Westfield State University Dever Stage Safety Manual

Transcription

1 Westfield State University Dever Stage Safety Manual November 2010 Prepared by Ernie Iannaccone, WSU Technical Director Subject to Change at the discretion of the Technical Director 11/01/2010 Page 1

2 Contents Safety Policy...4 Handling Safety Issues...4 Restricted Access...5 General Scene Shop Safety...6 Proper Attire...8 Hands...9 Power Tools...9 Housekeeping Safety Notices and Bulletins MSDS Work Requiring Training Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Dust Masks Ears Eyes and Face Protective Gloves Other Health Hazards Handling scenery, Lifting and Carrying heavy objects Ladders Personnel Lift Counterweight loading and unloading (Dever Stage) First Aid, Accidents, and Reporting Emergency Procedures Medical Emergencies Chemical Exposure Fire Control and Use on Stage Fire Emergencies Open Flames Other Special Effects Combat and Weapons Actors and Directors Prop Weapons Smoking Rules /01/2010 Page 2

3 Introduction This manual should be considered as guidelines for working in any theatre, scenery or costume shop. They have been written and will be enforced for your safety, and therefore should be followed at all times. If you have any questions regarding the safe operation of any tool, piece of equipment or method of construction, please feel free to ask. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THIS MANUAL. Ernest W. Iannaccone WSU Technical Director September /01/2010 Page 3

4 Safety Policy It shall be the policy of Westfield State University that a safe, healthy environment be maintained at all times within the Dever Stage and its environs, including performance spaces, rehearsal spaces, shops and other work spaces. This includes controlling and minimizing hazards attendant with the creation of any and all parts of theatre. We recognize that many processes, techniques, materials, and practices used in the theatre contain inherent risks to individuals; if those risks cannot be adequately minimized and controlled through proper training, equipment, and use of appropriate precautions, THOSE THINGS MAY NOT BE USED ON CAMPUS. Furthermore, ignoring precautions and restrictions shall not be allowed. No production can ever be considered justification for risk to one, and no production can be considered successful if someone is injured in its completion. No activity in theatre is completely safe. Safety procedures considered standard in any other industry may not be practical in a performance situation. We must therefore be especially diligent in following safety rules that do apply. FAILURE TO FOLLOW APPROPRIATE SAFETY RULES AND POLICIES MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH! Therefore, failure to follow required safety rules may result in immediate temporary and possibly permanent expulsion from a given activity, production or class. Handling Safety Issues It is the policy of WSU that no safety concern is unimportant. All personnel and students are expected to bring such concerns to the staff. In no way will doing so reflect badly on or be held against the person making the report. Rather contributing to the health and safety of all personnel is everyone's responsibility. 11/01/2010 Page 4

5 Restricted Access A theatre space, especially the stage area, is essentially a large machine for producing plays. It contains many hazards, especially to those unfamiliar with the mechanical and physical aspects of a theatre. Therefore: No unauthorized personnel (i.e. anyone other than Cast and Crew) shall be allowed backstage during any performance, between call time and 30 minutes after final curtain. No one is allowed access to the stage area unless supervisory personnel (faculty, staff, or authorized student supervisors) are present. No one shall be permitted to work alone in any theatre space. In case of injury or incident, there must be another present to render aid or seek assistance. NO ONE SHALL BE PERMITTED TO OPERATE ANY POWER TOOLS OR STAGE EQUIPMENT UNLESS FACULTY, STAFF OR A STUDENT SUPERVISOR IS PRESENT! 11/01/2010 Page 5

