Safety Guidelines
Section 1. General Theatre Safety
Teacher/Director Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the Theatre teacher to demonstrate and maintain a safe working environment for students. Issues with the building that create an unsafe working environment should be reported to the facilities administrator to be repaired or replaced.
Teachers should promote Theatre safety in all areas and hold students accountable for following safety procedures.
In addition to common sense and general precaution, the Theatre teacher should also:
Make sure evacuation routes/emergency exit information is posted backstage and in the auditorium.
Keep exit routes and emergency exit paths clear at all times.
Be aware of potentially hazardous situations and alert students accordingly.
Promote positive attitudes towards safe practices and demonstrate it in daily use.
Maintain an area for tools and equipment that can be locked when not in use.
Properly train and supervise students using tools and equipment.
Maintain a fully stocked first-aid kit in the event that an accident happens outside of normal school hours.
Complete proper accident reports for the school.
Take extra precaution for safety during the strike of a show.
General Safety Regulations
Running, practical jokes, throwing tools or materials, jumping from one level to another, or any other dangerous activity is not permitted.
The proper method of bending the knees, keeping the body erect, and pushing upward with the legs should be used when lifting objects. Assistance should be obtained when lifting or carrying heavy objects.
The shop, stage, house, or other work area must be cleaned and left in a safe condition. All tools should be returned, floors cleaned (using a vacuum or wet mop rather than dusting and sweeping), trash emptied, and walkways and exits left clear and unobstructed. In short, any potential safety or fire hazard must be eliminated.
Open traps and unusable platforms or step units must be barricaded (fenced or roped off) or covered. They should be marked with large signs at all times between work periods or performances.
Cleanliness and order in the storage areas should be maintained at all times.
Any accident should be reported immediately to the supervising teacher so that first aid and/or medical attention can be administered without delay.
Clothing and Protective Equipment
Hard-sole shoes should be worn while working in the scene shop, stage, loading dock, or anywhere in the theatre facility.
Tennis shoes are not desirable; sandals and bare feet should not be permitted.” Only performers (actors, dancers, musicians) in dress rehearsal or performance should be permitted to wear open toed or soft construction shoes on stage and in pre-production areas.
Workers loading or unloading trucks, moving platforms, scenery, stage weights, or other heavy objects should wear work boots.
Loose-fitting clothing, scarves, ties, or jewelry should not be worn while using power equipment.
Long hair should be tied back or covered.
Long-sleeved shirts should be either buttoned at the cuffs or rolled to the upper arm.
Goggles, face shields, or safety glasses—all ANSI rated for impact—should be worn while working around the shop or stage when in the vicinity of anyone painting, spraying, sanding, cutting, drilling, chiseling, hammering, nailing, or stapling. Safety glasses shall have side guards to deflect incoming projectiles from the side.
Welding masks and shields shall be used around welding operations.
Ear muffs should be worn during prolonged exposure to excessive noise.
Gloves should be worn to protect against abrasion, punctures, and solvents. Gloves shall NOT be worn when operating saws, drills, lathes, or other equipment that could capture the fabric of the glove and draw the worker into the machine.
Hard hats should be worn while scenery or lighting equipment is being rigged overhead, or when the worker is in a low ceiling area where there are exposed sharp and/or hard surfaces that could cause head injuries.
Wear special work clothes which can be removed after work.
Wash clothes frequently and separately from regular clothing.
Wash hands with soap and water during work breaks, before eating, and after work.
Never use solvents to clean hands.
Knee pads should be worn when tasks require the worker to kneel down and rest weight upon the workers’ knees.
Fire Protection
Theatrical fires can be divided into three categories:
1. Class “A”—fire involving ordinary combustibles such as paper, cloth, cardboard, and wood
2. Class “B”—fire involving petroleum base products such as paint, oil, grease, and fuel
3. Class “C”—electrical fire Proper procedures for evacuation should be discussed and rehearsed. Exits and access to exits must be kept clear and unobstructed at all times.
During periods of occupancy, no exit door should be locked, chained, or obstructed by any means. The door must be readily opened from the inside.
“ABC” fire extinguishers must be well-maintained and unobstructed at all times. Students should be trained in their use.
