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.
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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.
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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.
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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. If you must use a ladder, as necessary have someone there to stabilize it during use. Do not stand on any steps the safety labels indicate. Before you get on a ladder, make sure that all legs are firmly on the floor. Remember not to leave tools and hardware or anything heavy on top of a ladder. When you are working above on a ladder you must take extra precautions. You need to be aware of overhead scenery and lighting instruments and electrical cable. Do not have loose items in pockets that may fall, and whenever possible, tools should be attached to you. If you can't attach tools, extra precautions must be made to keep people below aware of your work hazards.
J. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) PPE includes all types of equipment used to increase safety while performing potentially hazardous tasks. PPE may include eye and face protection, head protection, foot protection, hand protection, respiratory protection, and the use of other equipment to help protect you against injury or illness. Your instructor will identify required PPE for designated tasks and work areas and will communicate proper use procedures to you. Training will also be provided as needed. As a PPE user, you must understand and comply with the PPE use requirements provided to you during training and by your instructor and remember to ask questions if the direction is unclear. Additionally, students are not allowed to perform tasks that require the use of respiratory equipment (i.e. dust masks & respirators).
K. Power Tools Students must complete practical training on the safe handling of each tool before first use. The safety precautions provided by the manufacturer are available upon request. In general, power tools have rotating parts that can wind objects or people in like a fishing reel if they catch on items such as clothes, hair, or jewelry. Power tools can throw debris around, which can cause vision or respiratory injury. They can also make noises loud enough to damage hearing. Each power tool (includes pneumatic tools) has its own set of safety rules that when followed can prevent serious accidents and injury. Students may NEVER operate unguarded power tools. Do not remove safety guards from power tools. If a task is impossible using the standard blade guard, stop and ask the instructor how to proceed safely. In cases where a guard must be removed, the instructor will use a jig in place of the guard to allow for safe operation of the saw and still provide adequate protection to the user. Pneumatic tools also have safety guards,. Do not ever defeat the safety or use the tools in a manner they were not made for. Some tools do not have safety guards and must be used with extra care.
L. Storage of Materials The proper storage of materials is extremely important to the safety of employees, students, performers, and audience. Storage procedures should comply with the following guidelines: 1. Store flammable and combustible materials in the designated flammable storage cabinets. 2. Store materials at least 18 inches below all sprinkler heads, and at least 36 inches horizontally from the sprinkler heads. 3. Store materials at least 24 inches below the ceiling where sprinkler heads are not present. 4. Never obstruct exits. 5. Never obstruct access to firefighting equipment, such as extinguishers, hose stations, or alarm pull stations.
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6. Maintain a clear unobstructed space of at least 36 inches in all directions from electrical service equipment.
M. Working Above (Light Grid, Catwalks, Overhead Platforms) Whenever you are to work on the grid/loading deck or any other overhead platform, all tools must be secured so they can't fall. Loose change and items in your pockets can cause serious injury if dropped from high above, and should be removed before you ascend. You are responsible to make sure the people working beneath you know you are above them, and whenever possible they should be cleared from the area. If by chance an accident occurs and you do drop something, you should yell "HEADS!" Do this clear and loud so people know where the warning is coming from. If you are below and hear "heads" yelled, then protect your head and scatter only if you know exactly where the call has come from and you can safely move away. If you need to work above in an area that does not provide railings and there is a possibility of a fall that could cause injury, you must wear proper fall protection equipment (i.e., harness). You should also be trained in the correct use of this equipment. If proper safety equipment and training are not provided, then these activities may not be done.
By signing below, you acknowledge receipt of the safety guidelines for the Theatre Arts and Scene Shop. Additionally, you confirm that you have read and understood its statements related to safety. Students are responsible for following all directions, trainings, district policies and procedures, and assisting in maintaining a safe environment within the theatre arts and scene shop areas. Furthermore, you acknowledge that it is your responsibility to report unsafe activities and conditions immediately to your instructor.
______Semester & Year Course Title Ticket # Course Instructor
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