General Theatre Safety
1. Preamble
The safety of all persons at all times in all Department
activities is of the first importance to all involved. No task
is so important that it cannot be done safely. Individuals
should realize that their safety begins with themselves. They
must 1.) be sensitive to the importance of safety; 2.) be
informed of safe procedures; and, 3.) notify staff and faculty
of unsafe conditions.
Theatrical operations are unusual in that they embrace an
extremely wide variety of disciplines and crafts, sometimes
materials not well known, mechanisms which are hidden, and
techniques not otherwise obvious. These facts make it doubly
important to approach our work with caution and free from
assumption.
It must be acknowledged that the activities of theatre and
dance are potentially hazardous. This includes, but is certainly
not limited to dance and acting movement, work in the various
laboratories, and shifting and rigging scenery and lighting
on the stage. Hazards can be found among the materials used
for costumes, scenery, lighting, painting and props. Care
must also be taken not to jeopardize our audience.
2. Emergencies
2.1 Injury - Serious Illness
- CALL 9+911 CAMPUS POLICE.
- NOTIFY YOUR FACULTY OR SUPERVISOR
- DO WHAT YOU CAN, STAY CALM.
2.2 Fire
- CALL 9+911 CAMPUS POLICE.
- NOTIFY YOUR FACULTY OR SUPERVISOR.
- ON SMALL FIRE - USE FIRE EXTINGUISHER, CLOSE (NOT LOCK) DOORS.
- EVACUATE BUILDING.
2.3 Earthquake (Indoors)
- GET IN DOORWAY OR UNDER TABLE OR DESK.
- FOLLOWING SHOCK, EVALUATE SITUATION.
- IN CASE OF SEVERE SHOCK, CALL POLICE 9+911. TURN OFF
EQUIPMENT, EVACUATE BUILDING, ASSIST OTHERS.
2.4 University Emergency Procedures Sheets
Emergency information is available in all department laboratories
and offices. Know the location of these sheets and acquaint
yourself with the information; most types of emergencies are
covered.
2.5 Fire Extinguishers
Know the location of the fire extinguishers in your area.
3. Individual Rights
3.1 Department of Theatre and Dance Safety Program
3.1.1 Scope
The Department of Theatre and Dance strives to implement and
abide by all applicable University, State, and Federal laws
and regulations relating to the safety of its students, faculty
and staff.
3.1.2 Persons Implementing Program
The first person responsible for a safe operation is the individual
performing the operation. Each person, be they faculty, staff
or student, should learn safe procedures and work with an
attitude which places safety first.
3.1.2.1 Students
Each student's responsibility is indicated in Section 4.
3.1.2.2 Faculty/Staff
Each faculty/staff member has responsibility to assure that
safe procedures are carried out in their respective classroom,
laboratory or performance area.
3.1.2.3 The Department
The Department's Safety Coordinator (the Production Manager,
John Fisher) acts as liaison with the University Office of
Environmental Health and Safety to assure that proper policy
is in force and to disseminate information as necessary. The
Department Chair holds final responsibility at Department
level to assure that the concerns of safety are met.
3.2 Penalty Free
As a student, employee, or volunteer you cannot be dismissed
or otherwise discriminated against for asserting any concern
you may have regarding the health and safety of yourself or
others.
3.3 Hazard Communication Program
You have the right to personally receive information regarding
hazardous substances to which you may be exposed; including
operations in your work area where hazardous materials may
be present, the location and availability of the Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and how to use the information.
3.4 Additional Information
Additional copies of this information and Specific Area Safety
Procedures may be obtained in the Production Office (PA126)
or in the Department Office (PA157). Copies of the University
Hazard Communication Program, Respiratory Protection Program
for Students, Bloodborne Pathogens Program, and all applicable
Material Safety Data Sheets are located in the Production
Office for your use.
4. Individual Responsibilities
4.1 Do Not Act in Ignorance
If you do not know how to do something, don't do it.
4.2 Demand Instruction and Supervision
It is proper and expected that you notify your faculty or
supervisor if you need instruction. DO NOT WORK ALONE!
4.3 Report Injrury and Unsafe Conditions
Do not delay; report all injuries, however insignificant,
immediately. Report any unsafe conditions right away.
REPORT TO: Immediate faculty or supervisor; if not available,
Production or Department Office; if not available, any Department
faculty, and finally, if no one else is present, call Campus
Police. Do not begin or continue work if any unsafe conditions
exist or develop.
4.4 Follow Directions
Learn how to do SAFELY the task you are asked to do. Follow
the instructions of faculty or supervisor; read and follow
these and other instructions you are given.
5. Personal Safety Equipment
5.1 First Aid Kits
First aid kits are located in all construction/craft areas,
the Main Department Office (PA156), the Production Office
(PA126), the Television Studio (PA166), and in the supplies
of all Stage Managers.
5.2 Blood Safety Kits
A kit with rubber gloves, simple bandages, sealable bags,
and instructions for dealing with spilled blood are located
in all activity areas, First aid kits contain these items.
(See Section 12 for use.)
5.3 Safety Devices and Personal Protection Equipment
Specialized equipment and devices are located in the area
where they are required. THE USE OF ALL SAFETY DEVICES AND
EQUIPMENT IS MANDATORY.
6. Special Health Conditions Including Pregnancy
If you are sick, injured, under a doctor's care for a short
term or chronic condition, or if your are, or suspect that
you are pregnant, notify your faculty or supervisor immediately.
