ActSafe! FIA MINIMUM RECOMMENDED HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR PERFORMERS WORKING IN LIVE SHOWS ______

Introduction Many accidents are actually caused by a lack of foresight. They occur during rehearsals as well as You are a young performer, relatively on- and involve both experienced and less inexperienced and eager to take every new experienced performers. Regardless of who bears opportunity to fine-tune your skills, to practice and responsibility, they often could be avoided with a progress in this very exciting and rewarding few, simple precautions. So, to reduce the risk of profession. You trust the people around you, often getting hurt and continue to enjoy this gratifying more knowledgeable than you, and the profession, you may wish to consider some plain production that is employing you. The perception advice. of danger is very remote: you are thrilled and ready to perform. After all, acting is what you most These guidelines were prepared for you by the desire in life and you are about to make that International Federation of Actors (FIA), of which dream become real. your union is likely to be a member. We have deliberately avoided technical information and You are an experienced performer and have have tried to identify key hazards in our working worked on stage for a long time. You are very environment, presenting some ideas on how to familiar with health and safety drills and with minimise those risks. relevant regulations. They all sound very familiar to you. Perhaps too much for you to continue to pay Remember that these are not industry-approved attention to them as you should. standards and that your compliance with these guidelines may not be sufficient to protect you Every live stage continues to be a treacherous from hurting yourself at work. Always be vigilant place to work in. It involves special hazards that and add your own common sense to all the must be taken seriously as some of these advice and support you can otherwise get. accidents can sometimes have dire consequences. Working hours are irregular and We hope that you will use this booklet as a simple the backstage is often cramped. And then there checklist, a reminder more than everything else, is the pressure to move on with the show, the stress and that you will continue to do so even when and the fatigue as the opening draws nearer. The you feel you have gained enough experience to public may suddenly be all around you and react “know these things well”. unpredictably. When the thought crosses your mind, you naturally think “I can trust the Also, as an additional precaution, we production to look after my safety and provide recommend that you always ask your union for me with a healthy working environment”. After all, advice before you start rehearsing or performing there are regulations in place to protect workers on stage. They will provide further guidance, and things must be all right. Very often this is including on possible higher safety measures indeed the case. But sometimes they are not applicable to your work. enough and even then, they do not always prevent accidents from happening. Do not improvise or let any one else gamble with your safety and health and that of others around you. Act safe!

Index

Alcohol and drugs p. 3 Animals p. 4 Costumes p. 5 Fire safety p. 6 Firearms and weapons p. 7 Lighting and electrical equipment p. 8 Makeup p. 9 Naked flames p. 10 Outdoor events p. 11 Props p. 13 Pyrotechnics p. 14 Rake stages and non-resilient floors p. 15 Rigging and flying of performers p. 16 Smoke and p. 17 Sound and noise levels p. 18 Stunts/Stage combats p. 19 Temperature and ultraviolet radiation p. 20 Ventilation p. 22

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 2 Alcohol and drugs Any external substance that may interfere with your body, affecting your normal behavior and your ability to think, act and react properly, e.g. wine, beer, spirits of any kind, medication, marijuana, LSD, amphetamines, heroine, cocaine, etc. ______

Regardless of the personal reasons that may Refrain from consuming alcohol or lead to you assume drugs of any sorts or drugs before a rehearsal or a alcohol at any given time in your professional performance. Should you choose not career, you must be aware that those to do so, you should never abuse them substances have a direct effect on your body and allow a considerable safety and mind. Taken alone, or in combination with margin between the consumption and other factors or substances, they may severely your professional commitments affect your judgment and your ability to behave responsibly. Should you feel unwell due to medication, drugs or alcohol that you Medications are also drugs. They may have may have taken prior to rehearsal or side effects you should be aware of before performance, do not play smart. Be consumption. responsible and avoid becoming a hazard for yourself and others around Drugs and alcohol may reduce muscle tone, you. It simply is not worth it: you may risk reaction time, risk perception and overall losing your job or even facing coordination, sometimes alone, other times in prosecution combination with other substances and factors. International research shows that 20% Never drink alcohol at work and during to 25% of all occupational injuries originate from working hours. Non alcoholic substitutes drug and/or alcohol use, of which 3% to 15% should be provided when alcohol result in fatal injuries. consumption is to be portrayed on stage Alcohol & drugs can seriously harm you and others around you! Never take drugs at work and during ______working hours, except medication prescribed by a chemist and under Remember that alcohol and drug his/her instructions consumption is illegal in many countries and may be seriously prosecuted Always inform the person in charge of any treatment you are under, Be careful when taking medication. especially if requiring intake of Read the notice attentively to prevent medication before or during rehearsal any side effect from affecting your or performance safety and that of others at work. Seek the advice of a chemist when in doubt

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 3 Animals Any kind of animal, whether tamed or untamed, including pets and birds ______