6 General Scene Shop Safety (including Set builds/load-in/strike) The most obvious safety rule is to be careful. Pay attention to what you are doing and do not rush. Repetitious jobs are more likely to cause inattention. Try to avoid monotony and boredom. Being careful means being careful all the time. You can be careful for years and then get hurt in two seconds of inattention. This is entirely under your own control. Being careful is your best defense against injury. Avoid danger by using common sense. Some people accept a greater risk of danger in order to work faster, more conveniently, etc. Do not hurry and cut corners on safety. Some people take greater risks because they have a strange notion of invulnerability, or as a show of bravado. This will gain no respect for you in our shop. 1. No person shall work in the shop or theatre while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Prescribed drugs which could cause drowsiness, lightheadedness, or disorientation should also not be used. Any student using such prescribed medications should notify the Faculty or Staff in charge. Any person removed from the shops for the above reason shall not be allowed to return unless authorized by the Technical Director. 2. Any time that you have a problem with any tool or machine, bring it to the attention of the Staff so they may assist you. Never attempt to repair or adjust any machines. If a machine or tool is accidentally damaged, bring it to the attention of the Staff. Please do not try to hide or cover up any damages. 3. At no time shall any student operate or attempt to operate any of the following pieces of equipment without prior training and permission of the staff. Table Saw Radial Arm Saw Circular Saw Jig Saw Drill Press Any pneumatic power tool Personnel (Genie) lift Theatre fly rail or chain motors 11/01/2010 Page 6

7 4. Before operating any power tools, make sure all allen wrenches, chuck keys or other foreign materials are clear of the machine's work area. 5. Always make sure that all power tools are turned off and the electrical power disconnected before leaving the machine. Never leave an unattended machine running, even for "one second". 6. Always unplug or disconnect from power all power tools before changing blades, bits, or attachments. 7. IF YOU DON'T KNOW - ASK! There is no such thing as a dumb question, only dumb mistakes and injuries. 11/01/2010 Page 7

8 Proper Attire 1. No loose, long or baggy clothing. It can get caught in moving parts and machinery or snagged on splinters etc. 2. Wear shoes with good, non slippery soles that cover the whole foot. NO sandals, or dress shoes. 3. No gloves while using power tools. (Again, these can get caught in moving parts of machines.) 4. No shorts or skirts (jeans are best). 5. Dangling necklaces or large rings, long scarves or loose sleeves should not be worn in the shop as they may become entangled in moving machinery. 6. Wear clothes that will protect you from dust, etc. 7. You will get dirty and stained. Bring work clothes. 8. Long hair must be put up or tied back and put down your shirt. A cap is a good way to keep your hair up also. 9. Ipods, MP3 headphones not allowed. You need to hear and be aware of your surroundings. 11/01/2010 Page 8

9 Hands 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. There is a dangerous temptation to hold parts together with one hand while shooting pneumatic tools with the other. Sometimes staples and nails turn inside the wood and poke out where you do not expect them. This would seem elementary, but the number of bad cuts from matte knives is incredible. Chisels fall into this category also. The simple rule is to keep both hands behind the direction in which the sharp edge is going and never pull a blade towards your body. Power Tools Each power tool has its own set of safety rules. They are safe when properly used, but they can cause serious accidents when misused. You will be trained on each power tool before you use it. In general, power tools have rotating parts that can wind you in like a fishing reel if they catch on clothes, hair, or jewelry. Power tools can throw debris at you, so eye or face protection is necessary. Ear protection from loud noise is also often necessary. Make sure the work surface and floors are clear, and get EVERYTHING ready before you hit the ON switch. Students may NEVER operate unguarded power tools. Sometimes there is a strong temptation to remove safety guards when they seem to complicate the work. If you think you need to do something without the standard blade guard, stop and ask the staff. In cases where a guard must be removed, a jig will be put in its place to allow for safe operation of the saw and still provide adequate protection to the user. Pneumatic tools are power tools also. You must learn each one before use. They also have safety guards, with the exception of the smaller stapler. Do not ever defeat the safety or use the tools in a manner they were not made for. (it is not a target gun!) 11/01/2010 Page 9

10 Housekeeping (A Clean Shop/Stage Is a Safe Zone) 1. Clean up your work area at the end of your work shift. 2. Do not leave tools and supplies out unnecessarily. 3. Do not let your work area become too cluttered; this can lead to trip hazards. 4. Clean as you go. 5. Remove nails in used lumber. 6. Do not leave long sticks in trash barrels. They can poke others in the eyes. 7. Do not block fire extinguishers, doors, or marked tool-safety areas. 8. Keep pathways to fire exits and for crossing the shop/stage clear. It can be dangerous having to carry large items while walking over lumber and trash. 11/01/2010 Page 10