This information will be kept confidential and will in no
way curtail your participation in the activity. In some cases,
however, your faculty or staff supervisor may want to make
you aware of special circumstances relating to your condition
and modify your activities accordingly.
7. Fire/Smoking Regulations
7.1 Fire Safety
7.1.1 USE NO FLAME. Nothing we do requires an open flame,
other than welding in the Scenic Laboratory and certain stage
effects.
7.1.2 Know location of fire extinguishers and alarms.
7.2 University Smoking Policy
7.2.1 Smoking is not permitted in the Performing Arts building.
7.2.2 Smoking is permitted in performance and when essential
for rehearsal. Stage Management will provide proper disposal
receptacles.
8. Theatre and Dance Department Theatres
8.1 Access: Little Theatre, Recital Hall, Arena Theatre
Access to these spaces is limited to those who are a part
of the activity or for whom permission has been granted. The
theatres contain much specialized equipment which requires
special training to operate and which is potentially hazardous
to those not aware of the conditions on stage.
8.2 Safety Procedures
8.2.1 Technical Load-in Periods
When the theatres are in use for load-in, the applicable Specific
Area Safety Procedures will be in effect for all those working
in the affected areas.
8.2.2 TECHNICAL AND DRESS REHEARSALS, PERFORMANCE PERIODS.
During rehearsal and performance the Specific Area Safety
Procedure for Theatre Areas will be in effect.
8.2.3 CONDITION OF FLOORS.
Beware of the splintered floors. Special care must be taken
not to splinter them further. Be aware of irregular floor
surfaces.
9. Scenic, Lighting, Costume, Make-up, Audio, Television Studio Labs
9.1 Access
Access to these spaces is limited to those who are a part
of the activity or for whom permission has been granted. Due
to the potentially hazardous equipment and materials in use
and the special training needed to work in such areas, unauthorized
persons pose a possible danger to themselves and others by
entering.
9.2 Training
Training is required to work in these areas. Do not work without
it. Instruction is given in class, by the supervisor, and
by these and other instructions; be sure that you are aware
of and know them all. Do not assume that previous training
is sufficient or correct; discuss your previous training with
your faculty or supervisor.
9.3 Safety Equipment/Devices
Use the safety guards and devices. Follow all safety rules.
9.4 Respirator Program
The Department of Theatre and Dance participates in the Office
of Environmental Health and Safety's Respiratory Protection
Program for Students. The Program will require many students
(and volunteers) to secure medical approval, to be trained
in the use of respirators, and to use them when necessary.
You will be notified by your faculty or supervisor if and
when you are required to use a respirator.
9.5 Specific Area Safety Procedures
Specific safety procedures have been published for each laboratory
and the theatres. Be sure to have the procedures for the area
in which you are working and that you understand everything
before beginning your activity.
10. Classroom-Studio Concerns
10.1 Instruction
Do only those routines and activities requested of you and
for which you have been or are being trained. Do not assume
that prior training is sufficient or correct. If in doubt
as to the currency of your training, ask!
10.2 Special Health Conditions
If you are sick, injured, under a doctor's care, or "just
not feeling well," tell your faculty or supervisor. The
information will be kept confidential. Your activity may need
to be modified; let your instructor help you decide.
Be sure to warm up before beginning any movement activity!
10.3 Dance Floors
Street shoes, furniture or food are forbidden in dance studios.
The rooms are to be kept as clean as possible at all times.
The floor surfaces are fragile and must be protected against
becoming splintered and slippery.
10.4 Keep Studio Doors Locked
Keep all studio doors locked when not in use to prevent inappropriate
and perhaps unsafe use of the rooms and to protect the facilities
and equipment.
11. Outside the Building
11.1 Coming and Going at Night
Unfortunately, the campus is not completely free of crime.
Do not walk to your car alone at night!
If you cannot find someone you know or if you are alone, you
may call Campus Police at ext.2515 for an escort; they are
pleased to help you.
11.2 Please Don't Drink and Drive
12. Bloodborne Pathogens
12.1 Bloodborne Pathogens Program
The Department participates in the Office of Environmental
Health and Safety's Bloodborne Pathogens Program. The basic
procedures of this program are described in the following
sections.
12.2 Hazards
It is possible to be exposed to life-threatening pathogens
such as HIV and Hepatitis B virus by contact with blood of
other persons. ALL BLOOD SHOULD BE CONSIDERED HAZARDOUS.
12.3 Precautions and Procedure in Events of Spilled Blood
12.3.1 Notify Campus Police (9+9-1-1) in event of serious
injury. Notify faculty or supervisor.
12.3.2 Use rubber gloves from first aid kit when assisting
injured. Do not allow any of the blood to touch you anywhere
directly.
12.3.3 Do not dispose of gloves, bloody clothing towels, etc.
in the ordinary trash. Your faculty or supervisor will dispose
of the material properly or arrange to dispose of if. (Large
amounts must be cleaned up by Physical Plant.)
12.3.4 Wash your hands after removing gloves.
12.3.5 Small amounts of blood from minor injuries should be
cleaned up by the person whose blood it is. Clean-up materials
should be disposed of properly by the faculty or supervisor.
12.4 In Case of Contact with Blood
12.4.1 Wash immediately and thoroughly with warm water and
soap.
12.4.2 Notify your faculty or supervisor. Accident forms will
be filled out