Animals are not widely used in the live Always inform your employer about entertainment industry, with the notable any allergies, physical condition (e.g. exception of circus. However, they may be pregnancy) or difficulties you may used occasionally as part of a performance. have in relation to the animal in The welfare of animals requires vigilant care at question. Enquire about any all times. Equally important is to protect the immunisation you may need in case of health and safety of performers that may be bites or scratches required to handle, touch or interact otherwise with them on stage. Make sure you meet whoever is responsible for the animal and you are Animals should be handled no more than fully briefed about the best way to necessary. Tired animals can become handle it. Also, ask details about the distressed and irritable. Whenever possible, animal’s behaviour and safety issues. animals that present the least risks for humans Do not touch it or feed it unless you are should be selected. Rehearsals with animals given specific instructions should accurately recreate the conditions on stage, to ensure they familiarise with them and Should you be required to touch or to reduce the risk of erratic behaviour. handle an animal, use all precautions and stay away from its paws, its mouth Complacency and the feeling of being safe in and other body parts the animal can the presence of animals may leave a use to strike if scared performer off guard and expose him/her to a dangerous situation. The potential for zoonotic Do not eat, drink or smoke while diseases - i.e. illnesses caused by infectious handling animals agents that can be shared by or transmitted between animals and humans – should also be Avoid blind spots. Face the animal carefully considered. and/or keep eye control on its whereabouts, especially when at close Maximum hygiene should always be ensured in distance. Avoid sudden movements if the working place when animals are used in a at all possible rehearsal and during a performance. Any production intending to use animals should hire Consider any animal as a possible an experienced handler for the safety of source of infection or infestation, in performers but also of the animals. particular those that are closer to humans in the evolutionary scale – i.e. The production should have a veterinary primates certification for all animals in the production, proving their eligibility and health. Deem every animal unpredictable, ______especially pets, and never let your guard off Always ask your employer whether you will be expected to rehearse and work When handling or performing with with animals animals, always follow basic hygiene rules: wash thoroughly afterwards, especially before meals

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 4 Costumes Any item that is worn, not carried or handled, by the performer, including wigs, masks and footwear ______

With very few exceptions, costumes are Check your costumes before wearing invariably used on rehearsals and them and make sure they are clean, performances. Their shape, size and especially if they are to be used in combination obviously change ever so often, direct contact with your skin depending on such things as the choreography, stage design, etc. Your body If possible, make sure you wear the and your ability to move will inevitably be same costumes from the beginning of affected by the specific outfit you wear. rehearsal throughout the performance Sometimes costumes may have an adverse effect on your body, impair your performance Try to anticipate the variety of staged or even put you and other around you at risk. It movements and test your costumes in is therefore important that you take some time all postures you will take during your to evaluate your costumes and detect any performance inconsistency at the earliest possible date. Do not hesitate to report any Costumes should be tailored to your age and impairment caused by your costumes. size. They should not hinder your movements Pay particular attention to your field of unreasonably on and off stage. Whenever vision and your ability to breathe and special staged movements are required, your hear normally outfits should be customized to make that possible at no discomfort. Should you be required to handle open flames or act near one, find out Needless to say, they should be clean, stored in whether the fabric of your costumes is pristine conditions and integrate safely with all flame resistant or adequately treated other elements of the production. with flame retardant. Do not use the ______costumes unless they are safe to use next to a flame Look out for loose parts, wear & tear and report anything you find suspicious After each use, take particular care in before you wear your costumes handling your costumes and store them neatly where they can be picked Make sure you inform the company up for cleaning and further use about any allergies that may not allow you to wear a given fabric

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 5 Fire safety All safety measures and operational procedures to prevent the effects of a fire ______

Fire safety is paramount in live performance, especially in , where Do not smoke out of designated flames can quickly spin out of control and smoking areas. Always use ashtrays become lethal. Emergency procedures and stub your cigarettes out and a fire evacuation plan should be completely before you leave the made available in writing and fire drills smoking area should be routinely scheduled, especially each time someone is new to the Only throw paper or other inflammable environment. material in the designated bins. Never dump them on an ashtray or near it There should be emergency exists, clearly marked, closed but not locked nor Do not play with fire at any time. Should obstructed, provided with panic handles you be required to handle a naked and opening towards the exterior. flame or to smoke on stage, do so in full compliance with the instructions that Fire extinguishers should be functional, are given to you maintained as required and their use should be carefully described during fire Remember: fire doors are there for your drills. safety and that of others around you. Do not wedge them open, obstruct or All curtains, set, props and scenery should block them in any way, anytime be fireproof. Costumes should be fireproofed if any naked flames are to be If pyrotechnic effects are to be used, used on the production. please refer to the specific chapter in these guidelines All wiring and technical equipment should be in pristine conditions and be regularly Never take fire drills lightly: in case of checked by the production. All electrical panic, even the most elementary rules equipment should be waterproof and are often overlooked isolated. Plugs should be firmly inserted in their sockets or disconnected. Remember: fire safety does not stop ______when you leave the workplace. Make sure you do not leave behind you Read the written emergency something that may incidentally cause procedures and the fire evacuation a fire, e.g. a spray can in direct sunlight, plan carefully as you familiarise with a loosely plugged electrical device, your new working environment. If etc. you can see none, ask the set manager

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 6 Firearms and weapons Weapon: any object which is designed for the purpose of inflicting bodily harm - Firearm: any weapon that can fire single or multiple projectiles propelled by deflagration, or that discharge explosive gases (blanks) ______