Staff and Students should know the locations of all Fire Extinguishers, Fire Alarm Activation Stations (Pull Stations), Fire Hose Cabinets, Fire Curtain controls (releases) (if facility is equipped with a fire curtain), and smoke vent hatch controls (releases) (if facility is equipped with smoke vents).
Flammables such as paint, thinner, and spray cans should be stored in special metal storage cabinets.
All rags or clothing materials saturated with flammable paints or solvents should be properly discarded outside of the building.
Open flames on stage should be avoided.
Electric light bulbs must not be covered or decorated with paper or other combustible material.
Exit signs shall remain visible to the occupants at all times and may not be covered, dimmed, removed, or disabled in any way.
Doorways / openings through fire protective partitions (i.e. prosceniums with fire curtains, doors exiting the stage or shop, etc.) shall not be blocked from fully closing or propped-open with scenery, carts, stage weights, or other obstacles that will prevent them from closing in the event of a fire. Latching mechanisms shall not be defeated. Scenery, fabrics, and props shall be fabricated from non-flammable materials or shall have materials treated with fire retardant chemicals.
Ladders
Before any ladder or scaffolding is used, it should be inspected to assure that it is in safe condition. A chair or box should never be substituted for a small ladder.
Ladders should be constructed of electrically non-conductive material like wood or fiberglass. Metal ladders should be avoided wherever possible as they can conduct electricity.
Wood ladders should not be painted inasmuch as paint hides splits and defects (shellac or varnish are acceptable alternatives). Any ladder or scaffolding that is damaged, missing the manufacturer’s safety labels, or is otherwise unsafe should be removed from service.
Do not modify any ladder or scaffolding by drilling holes, adding casters or rolling bases unless they were specifically manufactured by the ladder or scaffolding manufacturer as an authorized accessory.
Nonskid safety feet should be installed on any straight ladder before it is placed in service. Guard rails should be used on scaffolding.
The base of a straight ladder should rest on a level surface and should be placed so that the distance away from the wall or surface against which it leans is approximately one quarter the length of the ladder.
Straight ladders should be tied off, blocked, or otherwise secured when in use. Or, an assistant should support the ladder against accidental slipping or sliding.
A step ladder should always be completely opened and climbed only on the side with the steps. Never stand or work from the top of a step ladder.
Tools or other objects should be secured against falling while work is being performed from a ladder. Such items should never be left on a ladder, dropped, or pitched to another worker.
Only move ladders when they are unoccupied. Only move man-lifts when they are lowered to the transport position. Only one person at a time shall be on a ladder.
Tools and Machinery
Keep the work area free of clutter.
Know the location of the master electrical switch in the scene shop.
Before operating machinery or power tools for the first time, be checked out on proper operation procedures by the supervising teacher.
Dress properly. Wear hard-sole shoes, avoid loose clothing, and cover or tie long hair that could catch in moving parts or air vents.
Use safety eye or face protection. Wear safety glasses with side shields, impact goggles, full face shields, or masks/respirators as indicated by the nature of the work being performed.
Do not use any defective or questionable electrical tool, machine cord, connection, or accessory. Report any defects for repair or replacement immediately.
Understand the application, limitations, and potential hazards of any tool or machine you use. Select the proper tool for the job to be done. Don’t improvise.
Use only recommended accessories. Keep guards in place and in working order.
Make sure saw blades, drill bits, etc., are sharp, clean and regularly maintained.
All saws should be adjusted before use to expose only the minimum amount of blade necessary. The fingers and hands must be kept clear of the blade at all times.
The blade in the table saw should be recessed when not in use.
Do not use a tool with a frayed cord or broken connection. Use only heavy-duty U.L.-listed extension cords of proper wire size and length.
Electrical lines running along the stage floor should be taped or otherwise secured to prevent tripping during work periods, rehearsals, and performances.
Use clamps or a vise to hold work in place when practical, freeing both hands to operate the tool.
Avoid accidental startup. Make sure the switch is “off” before plugging in the cord or when power is interrupted. Never carry a power tool with your finger on the switch.
Ground all power tools. If a tool is equipped with a three-prong plug, it should be plugged into a three-hole electrical outlet.
Remove adjusting keys and wrenches before turning on a tool or machine.
Do not force tools.
