WILLOW CANYON THEATRE
SAFETY REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES Safety in the Willow Canyon auditorium 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 are: ☠ 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 such as the set, lights etc are dismantled and stored). What took several weeks to put together is taken apart in a couple of hours and this time warrants a greater degree of attention and vigilance than any other period in the production process.
GENERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS Running, practical jokes, throwing tools or materials or using them in any other manner other than the way they are intended, jumping from level to another, climbing/hanging on any stage/shop items like BATTENS (60’ long poles attached to chains that can be lowered/raised on the stage for scenic purposes), ELECTRICS (pipes equipped with electrical outlets to hang/focus lighting instruments), or any other unsafe action is not permitted. The Willow Canyon CLASSROOM, PROP ROOM , COSTUME ROOM, TECH CLOSET , SCENE SHOP (room where all tools, hardware, and materials are stored), STAGE (hardwood floor directly in front of the audience), BACKSTAGE (the green room), or other work areas including outside and around stage must be cleaned and left in a safe condition before being released from class. THE BELL DOES NOT RELEASE YOU, THE TEACHER DOES. The last few minutes of class will be spent cleaning up the designated work areas. Any group not being cleared to leave will remain until their area has been cleared by the teacher. All tools should be returned (any screws/nails/bolts/staples put back in their boxes or in the trash if they are unusable), floors cleaned (using a broom or vacuum cleaner and a wet mop when applicable), trash emptied (taken to dumpster in auto tech area), and walkways/exits must always be left clear. In short, any potential safety or fire hazard must be eliminated. The PROPERTIES CLOSET (small room where unused props are stored) This is where the PROPS (short for ‘properties’, these are items used on stage during a performance) are stored when not being used in a play. There are two types of Page 1 of 11
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SAFETY REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES props: HAND PROPS (items that can be easily carried on stage by hand such as a book, pencil, baseball bat, etc.) and SET PROPS (items that are somewhat larger and are a basic part of a set such as a couch, chair, table, desk, etc.). There will be times when props from a current production are left out backstage or even onstage. NEVER TOUCH A PROP unless specifically told to by the instructor. The Drama Classroom is our GREEN ROOM (specific rooms designed for the performers to put on costumes and makeup). Sometimes there will be costumes and props stored in the classroom. Please do not touch these items. The COSTUME ROOM (room in which costumes are stored). Only authorized personnel are to enter the costume room. Please do not touch the costumes unless you are specifically told to do so. Cleanliness and order in ALL areas of the Willow Canyonn stage should be maintained at all times. NO FOOD OR DRINKS ARE ALLOWED IN THE AUDITORIUM. Except water. Any accident should be reported IMMEDIATELY to the instructor so that first aid and/or medical attention can be administered without delay. The APRON (the area of the stage closest to the audience is to be kept clean/presentable at all times and any cutting, painting, or defacing of it in any way whether accidental or purposeful will be dealt with through both disciplinary and monetary actions.
BODY MECHANICS ☺ The proper method of bending 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. Leg muscles are used rather than back muscles, and avoid twisting of the body. ☺ Both hands should be used to pick up heavier objects. ☺ Pushing is preferred to pulling. ☺ Do not lift heavy loads above the shoulder.
• CLOTHING & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT •
Hard sole shoes should be worn. Tennis shoes are not desirable because nails/screws could easily penetrate the bottom and pierce through the foot. However, if hard sole shoes are not available, tennis shoes will suffice (just be aware of the risk). Sandals, flip flops, strapless shoes, open toed shoes, heeled shoes, bare feet and any other shoe that the instructor deems unsafe ARE NOT Page 2 of 11
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SAFETY REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES ALLOWED. Those who wear unsafe footwear to school and do not have access to the appropriate footwear will not be allowed to participate in class activities and will receive a zero (0) as a grade for that day. Anyone who wishes to bring shoes and store them in the costume shop may do so at there own risk (WCHS is not responsible for any lost or stolen items left at school). •
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Loosefitting clothing, scarves, ties, or jewelry should not be worn while using power equipment so DO NOT BRING THEM TO CLASS. You will not be able to keep an eye on your personal belongings when you are working so it would be in your best interest to leave any personal belongings including purses or handbags in your locker. The only items you need to bring to class are those that are notated in your class syllabus (such as notebook and class materials). Long hair should be tied back when using power equipment. Long sleeve shirts should either be buttoned at the cuffs or rolled to the upper arm. Be sure to bring proper clothing when working in the scene shop or painting scenery. Several nice/expensive clothes including shoes could be destroyed while doing class work, so wear or bring clothes you don’t mind getting paint on. The first/last couple of minutes of class may be used to change clothes.
• Always use SAFETY GOGGLES (large close fitting eyeglasses used to protect the eyes from flying debris) when using power tools and equipment. • Ear muffs/plugs should be worn during prolonged exposure to excessive noise. •
Gloves should be worn to protect against abrasion and SOLVENTS (liquids that dissolve other liquids such as gasoline, paint thinners, alcohol, acetates, etc.). ALL SOVENTS ARE DANGEROUS! Avoid skin contact and breathing vapors.