Use, storage, maintenance of weapons must Even when firearms with blanks are to fully comply with applicable safety and police be used on stage, rehearsals should regulations. Only firearms that have been preferably be done with non-firing deactivated should be used as props. They weapons. If blanks are to be fired, a should be deactivated, modified or repaired weapons expert should be present and by qualified gunsmiths, with the approval of the in charge of security manufacturer. You should use the same weapon or The choreography should be carefully studied firearm at each rehearsal and to ensure no one gets hurt. Firearms and other performance weapons should never be given to performers on stage without first determining that they are Do not use firearms if they are clogged knowledgeable in their proper and safe use. with dirt or other foreign matter, as you may cause them to explode! Never When not in use, ammunitions, weapons and play around with them firearms should be locked by the expert in a safe place, with no smoking signs posted Never point a firearm to anyone, even nearby. A sign in sign out procedure should when it is being fired during a scene regulate the distribution. Never attempt to fix jams or Sound pressure levels should be kept at the malfunctions. All maintenance should lowest possible level. Whenever possible, you be the responsibility of a weapons should be allowed to wear hearing protection expert when firearms are used. Check that all swords, knives and Always treat firearms and weapons as if they blades you are given are blunt before were loaded! Even blank ammunitions can be you use them on rehearsals and on deadly! stage. Make sure you are aware if the ______blade is retractable or non retractable

You should be informed in advance of Whenever weapons are to be used in the intention to use weapons in a given a production, your performance should production and should not be forced be carefully choreographed to to use one against your will. You should minimise risks also be given thorough instructions on safe handling by a weapons expert When not in use, firearms and weapons should be safely stored by an expert. Never use live ammunition on rehearsal Should you see any weapon or firearm AND on stage, even if you personally lying about, report it as soon as possible hold an appropriate licence. You must to the production refuse to do so if the production asks you to Never load or unload a weapon or firearm. Let the weapons expert do that for you

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 7 Lighting and electrical equipment Lighting: the illumination and overall visibility on stage but also backstage and on service areas - Electrical equipment: any electric item that a performer may be requested to carry or handle on stage ______

Dazzling spotlights or inadequately lit stages Should you be requested to perform and service areas increase the risk of tripping or with your vision temporarily or falling. Sudden variations in lighting intensity permanently impaired, make sure you may also temporarily blind performers and rehearse in exactly the same conditions expose them to a possible injury, especially you will experience on stage. Should when combined with movement on or off you feel unsafe as your sight is limited, stage. do not hesitate to request extra precautions and/or rehearsing time Sometimes, performers may be expected to act with their vision deliberately impaired. This is Service areas should be properly lit at also an additional risk factor that requires all times. You should allow your eyes special awareness. some time to adapt to the new lighting as you are leaving the stage. Although When cables are not off the ground, they alleyways and other service areas should be clearly identified and secured in should be free from obstacles, props, order not to create a tripping hazard. technical equipment or other fellow performers may accidentally get in the A qualified electrician or a competent person way and cause you to stumble as you should be present at all times and test electrical vision is temporarily impaired equipment for function before rehearsals or on stage performance. Should you be required to handle ______electrical devices on stage, make sure you are shown exactly how they work Make sure you become accustomed and familiarise with them during to the lighting well before each rehearsals. If possible, you should not performance. Should lighting levels use an electrical item on stage for the change abruptly during your first time performance, restrain your movement until your eyes are fully accustomed. Check out for any sign of deterioration Do not take unnecessary risks unless or poor maintenance in the electrical you can see well around you device that you are requested to manipulate. Should the wiring or Watch out for electric wires laid onto plugging look loose or otherwise the stage: they should be covered by inadequate, do not use that item for rugs, taped down, pulled into safety your own safety pipes or otherwise protected against accidental stumbling, against contacts Make sure that you and the surface with sharp edges or heavy loads you are standing on is not wet as you are about to use electrical devices on Total blackouts should not occur. rehearsal or on stage. Do not use However, should a blackout/dim electrical equipment that appears to lighting be an integral and necessary be wet, unless it is specially conceived part of a performance, you should and tested for use on those conditions have adequate time to rehearse your movements in those conditions and be well aware of all standard operating procedures to ensure your safety

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 8 Makeup Face products, hair products and others, intended for use on the performers’ body – including prosthetic sculpting, moulding and casting techniques to create advanced cosmetic effects ______

Makeup is a rather common feature in the life If you have a skin condition, sensitive of a performer. It can range from basic facial skin or allergies, remember to check cosmetic treatment to tattoos or even – though the ingredients in the cosmetics before this is more recurrent in film and television – very you use them. This should be done elaborate creations meant to give to the body every time you buy new or and/or face a radically different appearance. replacement products, since manufacturers sometimes change the A performer’s makeup can raise health and components in their products safety concerns and requires particular care. As cosmetics are directly in touch with the skin, Should your makeup be the task of a hygiene and the prevention of allergy reactions professional, make sure he is informed are of paramount importance. The protracted about any allergy you may have and stationary pose required by very extensive know about makeup sessions might cause body stiffness, cramps and even faints. Sometimes, when After the performance, all makeup makeup is particularly heavy, performers may should be removed from your body, experience anxiety and a disturbing sense of using non-toxic, specific products. uneasiness. Once again, be aware of the substances in those products, as they Safely removing makeup after a performance too may trigger allergies or be is equally important and can also be a rather aggressive on your skin, and refrain demanding experience, particularly when from using someone else’s tools. Check added to performance fatigue and to stage- that everything you use is clean and induced emotion or stress. The specific proper products used to this purpose need to remove all makeup, while restoring the skin’s natural Any far-reaching makeup requirement tone and moisture. should be accurately discussed with ______you in advance. It should always be carried out with non-toxic materials As you are about to makeup for the and by a makeup professional, as it rehearsal or performance, make sure can be potentially dangerous if carried that the applicators you use are clean. out incorrectly The sharing of sponges, puffs, brushes, sticks, wedges, removers and other The tougher the makeup, the more tools is not recommended. You should important it is to experience it during preferably use your own material. Do the early stages of rehearsal, thus not use sprays in a very confined recreating the same conditions that space, with no ventilation you will later experience on stage

