Standard Operation Procedures / University Theatre Safety

The following is a list of safe operating procedures for the Blanche Davis Theatre, the Sanford Syse Theatre, and the University Scene Shop.

The Theaters

• Theatres should be kept clean at all times.
• Exits and access to exits are to be kept uncluttered and unobstructed at all times. During periods of occupancy, no exit door shall be locked, bolted, fastened or obstructed by any means so that the door cannot be readily opened from the inside.
• No exit lights brightness should be reduced during a performance or when the area is occupied.
• All broken, ripped, and loose seats must be repaired.
• All loose carpeting must be repaired.
• All house lights and safety lights must be in working order.
• All aisle lights must be in working order.
• All personnel should familiarize themselves with the location and operation of fire extinguishers, fire hose stations and fire alarms.
• All fire fighting equipment must be maintained clear and obstructed at all times.
• Open flames are not permitted on stage unless specifically approved by a faculty member who is in charge of the production and then only when adequately enclosed and safeguarded. This may only be done if the draperies have be recently flame retarded.
• All draperies should be kept in good repair and flamed retarded on a regular basis.
• All drapery tracks should be in good repair and operating correctly.
• All drapery should be positioned at least 12" away from lighting sources.
• The stage floor should be in good repair and free of splinters and broken boards.
• Flashlights should be available to all ushers.
• Telephones should be available with outside lines for emergencies.
• Emergency phone numbers should be posted near the phones.
• Procedures should be established to deal with emergencies such as heart attacks, seizures, fires, and electrical failures by the House Staff.
• ADA standards should be meet in the theatres and flexible seating productions must accommodate handicap seating and entrances and exits.
• Any temporary structures either on stage or in the theatres should be barricaded and labeled until the structures are tested and secure.
• When traps are out or the lift is down barriers should be present or personnel should be guarding the open pits.
• The lift should always be at stage or house level when not in use.
• A ghost light must be on when the theatres are not occupied.

General Shop

• A telephone with an outside line must be available whenever crew work, rehearsals, and performances are scheduled.
• In the event of serious injury or illness, fire, explosion, or any emergency where immediate assistance is required, dial3133 for campus security and 911 for ambulance and fire.
• Any injury or accident occurring within the University Theatre must be reported immediately to the faculty or staff member in charge.
• A fully stocked and properly maintained First Aid kit must be available in each shop or stagehouse work area. First Aid care of minor injuries should never be neglected. First Aid kits must be stocked on a regular basis.
• Running, practical jokes ("horseplay") throwing tools or materials, jumping off props or from one level to another, or activities which endanger either the individual or others are not permitted within the Drama Department.
• Good housekeeping is essential within all University Theatre operations! At the end of each work period, the shop, stagehouse or other work area shall be left in a safe condition. All tools should be returned, floors swept and trash emptied, and walkways and exits left clear and unobstructed. In short, any potential safety or fire hazard must be eliminated.
• The shop will be considered closed and no work undertaken unless there is a faculty member or student assistant present in the building and acting as supervisor.
• Before any ladder is used, it should be inspected to assure that it is in safe condition.
• Wood ladders should not be painted inasmuch as paint hides splits and defects (shellac or varnish are acceptable alternatives).
• Non-skid safety feet should be installed on any straight ladder before it is placed in service.
• 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 in length of the ladder.
• Straight ladders should be tied off, blocked or otherwise secured when used.
• A step ladder should not be used as a substitute for a straight ladder. 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.
• After use, ladders should be returned to proper storage.
• There must be adequate lighting on all stairs.
• All railings on stairways must be secure.
• Don't walk through a safety zone when someone is operating the power equipment.
• When using sharp hand tolls, the cutting action should always be away from the body.
• Never substitute the correct tool for the job with a different tool
• Be sure you know what kind of fire you are dealing with before an attempt is made to put it out.
• The best fire extinguisher for all fires (electrical, petroleum, or wood) is a type A.B.C. fire extinguisher.
• Always lift heavy items with your legs, not you back.
• Don't overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• Not only watch out for your own safety in the shop and on stage; watch out for others.
• Keep your mind on your work at all times.
• There must be at least two people in the shop area while tools and equipment are being operated.
• Keep children away. All visitors should be kept a safe distance from work area.