11 Safety Notices and Bulletins NO PERSONS WILL BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE ANY POWER TOOL UNTIL TRAINED AND APPROVED BY THE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR OR FACULTY. Inspect tools before use for any defects such as frayed wires, or damaged hand tools. Remove defective tools from service and have repaired or replaced. Only use power tools that are properly grounded with a 3-pronged plug or that are doubleinsulated. A power tool with a missing grounding prong shall be considered damaged and be removed from use until repaired. Never carry a power tool by its cord. Avoid wrapping cords too tightly around tools for storage to prevent damage to strain relief grommets. Unplug power tools before loading them, changing blades or bits, making adjustments, or cleaning them. Follow all manufacturers instructions for handling and adjusting. Defective, damaged or unsafe equipment must be removed immediately from service if damage occurs or is detected. Dull tools are unsafe and can damage operator or work. Maintain your tools and always use sharp cutting blades. NEVER ALTER OR REMOVE ANY MACHINE OR BLADE GUARDS OR DISABLE ANY SAFETY FEATURE. 11/01/2010 Page 11

12 MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are forms that provide information on a product s hazards and the precautions required for its safe use in a working environment. The MSDS sheets for chemicals and materials used in the shops are maintained by the Technical Director and are available at any time to all persons. Workers in the shops, students and paid assistants are required to follow safety guidelines on each sheet for each material and chemical. If you do not understand or have questions about anything in any MSDS, or about any process, see the Technical Director for clarification. 11/01/2010 Page 12

13 Work Requiring Training Many of the processes and systems in the theatre complex pose hazards while in use. Before students and staff are permitted to use them, they must be trained and approved by the appropriate supervisor of the area. These processes include but are not limited to: Use of power tools in the Scene Shop: Table Saw Radial Arm Saw Band Saw Circular Saw Jig Saw Stationary Drill Press Portable Drills and Drill Motors Bench and Portable Grinders Pneumatic-powered Nailers and Staplers Pneumatic-powered Grinders and Sanders Pneumatic-powered Wrenches Theatre Systems: Stage Rigging and Fly Systems Lighting Control Boards Sound Control Boards Personnel Lifts 11/01/2010 Page 13

14 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) The shop will provide you with safety equipment. If you have any questions or doubts, ask the Technical Director. Your safety is our concern. We welcome questions if you have any. We will attempt to explain things to you. Feel free to request safety equipment. Our goal is to make you safe and comfortable when performing duties in the shop. Use of equipment is NOT optional and shall be used at all times when performing associated tasks. Dust Masks Comfort masks are available for lab students. These are for use for comfort from saw dust. They will not protect you from fumes and vapors and other assorted toxins. Read the box for instructions on how and when to use these. Ears Hearing protection shall be required whenever operating or being in the presence of loud power tools, such as radial arm saw, table saw, circular saw, portable grinder, or any percussive tool (pneumatic nail gun).. Greater damage will be done to your hearing if you are exposed to loud noises over a longer period of time. This does not mean that hearing cannot be damaged by short exposure. Eyes and Face Suitable eye and face protection is required when using tools or procedures which may cause injury from impact (chipping, grinding, sawing, etc), radiation (welding, carbon arcs, lasers, etc), and chemical splash (solvents, etc). Select the protection appropriate to the activity. Protective Gloves Gloves are required when working with solvents or solvent based (non-water based) chemicals and materials. Extended exposure to water based chemicals (such as paint) shall also require the use of protective gloves. Refer to MSDS for guidelines as to appropriate equipment. Gloves are also available when carrying lumber, hot lights, sharp metal, etc. Be sure to use the correct glove for the task. If you are allergic to rubber latex, nitrile disposable gloves are available. 11/01/2010 Page 14