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 9 Naked flames Any device where an unprotected flame is used for special effects, including candles, torches, rings of fire, matches, walls of flames ______

Naked flames are not uncommon in live hazards and the precautions that are performance. For obvious reasons, they being taken. It should be repeated represent a serious hazard for performers and before every rehearsal and must rigorously comply with all applicable performance safety regulations. You should not be involved with a All threats associated with the use of naked naked flame in a production unless you flames in a rehearsal and during a are required to do so and have performance must be carefully assessed and received previous training, which appropriate measures must be taken by the should also include adequate production to eliminate or minimize the risk. emergency drills

Outdoor events are subject to unpredictable There should be fire extinguishers weather conditions that may interact with the nearby. Be sure to know their location flame and cause a fire. The influence of and how to operate them, even if you weather and wind on naked flames must are not in charge of them therefore be carefully considered. Flames and animals are often an The use of naked flames indoors also requires explosive cocktail: unless it is strictly extra precaution. The scenery, costumes, necessary and you have received a drapes and props should all be fire retarded. specific training, you should never perform next to animals with a naked Emergency drills should be carried out on a flame recurrent basis and fire-fighting equipment – including fire extinguishers – should be checked Make sure that your costumes and the regularly and kept readily available. props you are required to handle next to a naked flame are all fire resistant or A qualified fire engineer should always be on flame retarded. If you are unsure, ask stage when naked flames are being used and the production should ensure that the flame is put out and any threat of fire is eliminated after the show. Try to keep as much safety distance as possible from you and the naked When naked flames have a fuel source, flame. Be mindful to reduce your explosion risks must also be carefully assessed exposure to the flame to a minimum and additional precautions taken for fuel transportation, storage and use. Should you not feel confident next to a naked flame, stop and discuss your Never take naked flames lightly! worries with the production It can take as little as a single match to start a fire! Never use naked flames on stage for the first time. Should you be asked to You should be informed in advance of do so, you should refuse as it puts your the intention to use naked flames in the safety and that of others around you at production, of the type of flame and risk. Extended rehearsals should always the nature of the effect. The briefing be allowed to minimise risks should include a description of possible

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 10 Outdoor events Any performance that is to take place, in total or in part, in an open-air environment ______

Outdoor events are an often- cold. Breaks should be allowed more underestimated source of injury for frequently and plenty of drinking water performers. The weather and made available if the weather gets environmental conditions may interfere with warm. Isotonic drinks may become props, the scene or directly with the appropriate if the weather gets very performers. hot and/or humid

Insects or other animals may get in the way. Be extra careful as you handle - or Daylight may drop and it may become perform near - open flames. A sudden difficult for a performer to see properly, to gust of wind may thrust the flame evaluate the space available, etc. towards you. The same applies for Temperature may also change abruptly pyrotechnics and vary dramatically from the one experienced during rehearsals. Make sure you know where the nearest hospital is. Adequate transportation Some of those venues may not be should be available nearby to reach it specifically conceived for live quickly in case of need. Always have performances and safety standards may emergency numbers close at hand. be loose. The audience may also become First aid equipment, with cold and heat a hazard and interact violently with the packs, should also be made available performers. Safety procedures may not be by the production clearly displayed and adequate first-aid facilities may be distant from the venue. You should not be expected to perform if it starts raining or if the In general, the production should ensure weather conditions deteriorate, that all equipment is appropriate for use including if daylight drops significantly, even in extreme weather conditions and without adequate measures to power failure. Adequate lighting should be guarantee your safety available at all times. Prevailing wind direction and sun position for both Look out for wet and slippery surfaces rehearsals and performance should be before you go on stage, as well as for considered when planning the stage, debris, droppings and other substances audience location and the time of the that may have accidentally littered the performance. backstage and performance area

Costumes should be able to be modified Keep an eye on the audience if it is for changing weather conditions, adding or close to you and it is not properly removing layers easily separated from you. Do stop the ______performance if you notice any behaviour that may put your safety at Be vigilant when you are about to play risk. All backstage area should be in an open-air environment. If at all secured from public access possible, take it also to yourself to check what the weather conditions will You should be advised of the presence be like, from the beginning of the show of potential environmental allergens. until the end Do let the production know of any environment-related allergy you may Bring warm clothes with you to retain have heat during breaks if the weather gets

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 11 Be careful before using costumes or handling props and look out for any possible live or dead insect

Be extra cautious when performing outdoors with animals, as they may react unexpectedly to changing environmental factors

In wilderness locations, do not drink untreated water from rivers, streams or lakes

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 12 Props Any item either to be carried or handled by the performer ______

