SAFETY AT WORK

THEATRE SAFETY

Even if you feel stupid asking for advice or help, ask anyway. There are no dumb questions, only dumb mistakes!

Remember that you are responsible not only for your own safety, but also the safety of everyone around you. This means work safely so as not to cause injury to others.

Minor first aid is always available. Don’t try to continue working if you are sick or injured. This only makes things more dangerous for yourself and everyone around you.

Don’t be pressured to do something you don’t feel is safe. If a fellow worker or a member of the road crew asks you to do something that you feel is unsafe, report it at once to the Department Head.

If you have any doubts about safely completing a task, ask for help! You have the right to refuse unsafe work. If you see a potential hazard, notify the Department Head or other person(s) as the situation demands.

Keep your head on a swivel. People pushing boxes, forklifts, and other moving materials are not always able to see clearly or steer accurately. Keep out of the way of moving gear!

Be mindful of the people working above you. When moving, raising, or lowering scenery and equipment, always look up.

“Heads” or “Heads Up” is the most important warning on the stage. If you hear this call, that means something is being lowered from the grid on a rope or batten, OR it could mean that something is falling from above. If you hear someone yell “heads,” it means look out!

Do not stand under the loading rail whenever weights are being loaded or unloaded.

Be aware of emergency exits and fire safety equipment.

NEVER block exits, pull stations or fire extinguishers!

No running or clowning around at any time.

Be aware of workers’ obligations under the Occupational Health And Safety Act (OHSA).

Take the time to read the health and safety board at each venue. The health and safety representatives are posted on the board for the building. Observe and follow all posted policies, warnings, and cautions in the workplace.

Always wear required Personal Protective Equipment; hard hat and safety shoes, especially for load-in and load-out. You are also strongly recommended to wear hearing protection as needed.

Know the locations of the exits and emergency equipment e.g. fire blankets, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. In most venues, a first aid kit can be found at Stage Door.

IF YOU DON’T KNOW, ASK!

Be aware of site and show specific safety procedures and protocols. If you are unsure of these, ask the Department Head. Report any issues to the Department Head on the job site. The Head Carpenter will be the one to ask if you can walk on the deck. They will know if it’s safe.

Safety in the workplace is a growing concern with theatre workers and new government legislation, therefore, we can no longer ignore worker’s safety. Ultimately, the best method for reducing hazards, is to be aware of the most common ones and find ways to avoid them.

WARDROBE DEPARTMENT SAFETY TIPS

The wardrobe department generally uses many types of dyes, sprays, cleaning agents, glues, and paints. Many of these are very toxic, but more “green” brands are now on the market. Avoid long time exposure to harmful products at all costs. Harmful products can enter the body by inhalation (breathing), ingestion (swallowing), or through the skin. The more times you are exposed, the greater the risk

1. Always try to use the least toxic product for your job. Try to substitute water soluble or latex base products, instead of products having and made of harmful solvents.

2. Avoid sprays as they cause mists and dust that one can easily breathe into the lungs.

3. When it is necessary to use spray products or those with strong fumes, use adequate ventilation, and/or a respirator mask. Remember that mists and fumes stay in the air for some time after the job is finished. Either leave the spray area or keep the mask on until the work area has been well ventilated.

4. Always use the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for each job. Respiratory masks should be used for products that create mists, dusts, or cause fumes, that can easily be inhaled into one’s lungs. Always chose the proper filter for the mask that will give the best protection during the use of each type of harmful substance. Remember, always store the mask in a sealed plastic bag and to change the filter cartridge regularly. More information about PPE masks can be obtained by reading the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Rubber gloves should be used to avoid contact with hazardous materials on your hands. Many types of rubber gloves are available at safety supply stores. Household rubber gloves are not suitable for strong cleaning and dying agents. A glove chart may be necessary to help one in choosing the proper type of glove for protection from the chemicals that are being used.

6. Recommendation: wear a smock, work coat, or apron to keep spills and mists from soiling one’s street clothes – this way, harmful substances will not be taken home.

7. Proper ventilation is usually the most desirable method of safely using products that have harmful airborne particles. Because respirators and gloves can be uncomfortable, often workers refuse to wear them. It is management’s duty to provide this equipment, but your duty to use it properly. When ventilation is not adequate, then other Personal Protective Equipment becomes necessary. By avoiding harmful products in the first place, the workplace becomes a much safer place.

8. Never buy unlabeled materials. Read the labels carefully before using the materials. For more information, write to or call the manufacturer. Ask for a Material Safety Data Sheet. MSDS should supply all the information we need to know about a product’s safely and protection about its usage.

9. Never re-bottle materials in household containers, i.e. juice bottles, tins, pop bottles, etc. unless you clearly label it with the proper safety information.

Remember – it is your health and your future.