15 Other Health Hazards Poor ventilation is an issue in any scene shop. Because this is mainly a wood working shop, the use of dust masks and dust collection equipment will help to prevent some dust particles from getting in the nose. Paint, solvents, adhesives, and many other materials and processes produce toxic fumes. Use the appropriate respirators and ventilation. It is possible that certain materials and processes may not be used in our shop. Spray paint use is only permitted with the use of ANSI approved respirator with the appropriate filter canister. If such a respirator is not available, painting cannot be done until appropriate equipment is obtained. Do not spray paint in the shop. Go outside (and use brown paper to prevent over spray). Spray adhesive and spray shoe dye are especially bad. Do not eat or drink in the shop. There are too many contaminants in the air and on the surfaces. PRECAUTIONS: BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS It is extremely important that each student educate themselves about blood borne pathogens and that proper first aid be used when cleaning up after injuries caused by scissors, rotary cutters, pins, needles and/or any injury involving blood. Fabrics with blood on them from an injury must be properly cleaned of blood. 11/01/2010 Page 15

16 Handling scenery, Lifting and Carrying heavy objects Lift correctly: bend your knees and lift with your legs. Communicate with others. Look where you are going, especially through doors and around corners. Be aware of the back end and what's behind you. When carrying tall objects like a flat or 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. It is all too common to set heavy platforms or walls down on one's toes. Awareness and communication with fellow co-workers are the only prevention. Machismo will only get you hurt. If you are losing your grip or if something is too heavy, tell the person you are carrying it with and take a rest and get a better grip, this is much better than dropping it and having someone suddenly bear the entire weight at once. You will never be asked to carry something too heavy. You will only be asked to carry your own weight. 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 11/01/2010 Page 16

17 Ladders Working on ladders and scaffolds presents a potential for a fall. All precautions should be taken to maintain the safety of those on the ladder or scaffolding as well as those working below it. If you must use a ladder, always have someone there to foot and hold the bottom for you. Do not stand on the top or any steps the safety labels indicate as being unsafe to stand on. Before you get on a ladder, make sure that all four legs are firmly on the floor. When using the rolling ladder, two people must foot the ladder. Remember not to leave tools, hardware or anything else on top of a ladder. Gravity and Murphy dictate that someone will get hit in the head by a falling object. When you are working on a ladder you must take extra precautions. You need to be aware of overhead scenery, lighting instruments, the electrical cable, and the people working beneath you. 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 you and your work. Personnel Lift Students must be trained before operating the lift. Outriggers must be deployed before operating the lift. Never work in the lift when there is no one else in the theatre. 11/01/2010 Page 17

18 Counterweight loading and unloading (Dever Stage) TO LOAD A BATTEN SAFELY: WITH FLYMAN AT THE LOCK RAIL 1. Flyman estimates weight of scenery to be placed on batten and loads partial weight to arbor. 2. Raise keeper nuts and spreader plates, leaving one plate on top of batten weight. (orange colored weights). 3. Loaders place required counterweights on arbor. 4. When finished, Loaders slide down remaining plates and keeper nuts, locking them in place with thumb screws. Only then do they call down: "Locked and Secured." 5. Flyman calls "HEADS UP, Pipe (Direction of movement) Coming IN/Going OUT, (Location onstage) Upstage/Downstage, etc." 6. Flyman waits for acknowledgement from crew onstage that they heard the call. 7. Flyman removes keeper ring and opens lock handle and lowers batten to floor. 8. Flyman gives clearance to deck crew to place the load on batten. 9. When batten is loaded (or partially loaded) 10. Flyman calls to Deck crew to "Clear the Batten." 11. Flyman removes keeper ring and opens lock handle, and tests load for balance. 12. If load is out of balance, repeat as needed to adjust. 13. Once weight is correct, Flyman calls "Clear the Batten" and flys load to trim, locking rope lock and securing with Keeper Ring. 11/01/2010 Page 18