Props are inherent to your work. On rehearsal Make sure you are fully briefed by the and during performance you will often be person in charge about how the prop is expected to use and interact with objects of to be handled different weight, shape and size. Many of them may have some bearing on your body and on Make sure you inform the company your ability to move. It is therefore important about any allergies or condition that that you are watchful about them, detecting may not allow you to handle or carry a hitches that may hinder your ability to perform prop safely accurately or even cause injury to you and others around you. Look out for loose parts, rough edges, damage, wear & tear and report Props should be adequate to your age, size anything you find suspicious before you and physical condition. They should be carry or handle the prop conceived, manufactured and purchased in view of the specific use that is required of you Get acquainted with the weight, the on stage. They should be properly maintained size and the shape of the prop and and integrate safely with all other elements of report any inconvenience you may the production. experience

You should be given detailed handling Allow yourself ample rehearsal time to instructions about the prop ahead of time by familiarise with the prop the person in charge, especially when the item or its handling may be hazardous. Make sure that the prop you use during rehearsal is the same article intended When performers are to drive a motor vehicle for your performance, or as close to it on stage, the production must ensure that they as possible are adequately trained and that exhaust fumes are properly diverted. If a prop is to be used near an open flame, find out whether it is made of Tapestries and other elements made of soft flame resistant materials or whether it textile should be cleaned regularly from dust. has been treated with flame retardant The production should ensure that only non- – if not, you should not use it if possible toxic products are used for painting props. or use extra care otherwise

Do not use props that you feel may be unsafe Do not drive a motor vehicle on stage for you or others around you! unless you have the required licence ______and you have been given enough time to familiarise with the engine and its responsiveness to your commands

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 13 Pyrotechnics Special effects where a chemical combination is used to produce visible and/or audible effects by combustion, deflagration or detonation ______

Pyrotechnic special effects are not uncommon Never smoke close to where in live performance. They often surprise and thrill pyrotechnics are stored or handled the audience but need to be handled and be used with great care. With only one blunder, Make sure you are fully briefed about everything may go terribly wrong. By being the exact location of the safety alert and aware of those risks, you can play a equipment, first aid kits, escape routes significant role for your safety and for that of and telephone. Emergency numbers others around you. should be clearly displayed next to the telephone. Emergency routes should For the purpose of these guidelines, we will be unobstructed. Make sure you are assume full compliance with all applicable familiar with the emergency regulation and with the manufacturer’s procedures: a speedy reaction if things guidelines, as far as transport, storage, go wrong could really make a preparation, handling and use of pyrotechnics difference are concerned. In addition, a pyrotechnician should be employed by the production and be When you are first informed about the responsible for the correct use and possible nature and the intended use of abortion of all operations involving pyrotechnics, you must also enquire pyrotechnics. about possible deviations, excessive noise and other possible hazards you Child performers should not be exposed to may have to face pyrotechnic effects, unless this is strictly required by the production and provided there is a Do not assume that everything is clear – written permission from a parent or guardian and do not rehearse - until you have prior to rehearsal and performance. watched a practical demonstration – a “dry run” Pyrotechnic special effects should be kept to a minimum, because of their inherent danger for Never handle, touch or otherwise use human beings and the environment. A special explosive material. This should only be care is required when animals are also included done by a pyrotechnician, who shall in the production, as they may cause them to note all effects in writing on the react erratically. plan

Pyrotechnic material should be kept for the Always keep a safe distance from shortest necessary time on stage, constantly pyrotechnics, unless your role in the supervised and stored safely in a dry and performance requires you to be close, smoke-free environment. in which case make sure you are fully ______briefed and carefully review the blocking with the pyrotechnician Pyrotechnic material should be clearly labelled with “no smoking” and “explosives” warning stickers. It must be stored and handled in a safe and dry place. Make sure you know where it is and keep your distance

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 14 Rake stages and non-resilient floors Rake stages: inclined floors - permanent or temporary decks - which can be used in the course of a given production and that may either concern parts or extend to the entire surface where performers are to play, depending on how the set is designed for that production - Non-resilient floors: or inclined floors made of concrete or of any other material with no shock-absorbing properties nor ability to release some of the kinetic energy after impact ______

Although this can be an issue for every Make sure you are fully familiar with performer, it certainly does affect dancers each part of the surface you will more than everyone else, and modern dance perform on and be mindful of any artists in particular. The latter are likely to stand, substance or object on the floor that leap, jump, run and perform demanding may increase the risk of injury – e.g. fog choreographic stunts on a variety of floors, and haze may render the rake slippery; many of which have not been conceived for props may unexpectedly thwart your this purpose. movements, etc. Do not hesitate to run a quick check before every Floors are a constant worry for dancers on tour. performance Whenever possible, special portable floors should be used. Dancers in film and television Stage floors should be kept dry and are also frequently subject to non-resilient clear of all slippery material. They stages, as the cameras and cranes are too should be free from splinters, nails or heavy to ride over sprung floors. worn-out floorboards. Do not hesitate to run a quick check before every Acting or dancing on rakes and on non-resilient performance. Should you spill stages does expose the performer to a high risk something inadvertently, do inform the of injury, mostly via repetitive strain to specific production as soon as possible parts of his/her body, and calls for specific precautions. Additional factors like costumes, Make certain you use the same rake angle, time spent on rake or non-resilient costumes during rehearsal that you will floor, footwear and others can exponentially wear during the performance. In increase the threat of tripping and require particular, a different footwear may additional care. radically alter your balance, impair ______your performance and your security