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Wash hands in soap and water after work and before eating. Never use solvents to clean hands.
FIRE PROTECTION Theatrical fires can be divided into three categories: Class A – fires involving ordinary combustibles such as paper, cloth, cardboard, and wood. Class B – fires involving petroleum base products such as paint, oil, grease, and fuel. Class C – electrical fire Page 3 of 11
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SAFETY REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES Proper procedures for evacuation for a fire alarm include turning off and unplugging any power tool being used, exit the nearest door, and meet in the designated area in the auditorium parking lot. Line up in a straight, alphabetical line so a head count can be taken. Return to work once the all clear has been given. 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. All doors must be readily opened from the INSIDE. “ABC” FIRE EXTINGUISHERS (fire extinguishers that will put out all three types of fires) must be wellmaintained and unobstructed at all times. Inform the instructor immediately when noticing that a fire extinguisher is out of date. FLAMMABLES (easily set on fire) such as paint, paint thinner, and spray cans should be properly stored and accounted for at all times. All rags or clothing materials saturated with flammable paints or solvents should be properly discarded outside the building. Open flames on stage ARE NOT ALLOWED. Adequate enclosure and safeguards must be provided if open flames are used. Electric light bulbs must not be covered or decorated with paper or other COMBUSTABLE (capable of taking fire and burning) material.
All SPRINKLER SPOUTS (sprinklers that eject from inside the ceiling tiles and spray water when activated) must have at least 18 inches underneath for extraction. This means that nothing should be placed on the top shelves (in the scene shop, prop room, costume room and dressing rooms) that could keep the spout from retracting from the ceiling. Any fabric hanging near lighting instruments on the Willow Canyon stage should be treated with flame retardant solution prior to being hung. Avoid blocking the fire extinguisher on the stage,
↗ LADDERS, SCAFFOLDS, AND LIFTS
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SAFETY REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES ↗ Before any ladder is used, it should be inspected to assure that it is in safe condition. A chair or box should never be a substituted for a ladder. NEVER place a chair on top of a table, or even a smaller ladder on top of a table in the place of a larger ladder. ↗ 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. ↗ All ladders should be secured and assistance should be given when anyone climbs a ladder. A minimum of two people are needed to move the ladder. At least one person should take hold of side of the ladder ensure stability when anyone climbs to the top. ↗ All stepladders should always be completely opened before climbing. ↗ Tools should be secured by a TIE LINE (a short rope securing the tool to the worker’s belt to keep it from falling) if they are taken up the ladder, scaffold, or lift. Each person holding the ladder should remain quiet and attentive to any action taking place above their heads (just in case anything is accidentally dropped). As a safety precaution, if anything is accidentally dropped from a high level the person responsible for the action is required to yell “HEADS UP!.” ↗ Ensure the center piece is put in its lowest position before closing the ladder. ↗ No items should be left on the ladder, scaffold, or lift, nor purposely dropped or pitched/thrown. ↗ After use, ladders, scaffolds and lifts should be returned to their proper storage place on the side wall. ↗ Only trained students may use the lift. When working on the floor light rail, safety legs need to be attached and the floor protected from damage by placing wood/rubber guards under them. PLEASE USE THE UTMOST SAFETY when lifting lights from this height! If possible, have the platform directly under the area you are hanging/removing the light. ↗ ALWAYS ensure the safety rails are on the scaffold before working on it. Keep it directly under the lighting area you are working. ↗ Avoid leaning out of the platform on the lift or scaffold. ↗ Use both hands when climbing up a ladder or scaffold. Hand items up to other people instead of carrying them so you can climb in the safest manner. Page 5 of 11
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SAFETY REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES ↗ When using the lift, call “GOINT OUT” and “GOING IN” EVERY TIME. Others working in the vicinity should acknowledge with a “THANK YOU” response.
• PAINT •
Be aware of potentially TOXIC (poisonous) materials: powdered pigments and dyes, fireproofing chemicals, spray adhesives and glues, solvents, and paint.
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AEROSOL PAINTS (paints packaged under pressure to be released as a spray or mist) should NOT be used inside the scene shop or theatre.
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Avoid breathing vapors and use proper VENTILATION (means of supplying fresh air) when painting.
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Avoid skin contact with pigments, paints, and solvents. If contact occurs, thoroughly wash with soap and water. Never use solvents to clean hands.
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Keep containers of paint, pigments, and solvents closed tightly to prevent the escape of dust or vapors.
• All paint must be kept in their proper cabinets/shelves. • All paint brushes, painting equipment as well as the sink/cabinet should be washed and cleaned before being released for the day. • After washing a paintbrush completely, stand it with brush end upward to dry. This way any water or paint will drain and dry inside the brush leaving the ends clean to paint with again. •
If paint is spilled, notify the instructor immediately and clean it up with the proper cleaning supplies.
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Only paint the objects that you have been instructed to paint. Any reckless use of the paint or supplies will be dealt with under disciplinary measures and possible fines.
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Please seal the cans completely when finished to increase the shelf life of the paint.