Do not over-reach. Maintain proper footing, balance, and a secure grip on the tool you are using.
Never adjust or change bits, blades, or belts with the power tool or machine connected to an electrical outlet.
Never brush away chips or sawdust while tools or machines are operating.
Never leave tools or equipment running unattended. Disconnect equipment from the power source when not in use.
Never surprise, touch, or talk to anyone operating a power tool or machinery.
Return tools to the tool room immediately after completing work
Paint, Solvents, and Chemicals
Be aware of potentially toxic materials: powdered pigments and dyes, fireproofing chemicals, spray adhesives and glues, solvents, and paints.
Use water-based or latex paints rather than oil-based paints and enamels.
Use products that are in solution rather than in powdered form.
Avoid aerosol cans and spray products.
Choose brushing and dipping methods in applying paint over spray methods whenever possible.
Avoid breathing vapors and use proper ventilation when painting.
Make-up
Never lend or accept makeup from anyone.
Wash hands before and after applying makeup. Makeup artists should wash their hands before starting on another actor. Sponges and brushes should be washed after use on each individual.
Avoid aerosol products whenever possible.
Replace old makeup regularly.
Avoid creating clouds of face powder that can be inhaled. Do not use old face powder.
Moisten brushes or pencils with clean tap water, not with saliva.
When removing spirit gum or latex, avoid prolonged skin contact with solvents.
Replace lost skin oils with moisturizer.
Section 2. Scene Shop/Tool Use Procedures for Tech Theatre I-IV
The curriculum for this class requires students to be proficient with tools used in set construction. Students should receive safety training before using any tools and student use should be monitored throughout the year to make sure safety procedures are being followed. Although specific set needs may arise for additional tools, the basic equipment is listed below:
Power Drills (Corded and Battery Operated)
Handheld JigSaw
Power Miter Saw (Chop Saw)
Handheld Circular Saw
Basic Tool Rules
All saws require the use of safety goggles by all participants (the student operating the saw as well as additional students around the area where the saw is in use)
Loose-fitting clothing should not be worn in the workshop area. Long hair should be tied back out of the way. Closed-toed shoes should be worn at all times in the workshop area.
No horse-play or goofing around the workshop.
After work is complete the area should be swept and kept free from clutter. Tools and equipment should be stored in the tool room. Trash and debris should be disposed of properly.
Power Drills
Check that the drill bit and cord are in good condition. Replace tools with frayed cords immediately. Do not use broken or chipped drill bits.
Use drills to attach appropriate materials to each other. Make sure the fastener you are using is long enough to reach through both materials but not too long to stick out the backside.
If necessary, hold materials in place with clamps while you are attaching them together.
Return drills to the tool storage area when work is complete. Put the battery in the charger.
Jig Saws
Check that the blade and cord are in good condition before use. Replace tools with frayed cords immediately. Do not use broken or chipped blades.
Ensure that the material you are about to cut is properly supported on sawhorses or worktables that are even and stable. Do not cut on unstable surfaces.
Ensure that the path of the blade is clear of obstruction above and below the line you are cutting.
Ensure everyone in the immediate area is wearing proper eye protection and loose clothing and long hair is secured out of the way.
Position the saw plate on the edge of the wood but with the blade slightly off the lumber. Start the saw and slowly move the blade into the lumber. DO NOT RUSH OR FORCE THE BLADE. Move at a steady pace allowing the saw to do the work.
If necessary, stop the saw to reposition the materials. Repeat steps 2 and 3 each time.
Return saws to the tool storage area when work is complete. Sweep up all sawdust and debris after work is complete.
Miter Saw
Check that the blade is in good condition before use. Do not use broken or chipped blades.
Check the cord and make sure it is plugged in securely to a grounded wall outlet. Do not operate a miter saw from an ungrounded outlet or extension cord.
Ensure the material you are about to cut is marked accurately. If the lumber is longer than the worktable for the saw, additional sawhorses need to be brought in to support the lumber.
Lumber should be placed directly against the metal fence of the saw. Do not cut lumber off of the fence.
Bring the blade down without pulling the trigger to check lumber placement. Make adjustments as necessary. Always do a blade placement check before cutting.