You should not rehearse or perform on Watch out for early signs of ache, steep rakes or on non-resilient floors, throbbing or soreness – even days after unless a specialist has given you proper your performance. Serious injuries may training, as these are more likely to take time to develop and are often cause you injury. Should you be caused by repetitive strains and required to dance on a dangerous overuse. The foot and ankle region is setting, do not hesitate to report it to very vulnerable, as is the knee joint and your union at the earliest opportunity – more generally – the lower part of your body. Get into the habit of Take extra precautions on non-resilient consulting a specialist regularly, even if floors, e.g. by doing careful and you have nothing special to report. If focused warm-ups and making doubly you ever happen to get injured, be it sure that when you jump, your "take only superficially, you need to seek a offs" and "landings" are executed specialist’s advice immediately smoothly. Dancing "with" the floor is always better than dancing "against" it

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 15 Rigging and flying of performers Work and equipment related to a theatrical , primarily meant to move lights, scenery and sometimes performers vertically over the acting area and/or horizontally above the stage during rehearsals and the performance ______

Although not very common in the 80’s, The rigging equipment must be suited flying effects can today be found in plays, to your size, the weight that you will operas, circuses and many other theatrical generate and the movements that you events. Needless to say, there is a much are required to perform greater chance of injury in the event of an accident than during normal performance Pay attention to any costume elements activities, especially as you may have little worn over the flying harness that may or no control over the speed or direction of impair your vision or your mobility. In travel. case of doubt, discuss the issue with the production and only perform the flying Proper equipment must be used as moves – including at rehearsals – when intended and within the designated safe you feel your safety is not at risk working load factor. All rigging equipment should be inspected and tested regularly Any quick release system must be before use, especially after any alteration. equipped with a safety lock. Security Chains and ropes should never be systems – e.g. a hands-off catch shortened by knots and should be (preventing falls in the event of immediately replaced when worn or torn. operator or performer error) or a They should also be safely terminated and passive secondary (backing up the secured. rigging system) – should be used and tested before each performance Loads should never exceed the safe capacity of the system. Do not withhold information – e.g. fear of heights – that may jeopardize your Harnesses are to be considered a part of safety. It is never worth it and may also the rigging and not of the costume. They alter your performance. Do not forget need to be specially adapted to the size, to report any condition you may have weight and choreography that the to the production: use of some drugs performer is required to follow. may impair your sense of balance or trouble your vision Suitably qualified experts/supervisors should set up the rigging and always be in Make sure you understand and learn a attendance on set. safe communication system with the ______rigging operator before the performance, to avoid any lack of You should always be informed in coordination. You should be able to advance if the production intends to fly keep visual contact with the operator you above the stage. This should never before, during and immediately after be attempted without appropriate flying operations supervision, proper rigging, adequate training and rehearsal time. The latter There should be clear access to the should reproduce exactly the same area where the operator will hook you conditions that you will experience on up to the flying system and enough stage and also extend to all visibility to hook up, check and operate understudies – if used by the such system. Never attempt any of production these operations by yourself

Double check that the fly area and the landing point are clear of obstructions

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 16 Smoke and fog Smoke: localised theatrical effect, usually created by vaporising bursts of a water and glycol-based fluid on stage with a dedicated machine - Fog (haze): uniform, low-level theatrical effect, usually created by generating an aerosol of mineral oil, blown on stage by a dedicated machine ______

Smoke and fog are special effects, frequently Where possible, a full rehearsal should used on stage. The first is normally water-based, be carried out with these special dense and white. The second is oil based and is effects, to prevent any unforeseen risks more persistent. and optimise on-stage visibility

Scientific studies have proven that, although Should you notice a thin oily layer on there seem to be no serious threats to the stage, next to where the fog is blown or safety of performers, health effects may be the machine is located, take extra associated with exposure to elevated or peak care not to slip over and report this to levels of smoke and fog. These include the management at the earliest respiratory, nasal, eye and throat symptoms possible opportunity and may depend on the positioning of performers, their overall condition, on vapour Make sure you report any allergies or concentration, intake rate, exposure duration, condition you may have (e.g. asthma) etc. which may be affected by the fog or smoke Smoke and fog can cause unpredicted consequences, as they may reduce visibility Should your vision be inadvertently and cause the performer to stumble or even reduced by fog or smoke, restrict your panic. Mineral oil can also leave a slippery movements until you can orient yourself residue on floors that may become hazardous. again. Moving erratically may lead you to stumble on props or bump into As a rule, smoke and fog effects should be kept fellow performers by the production to a minimum. Oils made from food-grade glycols should be favoured for Ventilation is particularly important to artificial fog, as they contain fewer toxic dissipate the fog and bring in fresh air. chemicals. Dizziness or breathing difficulties ______experienced as fog or smoke is vaporised on stage, could be a sign of You should be warned in advance that inadequate oxygen provision. Do not smoke or fog effects are to be used hesitate to alert the production at the during your performance. Make sure earliest possible convenience you understand exactly how the effect will operate, so it does not catch you by surprise and affect your performance

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 17 Sound and noise levels Sound: vibrations that travel through any sort of matter and that can be perceived by the human ear - Noise: any unwanted sound ______

