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Safety Guidelines: Theatre Arts & Scene Shop

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Safety Guidelines: Theatre Arts & Scene Shop SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT SAFETY GUIDELINES: THEATRE ARTS & SCENE SHOP SOCCCD wants to ensure the health and safety of all its students. The colleges offer programs in the theatre arts, which are supported by labor in the scene shop and on stage. Contained in these safety guidelines are important safety procedures that must be followed to ensure a continued safe working and learning environment for all. This document does not cover all potential exposures in these areas and is not considered a substitute for the curriculum. Theatre work, by nature, can be physically daunting and likely involves the use of power equipment, which can be more dangerous than general classroom work. However, if common sense is used and safety procedures are followed, the likelihood of an accident occurring in the shop or on stage is minimized. A. General Safety Rules 1. Be careful at all times. Being careful is your best defense against injury. 2. Pay attention to what you are doing. Repetitious jobs are more likely to cause inattention. 3. Do not rush or hurry and cut corners on safety. 4. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task at hand, as well as, all other tasks being performed in the immediate area or room. PPE may include eye/face protection, gloves, apron, etc. Note: The use of respiratory equipment (i.e. dust masks, respirators, SCBAs) is limited to District approved employees who meet all federal and state requirements. 5. Maintain a clean and clutter free work area. 6. Do not leave tools and supplies out unnecessarily. 7. Do not leave long sticks or heavy objects in trash receptacles. 8. Do not block access to emergency exit routes, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, doorways, electrical boxes, lighting panels, safety equipment or areas marked ‘keep clear’. 9. Make sure the work surface and floors are clear, and everything is ready prior to turning “ON” switch. 10. Wearing ear buds, headphones, or similar electronic devices is prohibited. B. Proper Attire 1. No loose, long or baggy clothing. It can get caught in moving parts and machinery or snagged on splinters etc. You may bring a change of work clothes as lockers are available. 2. Wear shoes with good, non-slippery soles that cover the whole foot; no sandals. 3. No gloves while using power tools. (Again, these can get caught in moving parts of machines) 4. No skirts. (Pants/jeans are recommended) 5. No long or large jewelry. 6. Long hair must be put up or tied back. Last Updated: 8/8/18 SOCCCD | Safety Guidel ines: Theatre Arts & Scene Shop Page 1 of 5 C. Chemical Hazards The key to safe chemical use is to understand the physical and health hazards of the materials you use, implement safe handling precautions, and know and be able to administer emergency/first aid procedures. Each manufactured product will have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that will be kept on file within the department. Your instructor will identify which products will be used for the set construction and train you on the proper use and disposal of each product; and required PPE. There are many types of paints, inks, pigments, and dyes used in the performing arts. While each product will have specific manufacturer’s instructions, the following safety guidelines apply to all products: Read the product labels and the SDS to help you identify the potential hazards of the product you are using. 1. Know the ventilation requirements of the products you are using. 2. Avoid ingestion of materials by not eating or drinking in your work area, and wash your hands before eating and drinking. 3. Keep chemical containers closed except when you are using them. 4. Control ignition sources in areas where flammable liquids are used. 5. Never puncture aerosol cans or expose them to high heat. 6. Dispose of each product as directed by the manufacturer and in accordance with the District Hazardous Waste Management Program. Your instructor has knowledge of this and will teach you appropriately. 7. Know and understand the chemical spill procedures for each of the products you are handling. D. Fire Safety Know where the nearest fire extinguishers and exits are located throughout the theatre and shop. Many materials used in theatre productions and in the shop are combustible. Paint solvents and other highly flammable chemicals should be kept in a designated flammable cabinet with self-closing doors (see District Chemical Hygiene Program). Welding and grinding produce sparks, so it’s important to remove all flammable items such as paper, sawdust, and oil, from the immediate work area before starting these tasks. E. Fly System, Ropes, and Rigging The person responsible for raising and lowering scenery or equipment must ensure that people are out of the way, that all hazards are cleared and that everyone on stage knows that you are about to move something in or out (down or up) on stage. This should be a loud verbal warning so all can hear at the time (e.g. “Line set # 3 Coming in."). The same goes for lifting a bucket up to a scaffold or moving a one ton wall on a counterweight batten. The person must monitor the rope being pulled and the object that it is moving at the same time. Natural fiber ropes age and wear, and must be checked regularly for safety. Do not use any rope or hardware or cable that is worn or in questionable condition to fly objects. If you have a question or are unsure of the condition of the ropes, ask your instructor. Rigging is the use of hardware to lift, lower, and hold performance equipment on or above the stage. A variety of rigging hardware may be used for various tasks, and understanding the load capacity for each piece of equipment is critical. Students must receive training prior to operating any rigging equipment. In addition, students must be supervised at all times during activities involving rigging system. General safety guidelines for the use and maintenance of rigging equipment include: 1. Inspect rigging equipment before use, after any alterations, and at regular intervals. Last Updated: 8/8/18 SOCCCD | Safety Guidel ines: Theatre Arts & Scene Shop Page 2 of 5 2. Make sure the counterweights are secured with a lock plate to keep the counterweights in place. 3. Report any damaged or defective ropes to your instructor immediately. 4. Never shorten chains and ropes by knotting. 5. Never exceed the safe load capacity of the system. 6. Follow safe procedures when loading, unloading, or operating rigging systems. 7. Warn people on the stage and grid before moving any rigged scenery or other object. 8. Maintain control of moving pieces at all times. 9. Never access the catwalks until trained and authorized to do so. 10. Secure rigging equipment when it is not in use. F. Handling Scenery, Lifting and Carrying Heavy Objects 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 oddly shape, which makes them difficult to lift properly. Remember to wear supportive non-slip closed-toe shoes to help avoid a fall while carrying your load. Discuss proper footwear with your instructor. Follow these safe lifting techniques: 1. Stand close to the load: Carrying an object as close to your body as possible will reduce strain. 2. Lift with your legs: Using your leg muscles helps keep your back better aligned, which will reduce the load on your lower back. Bend your knees and lift with your legs. 3. Share the weight by having two or more persons carry the load. When carrying tall objects alone, like a ladder, lift with one hand high and one hand low. That is, lift with one hand which carries the weight and the other hand extended to help balance the object. 4. Communicate with others. To prevent injury, communicate with fellow workers if you are losing your grip or if something is too heavy. Then, gently set down the object together and take a rest or get a better grip. 5. When you lean scenery or materials against a wall, be sure that the object is a sufficient distance between its base and the wall, so it will not fall back by itself. 6. Look where you are going, especially through doors and around corners. 7. Be aware of your surroundings, especially what is behind you. G. Hand Safety Hands are most susceptible to injury. Watch the cutting edge of any tool, especially the power tools, and be aware of where your hands are in relation to it. Pay attention and do not get distracted. Be aware that staples and nails can occasionally turn inside the wood and poke out unexpectedly. For example, when using chisels, keep both hands behind the direction in which the sharp edge is going and never pull a blade towards your body. H. Housekeeping Work areas can become congested while set building and rehearsals take place. Clutter can contribute to slip and fall injuries or to being struck by objects and can be a significant fire hazard. Remember to clean up after each work session. Place trash in proper receptacles. Avoid accumulating scrap lumber and materials. Store tools in the proper areas when not in use. Last Updated: 8/8/18 SOCCCD | Safety Guidel ines: Theatre Arts & Scene Shop Page 3 of 5 I. Ladders Working on ladders and scaffolds presents a potential for a fall. Students may only use a ladder after they complete practical training and pass the Ladder Safety Test.
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