Once you are happy with the blade placement, make sure all loose clothing and hair is secured out of the way. Keep hands out of the path of the blade.
Bring the saw back up and engage the trigger. Bring the blade down slowly and steadily until it completes the full range of the saw. DO NOT FORCE THE BLADE.
Release the trigger and bring the arm of the saw back up to the top position. Do not move the lumber or bring your hands into the path of the blade until the saw has stopped.
When you are done using the saw, return the saw to the closed position and lock the blade in place.
Handheld Circular Saw
Check that the blade and cord are in good condition before use. Replace tools with frayed cords immediately. Do not use broken or chipped blades.
Ensure that the material you are about to cut is properly supported on sawhorses or worktables that are even and stable. Do not cut on unstable surfaces.
Ensure that the path of the blade is clear of obstruction above and below the line you are cutting.
Ensure everyone in the immediate area is wearing proper eye protection and loose clothing and long hair is secured out of the way.
Position the saw plate on the edge of the wood but with the blade slightly off the lumber. Start the saw and slowly move the blade into the lumber. DO NOT RUSH OR FORCE THE BLADE. Move at a steady pace allowing the saw to do the work.
If necessary, stop the saw to reposition the materials. Repeat steps 2 and 3 each time.
Return saws to the tool storage area when work is complete. Sweep up all sawdust and debris after work is complete.
Section 3. Accidents
Safety in the theatre means safeguarding crews, casts, and audiences from all foreseeable hazards and emergencies. Learning to work safely is a vital aspect of educational theatre. Most accidents can be avoided by replacing unsafe habits with safe practices.
The main causes of accidents:
Insufficient knowledge
Improper use of tools and facilities
Failure to safeguard hazardous equipment
Failure to remove faulty equipment
Carelessness
Taking unnecessary risks
Being in a hurry
The most dangerous time of a production is the strike—when the show is over and the technical elements are dismantled and stored. This time of exhilaration and exhaustion warrants a greater degree of attention and vigilance than any other period in the course of the production.
Accidental Injury
If an injury does occur:
Notify your Director IMMEDIATELY.
Protect the victim from further harm.
For minor injuries, the director will notify the school nurse or proceed with appropriate emergency first aid.
For more serious injuries, the director will notify the parent or guardian as soon as possible, and call emergency help if necessary.
The Director will investigate and document the accident and report the accident to the school authorities.
Section 4. Monterey Theatre Safety Rules
The following safety rules and conditions apply to those areas of the Theatre and/or equipment designated as potentially hazardous. Before participating in any Theatre activities, students must complete prerequisite training and have a participation permission form on file with the Director.
Construction Safety Rules
Good housekeeping and clean and orderly work areas and equipment are fundamental to accident and fire prevention. Assigned work areas and equipment are to be cleaned and placed in order by each user at the end of his use or the end of each work period.
Horseplay is forbidden.
You are not to operate equipment for which you have not been trained.
Performing arts technical facilities may not be used unless the Director or his/her designated representative is on duty. There must be at least two individuals present at all times when these facilities are in use.
All accidents, including minor injuries, and all hazardous conditions are to be immediately reported to the Director or his/her designated representative.
Eye protection is to be worn at all times by all individuals using power equipment that generates dust and/or fragments. Hearing and other forms of protection devices are also available and recommended.
Jewelry, ties and any apparel, which in the opinion of the Director is hazardous, must not be worn while working tech. All workers must wear full shoes (no sandals). Long hair must be held back securely when working with power tools. Medallions or other jewelry hanging from the neck must not be worn when working with power tools.
MACHINE GUARDS ARE TO BE IN PLACE AND IN USE WHEN EQUIPMENT IS IN OPERATION.
Any tool is to be used only for the purpose for which it was designed.
Defective tools must not be used. Turn them in for repair/replacement.
No headphones are to be worn while in theatre and shop spaces.
Safety Rules for Lighting/Sound Areas
Never change a lamp, repair an instrument, or work on any piece of electrical equipment while it is still plugged in.
Wear sturdy, rubber soled shoes and appropriate work clothing to all work calls.
Eating or drinking near the light board, sound board, and lighting equipment is strictly prohibited.
Do not work unsupervised, especially when working on the catwalk, in the FOH, or on ladders. Never work alone in the theatre.