Performers are critically dependent on their If, at any time, you feel you are too hearing. Yet, they are often exposed to close to the sound or noise source, excessive sound or noise levels that can have increase your distance and, if possible, very damaging consequences. Singers, turn your ears away from it musicians and dancers are primarily concerned, but so are actors and variety artists Use ear protection whenever possible, when performing against a music background, if this does not affect your or when some special effects (e.g. performance. Some specialised and pyrotechnics, stunts) or props (e.g. firearms) are custom made earmolds can used in the production. effectively limit high sound pressure, without affecting your ability to hear Impulse sounds/noises involve a rapid raise and clearly fall in pressure level and can be very loud. These are typically those produced by gunshots Be aware of your overall level of or cymbal crashes. Steady state sounds/noises fatigue: it may increase the vulnerability can be loud but have a more consistent level. of your ear. Be equally aware of other Any loud sound can damage hearing if previous exposure to high noise or performers are exposed to it for long enough sounds (e.g. concert, disco, loud Ipod, periods or if the sound pressure is high enough etc) to cause immediate damage. Alcohol and medicines may distort Noise induced hearing loss is generally your hearing perception, lessen your progressive and inner ear damage is sense of discomfort and decrease your irreversible. Exposure to loud noise can result in vigilance sleeplessness, fatigue, stress and communication difficulties. These can then Should you experience a dull hearing affect concentration and potentially lead to or ringing in the years after a sound or a more incidents and injuries. noise exposure, take a break at the earliest opportunity and seek a quiet Appropriate seating, sound deflectors, acoustic place to rest. Frequent breaks are shields, performance scheduling, hearing recommended even if you do not feel protection, amplification levels, speakers and any warning sign, when working in a instruments positioning, safety distance and noisy environment other precautions should be carefully considered in order to protect the hearing of Be weary of any discomfort to your ears performers. that may appear after the ______performance. It may indicate excessive sound/noise exposure At your first rehearsal, ask whether you will or may be exposed to loud sounds Should this discomfort continue, seek or noise. If necessary, do not hesitate to medical advice without hesitation enquire about the measures the production has taken to protect your As a safety routine, have your hearing hearing regularly checked by an audiologist

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 18 Stunts/Stage combats Stage combats: series of moves designed to create the illusion of physical combat, without causing harm to the performer - Stunts: any action sequence performed for artistic purposes and involving a possible injury to performers or others on stage ______

The risks in stunt work and stage combats rehearsed before: you could seriously are always high and every move or position harm yourself or others around you. You should be carefully choreographed and should also be allowed to practice rehearsed to reduce the risk of injury. several times without the risk factor Accidents are all but infrequent, due to the increased use of special effects and the Be sure you know who the stunt/fight trend towards realism. director is and follow his/her direction. Do not push your body beyond its limits. Stunts should not be performed if they are If you feel the exercise is too testing, let not strictly necessary to the production. The the director know safest option should always be retained to minimise risks. Do insist on additional rehearsal time if A competent person responsible for staging you do not feel confident with your and co-ordinating all fights and stunts moves. Inadequate training can have should be hired by the production for very dire consequences for you and additional safety. others around you

Professional stunt people should perform all Before you are to perform a fight or stunts where there is a high risk of injury and another stunt, you should be briefed on where a particular certification is required all safety procedures. Regularly run (e.g. parachuting, scuba diving, etc). quick mental checks to make sure you Emergency, on-site medical equipment remember them well – e.g. the location should be available and be appropriate, of the nearest medical and fire depending on the distance to adequate protection kit, the emergency number hospital facilities, the availability of medical to call, first aid moves, etc transportation, the degree of risk of the stunt, etc. Safety procedures should be in Be especially aware of the presence of writing and discussed with all the children. Children should not perform concerned performers. stunts or be nearby when stunts and/or Whenever performers are to repeat the fights are performed stunt or fight simulation every night or twice for matinees, it should be established Stunts and fights can be physically whether the action sequence could be demanding: do not perform them if shared by more than one stunt person. you do not feel 100% fit. Keep your ______body hydrated by drinking regularly. Frequent breaks should be provided to When you are hired for a performance, limit fatigue you should be made aware of all stunts and/or stage fights involved. You You should never be requested to should be allowed to be doubled by a perform a stage fight or a stunt other professional stunt person, if you do not than the one you have trained and wish to be directly exposed to risk rehearsed for

Never misrepresent or overestimate Make sure there is no ambiguity your technical skills. Be honest about concerning cues and signals what you know how and what you don’t Be aware of any debris, ground imperfections or obstacles that may Never perform a stunt or a stage impair your balance and hinder the combat you have not adequately right execution of the staged fight

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 19 Temperature and ultraviolet radiation Temperature: the degree of hotness or coldness in a body or environment - Ultraviolet radiation: energy radiated by the sun in short wavelengths, invisible to the human eye ______

The skin and body tissues strive to remain at a If at all possible, try and get acclimated constant temperature, despite the fluctuations by arriving on location a few days early of external heat. By draining your body’s ability to regulate itself, environmental temperature Make sure you wear/are given can impinge on your performance and be adequate clothing. Costumes next to unsafe, especially when combined with the skin must be effective in protracted exposure. transporting moisture away from the body's surface for evaporation or in Whether you are working indoors or outdoors, retaining a layer of warm air around cold is not to be taken mildly. Shivers are the first you. If they do not, then you should not signal that your muscles are artificially trying to have to wear them continuously for generate heat by contraction and to keep extended periods. If at all possible, you your body temperature to its normal level. should use the same costumes at Protracted exposure to cold temperatures will rehearsal and performance to get your numb your body, loosen your concentration body accustomed. Remember that as and lower your efficiency. As your muscles much as half of the body heat is lost naturally contract, you will be more exposed to through your head and neck, so keep sprains, strains and other serious injuries. them covered as well