19 First Aid, Accidents, and Reporting A First Aid kit is maintained backstage near the dressing room. The Technical Director is responsible for seeing that it is maintained and kept stocked. This kit is located in the white metal cabinet, and may be accessed as needed. This kit is intended for First Aid ONLY! In the event of anything OTHER than minor incidents, accidents are to be reported IMMEDIATELY to the Technical Director if present and/or the supervisor in charge, who shall contact the Public Safety at x5262, who are authorized to contact the proper emergency services. If the incident is serious or life-threatening, you should call 911 immediately. Public Safety should then be contacted as soon as practical. Render whatever first aid can be applied until emergency services arrive to relieve you. All incidents must also be reported to the Technical Director after the fact. Emergency Procedures FOR ANY EMERGENCY INCLUDING INJURY, ILLNESS, FIRE OR AN EXPLOSION, DIAL 5262 (PUBLIC SAFETY) FROM ANY CAMPUS PHONE, OR IN EXTREME EMERGENCY, DIAL Your call will be answered by an officer at Public Safety. Public Safety personnel will respond and determine the need for additional assistance. The following are recommended procedures for various types of emergencies: Medical Emergencies If a SERIOUS INJURY occurs, immediately dial Public Safety emergency phone number , or dial 911. First aid can be administered or medical transport can be arranged if necessary. Never move a person suspected of serious injury unless it is a life-threatening situation such as a fire. Attempts to move an injured person can cause further injury, especially to the spine and neck. Try to keep the injured person warm and still. Because of infection, minor cuts have the potential to become more serious. Wounds should be washed and dressed. Visit the Health Center if necessary. 11/01/2010 Page 19

20 Chemical Exposure If you spill a chemical such as paint thinners or fabric dyes on your skin: 1. Rinse the area with water for at least 15 minutes. 2. Remove any soiled clothing and jewelry while you are rinsing. If you get a chemical in your eyes: 1. Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes, rinsing from the nose outward to avoid contaminating the unaffected eye. 2. Remove contact lenses while rinsing, don't wait to remove them before you rinse. If you inhale a chemical or are overcome by fumes: 1. Leave the room and move to fresh air. 2. Keep door to room open to vent. 3. Do not re-enter a contaminated area 4. If symptoms do not subside, seek medical attention at the Health Office in Scanlon Hall. The general procedure in the event of a spill is to notify supervisor (Technical Director if available) who will evacuate immediate area if necessary. The supervisor then calls campus Public Safety office. Campus Public Safety staff will consult with the Emergency Manager and with the campus Facilities Management director to make a determination on whether to call in the local hazmat team. 11/01/2010 Page 20

21 Fire Control and Use on Stage It is the responsibility of everyone working in the theatres and shops to be aware of the great potential for disaster that fire represents. It is also the responsibility of everyone in the theatre and shops to be a part of the prevention of that possible disaster. The Dever Theatre is equipped with a Fire Curtain, which is designed to lower automatically in case of fire. AT NO TIME IS THE PATH OF THE FIRE CURTAIN TO BE BLOCKED BY SCENERY, PROPS, OR FURNITURE. All personnel must know the locations of fire extinguishers and should be trained in the correct use of them. If a fire cannot be extinguished within the first 10 seconds or so, it is the responsibility of the Production Director, Technical Director or individual in charge to GET EVERYONE OUT SAFELY FIRST! Activate the fire alarm immediately! In the Dever Theatre if possible, the fire curtain lowering system should be activated before leaving the stage. Fire alarm boxes are located at each exit to the building. On the way out of the building pull an alarm switch to alert the Fire Department. Never block an exit or obscure an exit sign. Always maintain clear and lit egress paths. 11/01/2010 Page 21