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SAFETY REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES
TOOLS AND MACHINERY Keep the work area free of clutter. Before operating machinery or power tools for the first time, be checked out on proper operation procedures by the supervising teacher. Understand the application, limitations, and POTENTIAL HAZARDS (possible source of harm to people, equipment or building) of any tool or machine you use. Never operate any tool or machine without specific permission from the instructor. Do not use any DEFECTIVE (fault or blemish) or questionable electrical tool, machine, chord, connection, or accessory. Report any defects for repair or replacement immediately. 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 (drill attachments used for boring holes) , 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. Ensure that the blade has stopped moving completely before setting ANY saw down and ensure that the saw in unplugged and put in a safe position before leaving the saw (even for a second). Never leave tools or equipment running unattended. The blade in the table saw must be recessed to its lowest position when not in use. Do not use a tool with a frayed cord or broken connection. Extension cords running along the stage floor should be taped or otherwise secured to prevent tripping during work periods, rehearsal, and performances. Use VISE CLAMPS (tool used to hold an object firmly while work is being done to it) or other persons to hold work in place when practical, freeing both hands to operate the tool. NEVER try to saw anything without assistance.
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SAFETY REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES 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. Do not play with drill guns (either cordless or wired). Only squeeze the trigger for work purposes. Any other action only drains the battery or wears down the parts. GROUND (connection of electric conductor to the earth) all power tools. If a tool is equipped with a three prong plug, it should be plugged into a three prong electrical outlet. Do not overreach. Maintain proper footing, balance, and secure grip on the tool you are using. Never force tools! Only use tools for reasons they are intended. Never cut materials without prior permission. 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 surprise, touch, or talk to anyone operating a power tool or machinery. Return tools to their proper place immediately after completing work.
LIGHTING ● Do not work around electrical equipment without shoes on. ● Even when disconnected, some electrical equipment can cause shocks. Never remove the cover of a device. ● Should an electrical shock occur, the source of power must be shut off immediately and artificial respiration applied if the victim’s breathing has been interrupted and stopped. ● Any incidence of electrical shock, no matter how slight, must be reported for immediate correction to the supervising teacher. ● Every piece of lighting equipment MUST be completely tightened and secured with a SAFETY CABLE (a short piece of wire cable with a quick clamp that is Page 8 of 11
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SAFETY REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES looped around the lighting equipment and the batten in which it is hung to secure it from falling). ● If anything is dropped, the person who dropped the item should yell out “HEADS!” Nothing should be purposely dropped from any location. If any equipment is broken due to lack of concern for safety of person or equipment, disciplinary action will be taken and a monetary fine may be given. ● Always ensure that the DIMMER (a numbered electrical outlet in which a lighting instrument is plugged into) is off before plugging in a cable. Never plug a cable into a live dimmer unless we are troubleshooting.
● All GELS (colored plastic placed in front of a light to project a specific color) must be in a GEL FRAME (thin, square pieces of metal with sharp corners that hold the gel in place) and securely locked before raising the lighting fixture above people’s head. A loose gel frame can easily slide out of a light (if not securely locked into place) and FATALLY (kill) injure or dismember someone. ● When replacing burned out LAMPS (light bulb) in a fixture, never touch the glass with you bare hands. The oil in your skin could cause the lamp to burn out when heated.
● Never place a CWRENCH (crescent wrench) or any other object on top of the electrics. ● When putting lighting fixtures in storage, place the fixture in its designated area (i.e. fresnels with fresnels, etc.). Place gels back in the correct folder in the gel tub also. ● When hanging lights from a high level, ensure the safety cable is on prior to hanging the light. Never hang over the edge. Always clear the area below when hanging anything on the catwalk of anyplace that may have people underneath. ● All lighting cables must be rolled up properly and stored in their proper place when not being used. ● No food or drinks (except closed bottles of water) are allowed on the TECH TABLE (main control booth during shows).
SOUND
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SAFETY REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES All sound equipment is stored in the SOUND AND LIGHT BOOTH CLOSET. Each microphone, cable, headset etc. has a specific box or case and should be put in its designated spot after each use. The sound equipment in the sound room is extremely expensive and should be treated with care and respect. Extreme safety measures are appreciated. Sound equipment should not be treated as toys. Hanging mics should never be hit in any way and are extremely sensitive to loud noise. Never use any equipment unless properly trained and specifically told to by the instructor. Never tap on a HOT MICROPHONE (a microphone that is on). When sound equipment is set up, LEAVE IT ALONE. Do not talk/sing into it unless you have been specifically asked to do so by the instructor. Always ensure that the main sound levels are at zero (0) before turning on the main power to the sound. All conversations while on headset should be kept professional and short. Any excess chatter on the headset could cause other people to miss cues.
Above all, remember that the resources we have are hard to replace, so treat everything as you would if you paid for it yourself. Your parents (taxpayers) and the students (fundraising) have funded everything we use, so make it last as long as you can! Page 10 of 11
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SAFETY REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES
Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement Form I have read the WCHS technical theater safety guidebook with my child and I understand my student will be trained in proper tech theater safety practices. By signing this form I am acknowledging receipt of this packet and provide permission for my child to participate in after school technical theater activities. Date:________________________ Parent Signature:_______________________ Student’s Name (please print):_______________________
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