Use a wooden or fiberglass ladder, not metal, when focusing or doing any electrical work. (Students should obtain permission BEFORE using a ladder!)
Before going up a ladder, empty your pockets of all loose change, keys, etc.
All crescent wrenches must have a safety tie line attached to your body when working over the stage or over the house.
Do not use any equipment or perform any tasks that have not been explained to you by the Director or his/her designee.
At the end of each work day, all tools and materials are to be returned to their proper places and all areas left clean.
Be sure that you know the locations of all fire extinguishers and know all shut down procedures in the event of fire or other emergency.
Professional Behavior
EFFORTS and RESULTS
Qualities of effort such as speed, efficiency, organization, skill and commitment are always considered in crew assignments.
Ask how to do something if you are not sure.
Be immediately available to help and seek out ways to be helpful.
INITIATIVE and LEADERSHIP
Recognize the importance of the task at hand and take an aggressive role in devising effective and efficient solutions.
Be involved as a “team player.”
LEARNING
Take directions on a task; remember all of them and apply them.
Collaborate on methods for solving problems.
Exhibit alert interest in acquiring new knowledge.
DEDICATION and RESPONSIBILITY
Care enough to ensure that the group effort has a positive result on the production.
Be conscientious and strive to improve.
Be trustworthy without constant supervision.
ATTENDANCE
When you sign up for an activity, it is mandatory to be at all calls and to be on time and ready to work.
Do not underestimate the value of your presence.
Section 5. Crew Job Descriptions and Expectations
Prop Running Crew: The prop running crew prepares and cares for all props used during technical rehearsals and performances.
Sign in at the designated time.
Check props immediately for breakage, damage, or loss.
Place props in position at least 30 minutes before the house opens.
Provide only fresh, clean drinks and/or good to actors. Bottles with colored water, tea, coffee, etc. must be emptied each night after final curtain and refilled the following performance and/or refrigerated.
Cover any borrowed furniture each night before leaving the theatre. Security concerns may require lockup of some pieces.
Speak and move quietly backstage.
No beverages or food on or near scenery or prop tables.
Lock up all valuable/dangerous properties immediately following the end of rehearsals or performances.
During strike, safely remove and store all props.
During strike, empty and wash all bottles, glasses, dishes, ash trays, etc. before they are returned to storage.
During strike, throw out any perishable left-over food. Clean out the refrigerator.
Join the rest of strike with your crewmates after all props have been
put away. One crew is not finished until everyone is finished.
Wardrobe Crew: The wardrobe head and crew responsibilities include assisting actors with their costumes during a show and maintain costumes throughout the run of a production.
Report at designated call.
The crew will be responsible for checking in costumes following rehearsals and productions.
Wardrobe crew must be in the dressing rooms and alert to what is happening on stage in case of emergency.
The wardrobe crew is responsible for laundry, pressing, and steaming duties as needed.
Wardrobe crew takes care of minor repairs to costumes (eg. Buttons, snaps, hems).
Light Board Operator: Your duties may include the programming and running of the light board during a production. You must be “checked out” by the Technical Director to use this equipment.
Sign in at the designated time.
During rehearsals and performances, be present for all “master electrician” pre-curtain light checks.
Execute any check list items assigned to you.
Turn on the light board at least 30 minutes prior to the opening of the House and scan light cues for any potential problems. Take control of the houselights and execute any house light presets.
Run the cues during rehearsals and performances.
Turn off the light board after each rehearsal and performance.
Cover the light board at the end of use.
Replace any burnt out lamps in lighting instruments during a production.
Close and lock the windows in front of the light board after each rehearsal or performance.
Save any changes to cues to disk as needed during rehearsals.
Report any problems you encounter with the cues or the equipment to the stage manager or the technical director.
Sound Board Operator: The sound board operator runs the sound equipment during rehearsals and performances. You must be “checked out” by the Technical Director to use this equipment.
Sign in at the designated time.
During rehearsals, set levels and record all cues as instructed by the tech director.
Turn on the system and run a sound check before each use to ensure that the system is working properly and is prepared for use.
Turn on, set up and check the headset system.
Execute any check list items assigned to you by the stage manager or tech director. These may include, but are not limited to, setting up microphones and cable and running preshow music.