22 Fire Emergencies In the event of a fire, Public Safety should be notified immediately at and the following actions are recommended: 1. Activate the fire alarm. 2. Put out the fire if you know how to do so without endangering yourself or others. School policy states that individuals are not required to fight fires. Those that choose to fight small, incipient stage (no larger than a waste paper basket) fires must be trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers. If a fire cannot be extinguished within the first 10 seconds, leave immediately! 3. If the fire is large or spreading, leave the fire area and prevent the fire's spread by closing the doors behind you. If on stage, activate the Fire Curtain by pulling the pin on the Curtain release behind either proscenium. 4. Evacuate the building and await the arrival of Fire Officials. Try to account for everyone inside the building. Do not leave the area until you have been accounted for. 5. Do not re-enter the building until you are told to do so by University Authorities or the municipal fire official. 11/01/2010 Page 22

23 Open Flames The use of open flames shall be permitted ONLY WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE CAMPUS PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER and the WESTFIELD FIRE CHIEF. IF EITHER CAMPUS PUBLIC SAFTY OR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DISAPPROVES, THE FIRE EFFECT SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED. Whenever open flames are in use, at least one crew person shall stand by offstage with a fire extinguisher at hand the entire time the open flame is present. That shall be that PERSON'S SOLE DUTY AT THAT TIME! Other Special Effects Other effects shall be allowed at the discretion of the Technical Director. Theatrical fog, smoke and haze are only allowed after the Technical Director has reviewed and approved the effect in question. Notice must always be posted to warn the audience that special effects are being used. These effects shall include but not be limited to fog, haze, strobe lights, firearms, etc. 11/01/2010 Page 23

24 Combat and Weapons Actors and Directors No stage combat shall be permitted in production without training and approval. There will always be a fight call to rehearse any combat prior to performance or rehearsal. That rehearsal shall be conducted by the Fight Captain, Stage Manager, and responsible faculty or staff member. Prop Weapons 1. The use of prop weapons on stage is subject to all local ordinances and the prior approval of the Technical Director. 2. Prop weapons must be rented from a qualified prop weapon rental house. (see Technical Director for contact info) The weapons have to be specifically made to be used on stage. They cannot be any weapon that at any time could fire a bullet. They are not a toy. People can and have been killed with prop firearms, even those made of starter pistol frames. 3. Keep the prop gun confined to the stage and under strict controls of the prop master and stage manager. Prop weapons shall be SECURED IN A LOCKED AREA when not in use, and shall be issued to the actors using them only when required, and shall be immediately turned back in to the props master or stage manager responsible immediately when finished; the weapon shall then be immediately secured until the next performance. Prop weapons are NOT toys. They are NOT to be handled EXCEPT by authorized persons and are the responsibility of the props master and stage manager of each production. NO ONE ELSE IS ALLOWED TO HANDLE ANY PROP WEAPON! Prop guns are never left on the prop table. The position of a gun wrangler (prop master, stage manager) on a set is a position of maintaining safety, they are allowed to call safety holds over the director and, like a stage combat choreographer, are responsible in the end for the safe operation and level of understanding in a production utilizing blank/prop/stage guns with any amount of firing capacity. People HAVE died from blank gun misfires and this IS a serious issue 11/01/2010 Page 24

25 4. When using prop guns in a production, Public Safety must be informed of its use (rental period) and approximate firing times for each rehearsal and performance it shall be used. Anytime guns are used on stage, they should be treated like a deadly weapon, because they are a deadly weapon. It can be done safely but everyone has to be a part of the safety procedures. Even in a stage setting, it is not professional practice to point a blank gun at anyone else on stage, you always aim upstage of the action, away from the audience and from fellow actors. This is a rule taught universally. The angles will work themselves out for sight lines. Nobody needs to be worrying about "realism" when safety clearly trumps in this situation All prop weapons MUST ALWAYS BE TREATED AS REAL weapons (which in fact they are). All guns used as props must be handled as if loaded; all edged weapons must be treated as sharp. EVEN BATED WEAPONS CAN KILL! SEE ALSO: Actors Equity, Safety Tips for use of Firearms Smoking Rules It is State Law that SMOKING IS PROHIBITED in all public buildings, including Dever Stage. The single exception is smoking required by the business of a particular productions determined by the Director and Technical Director 11/01/2010 Page 25