Conversely, warm/humid conditions will force Beware of resting times: in a warm your body to cool down, which may be environment you will need to keep especially tricky if the performance is rather your body cool and drink plenty of physical. This is typically done by perspiration, water, preferably not chilled. which uses up many of the fluids and salts in the Conversely, in a cold condition, you body. Dehydration (loss of water and salt in must retain body heat, cover up and sweating) and hyperthermia (over heating) are eat power food. Make sure you have dangerous, resulting in early fatigue, impaired your own supply of water and food. If performance, loss of consciousness and even you do not need to be outside, seek heat stroke. some place warm

While safety thresholds in live performance vary Pre rehearsal and performance warm- – depending on your build, on the nature of the up exercises are very useful. They performance, on costumes, etc - a rule of should focus on individual and groups thumb is to work between 18° C (65° F) and 32° of muscles. Post rehearsal and C (90° F), the ideal being somewhere amid performance stretching/cool down those two extremes. exercises are also useful to prevent injury Ultraviolet (UV) radiation present in sunlight is an environmental human carcinogen. In Recognise early symptoms of cold or humans, prolonged exposure to solar UV heat injury. Watch out for shivers, radiation may result in acute and chronic particularly when you are resting, and health effects on the skin, eye and immune for any loss of concentration or systems. coordination, cramps, hunger, sign of ______early fatigue, slurred speech, slow breathing, heart rate, dizziness or Strengthen your body’s resistance to headache, blurred vision. At the first temperature changes by following a sign of any of these conditions, notify healthy diet and keeping fit at all times. your supervisor and/or seek medical Make sure you always give your body attention the appropriate nutrients

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 20 Good ventilation is essential but you should avoid exposing yourself to shafts, particularly in warm and humid conditions. Try and avoid intense sweating and keep your clothing as dry as you can

You should not perform in temperatures beyond those recommended here beside, unless you are properly equipped and can take frequent breaks

Remember that it is easier to avoid hypothermia/frostbite and heat exhaustion/heatstroke than to treat them

Beware of ultraviolet radiation, even on cloudy days. Apply sunscreen regularly and at least 15 minutes before exposure to direct sunlight. Wear industry approved sunglasses. Cover your head and neck, possibly with a wide brim hat. Wear loose fitting clothing, if possible, to keep your skin ventilated and dry, while reducing exposure to sunrays

Factors like the time of the day, cloud cover, the season of the year, the geographical location, the altitude, the extent of reflection, etc. all have a direct impact on the intensity of UV radiation. Do not hesitate to enquire about them in advance and to ask for safety advice when preparing your day out. Always bring some protection with you, especially sunscreen and sunglasses, in case the intensity of the exposure increases beyond expectations

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 21 Ventilation Naturally or artificially induced airflow between an indoor space and the outside, ensuring an optimal breathing condition, temperature and clean air ______

A good ventilation system is a basic health when used by the production, or to a and safety requirement for all indoor rapid increase of the surrounding venues. This does not only concern the temperature. These factors may be stage but also all areas backstage. caused by deficient ventilation or Breathing can become difficult due to too insufficient air conditioning. If not much fog or haze or in the addressed, the situation is likely to get air, displacing the oxygen that our body worse with an audience, on stage needs to function properly. Some particular props or masks can also limit the normal Should you experience a feeling of intake of air. This can affect all performers, discomfort breathing naturally or notice especially those that need to do deep a rise in your natural breathing rhythm breathing (singers, dancers, etc). unrelated to physical activity, try to slow down and mention this inconvenience Poor ventilation is often underestimated as as soon as you can to the production a potential hazard for the safety of performers, including by the latter. Low- Should you be required to work in a lying areas and confined spaces –e.g. trap confined space or to wear a costume rooms, dressing rooms, stairwells or pits - are that you feel may limit your ability to obviously the first to be affected. However, breathe normally, do rehearse in the whole stage area could also be exactly the same conditions that you concerned, especially in small and packed will experience on stage, bearing in venues, or where productions make a mind additional factors like stress, significant use of vapour or other special audience, etc. that are likely to further effects, etc. These conditions tend to affect your breathing. Ask the worsen when the overall temperature is production to provide better ventilation high, as the body needs more oxygen if you notice a discomfort. You should intake to get rid of the extra heat. also be allowed to take regular short rest breaks. You should be in constant Ventilation should be continuous, because contact with an observer who can in many confined spaces the hazardous alert the production should you feel atmosphere will form again quickly once unwell the flow of air is stopped. Be aware of your overall condition and A poor oxygen supply can lead to fainting, of the fact that poor fitness will increase asphyxia or worse. It also does impair your your oxygen intake. Also emotional concentration, your sense of balance and stress, nasal congestion, influenza and can induce fatigue, overall body weakness, other sickness may interfere with your dizziness and temporary memory loss. ability to breathe normally ______Should you be affected by asthma, As you are rehearsing, pay attention to make sure the production knows about any stale smell or to the unusual it to avoid unnecessary risks persistence of fog and smoke in the air,

FIA Health and Safety Guidelines – Live Performance 22

With the financial support of the International Labour Organisation 23