Execute all sound cues during rehearsals and performances as they have been designed.
Report any problems you encounter with the show or the equipment to the stage manager or tech director.
At the end of rehearsals and the production, return the booth to normal operating conditions.
At the end of rehearsals and of the production, return all sound equipment to its proper storage place.
After all sound strike responsibilities are completed, assist with the general strike of the production until everyone is done.
Stage Running Crew: The stage running crew prepares the scenery and handles the scenery during technical rehearsals and performances under the supervision of the assistant stage manager.
Sign in at the designated time.
Check scenery and moving pieces for breakage, damage, or loss. Effect repairs as needed.
Place units in performance position at least 30 minutes before rehearsal or house opening.
Sweep and damp mp all deck surfaces. Vacuum as needed.
Speak and move quietly backstage.
Observe the no food or drink rule anywhere backstage.
Secure all units immediately following the end of rehearsals and performances. Leave all stage areas clean and safe. Turn off walk lights. Turn on ghost lights.
During strike, assist the tech director in the strike of all scenic units as directed. Your job is not complete until all scenery and hardware is stored and the stage, shop, and storage areas are clean.
Construction Crew: Working in the scene shop will offer students practical experience in scenic construction. While working in the shop or on stage, the student will be instructed in construction techniques and the use of tools required in the scenic industry.
All students must have a completed emergency medical form and participation permission form on file with the tech director before working in any technical area.
Sign in upon arrival; sign out upon departure.
Report to the tech director for assignment.
Complete assigned tasks.
Clean up your work area and equipment when the assigned task is complete or before you leave for the day.
Return to the tech director for another assignment when you complete an assigned task.
Never use tools that you do not know how to operate safely. Ask for instruction.
Wear appropriate safety equipment when using tools.
HEADSET CODE OF CONDUCT
Remember that the headset (intercom) system is a tool. It serves as the lifeline of a production, allowing all production elements to be connected. A few simple guidelines will result in a smooth running production.
Never say anything over the headsets that you don’t want the ENTIRE world to hear or know. You never know who’s listening.
“Chatter” must be confined to production business; personal conversations should remain that – personal and on your own time.
When the stage manager issues a CLEAR THE LINE command, immediately comply.
Leave your headset microphone “off” unless you have something to say.
Do not set your headsets anywhere where they might be damaged, i.e., sat on, stepped on, fallen on, etc.
Do not place your headset in the electrical field of the light board or other equipment; the resultant “buzz” will drive everyone nuts.
When you take off your headsets, please turn your microphone “off” first to avoid the “thud” that everyone else will hear.
Monterey High School Theatre Safety Policy Form
Although most of the Technical Theatre positions will be filled by students in the Technical Theatre class, ALL Theatre students are expected to know and follow the Monterey Theatre Safety Guidelines.
All Theatre students will take an assessment covering the material in this handbook and will be required to score a 100 in order to participate. Students will be allowed to re-test until they score a 100. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
If you have read and acknowledge receipt of the Monterey High School Theatre Safety Policy, please sign and date below:
PARENT NAME (PRINTED): _____________________________________
PARENT SIGNATURE: _________________________________ DATE: _____________
Tech Theatre Safety Contract
Student Name: _______________________________________
Tool Name Date Tested
Miter Saw:
Student is wearing eye protection.
Student correctly positions wood against the saw fence.
Student does a “dry run” of the blade placement before engaging the power switch.
Student has appropriate hand placement.
Student engages power switch, draws the saw blade down using even pressure, and releases the power when the cut is complete.
Jig Saw:
Student is wearing eye protection.
Student positions wood so both sides are evenly supported (using a table or saw-horses)
Student lines up guide arrow with the edge of the wood.
Student engages power switch and completes an even, steady cut following the guide lines.
Student releases power when cut is complete.
Circular Saw:
Student is wearing eye protection.
Student positions wood so both sides are evenly supported (using a table or saw-horses)
Student lines up guide arrow with the edge of the wood.
Student engages power switch and completes an even, steady cut following the guide lines.
Student releases power when cut is complete.
*Failure to adhere to ALL of these policies will result in the student’s ability to use that tool being revoked until the student performs a safety re-test! *