs shall be required when operating ANY power tool for extended periods of time.

HARD HATS are available and must be used while overhead rigging is taking place.

BREATHING PROTECTION:
Spray painting is only permitted in the spray booth with evacuation system running, or while wearing a ventilation mask rated for spray paint.

Dust collection system and room ventilation systems shall be used at all appropriate times. See section on Ventillation Systems for clarification.

Dust masks are required for activities creating quantities of dust or of dust collection system is not practical for a given activity (i.e. portable tools.)

PROTECTIVE GLOVES are required when working with solvents or solvent based (non-water based) chemicals and materials. Extended exposure to water based chemicals (such as paint) shall also require the use of protective gloves. Refer to MSDS for guidelines as to appropriate equipment.

WELDING: Proper eye protection goggles and masks, long sleeve shirts and long pants are required for welding. A leather welding tunic is available and should be used while arc welding.

Clothing safety rules

Welding

General rules for stationary power tools

Gerneral rules for portable power tools

General rules for pnumatic tools

Ladders and personnel lift

 

TABLE SAW SAFETY

BANDSAW SAFETY

RADIAL ARM SAW SAFETY

Cleanup

The shop is thoroughly cleaned at the end of each production period. Clean up is to be called 20 to 30 minutes before the scheduled ending time of production. Arrange your work so that you will be at a stopping point at that time.

General Housekeeping

TO LOAD A BATTEN SAFELY:

WITH FLYMAN AT THE LOCK RAIL AND LOADERS ON THE LOADING GALLERY:

Flyman calls "HEADS UP" and lowers batten to floor.
Flyman gives clearance to deck crew to place the load on batten.
AFTER load is on batten, Flyman estimates weight and directs loaders to load the arbor with appropriate weights equal to the load.
Loaders raise keeper nuts and spreader plates, leaving one on top of batten weight.
Loaders place required counterweights on arbor. If many "bricks" are needed, a spreader plate should be inserted between weights every two feet.
When finished, Loaders slide down remaining plates and keeper nuts, locking them in place with thumb screws. Only then do they call down: "Locked and Secured."
Flyman calls to Deck crew to "Clear the Batten."
Flyman removes keeper ring and opens lock handle, and tests load for balance.
If load is out of balance, repeat above procedure to adjust.
Once weight is correct, Flyman calls ìClear the Battenî and flys load to trim, locking rope lock and securing with Keeper Ring.

TO UNLOAD, REVERSE THE PROCEEDURE:
Flyman calls "Heads Up" and flys batten to the deck.
Upon flymanís command, Loaders remove all weight down to but not including batten weight
Only after weight is off arbor, Deck crew removes goods from the batten.
Flyman calls "Clear the Batten" and flies batten out for storage.

RIGGING SYSTEM