Shop Safety/Cleanliness

Cleanup will begin 15 minutes prior to the end of each and every Work Call: all tools, power cords, hardware, and other materials will be put away in their proper locations (Shop, Light Room, etc.); uncompleted projects will be neatened and moved to unobtrusive and safe locations in the shop; and the shop floor will be cleared and swept. All students are expected to straighten up their own work space, but also to help with the general cleanup. When working in one of the theatrical spaces, the same rules apply--all tools and materials must be put away and the floor cleared and swept. The Technical Director is responsible for the cleanliness and safe condition of the shop and work spaces.

Clothing and Shoes

• Hard-sole shoes should be worn while working in the shop (Scene Studio). Going bare-footed or wearing sandals is not acceptable.
• Goggles, face shields, "plano" (non-corrective) safety glasses, or heat-treated Rx glasses shall be worn while using power tools or equipment.
• Loose fitting clothing or jewelry shall not be worn while using power equipment. Long hair must be tied back or otherwise secured. Long sleeve shirts should be either buttoned at the cuffs or rolled to the upper arm.
• Never wear rings or watches while working in the scene shop. Crushed rings are the most common causes for lost fingers
• Books, clothing, and other personal property should not be left in the shop during working periods.

Power Tools

• No one is permitted to operate machinery or use a power tool without authorization and unless they have been checked out in its safe operation by the Scene Shop supervisor or his/her designated assistant.
• Understand the application, limitations, and potential hazards of any power tool or machine which you use.
• Select the proper power tool for the job to be done. Don't improvise!
• Ground all power tools (unless they are double insulated). If the power tool is equipped with a 3-prong plug, it must be plugged into a 3-hole electrical receptacle. If an adapter is used to accommodate a 2-hole receptacle, the adapter wire must be attached to a known ground.
• Remove adjusting keys and wrenches before turning on a tool or machine; never adjust, change bits, blades, cutters or belts with the power tool connected to electrical service.
• Keep the work area free of clutter and be alert to potential hazards such as wet floors, flammable vapors, inattentive persons in the area, etc. Never over-reach and always maintain proper footing and a secure grip on the tool you are using.
• Keep guards and safety devices in place and in working order and never remove or circumvent a guard or protective device.
• Use safety eye and/or face protection - wear safety glasses with side shields and impact goggles or full face shield.
• Avoid accidental startup by making sure that the switch is off before plugging in the cord or when power is interrupted. Never carry a power tool with you finger on the switch!
• Make sure saw blades, drill bits, router cutters, etc., are sharp, clean and properly maintained. Use only recommended accessories which are designed for use with a power tool or machine by its manufacturer.
• Never brush away chips or sawdust or attempt to clean with you hands or with a rag while machines or tools are operating.
• Compressed air should not be used to clean or blow down machinery or other surfaces except when the area has been completely cleared and the operator is wearing full face and eye protection. Air used for this purpose must never exceed 30 p.s.i.!
• 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!
• Use clamps or a vise to hold work in place and never force a power tool.
• Never surprise, touch, distract, or talk to anyone who is operating a power tool or machinery.
• Never leave a machine running unattended.
• Do not attempt field repairs on tools or machinery. Return any tool for servicing that shows any defect or that is not operating properly.
• Return tools to tool room after completing work.
• When helping support the end of a long board on the saw never pull the board being cut. Let the operator of the machine control the feed.
• Always unplug a machine or power tool when changing the cutting edge or making any changes or adjustments on the power equipment.
• Always stay with the power machine or tool until the cutting edge has come to a complete stop.
• Be very careful when removing waste material from a machine before the cutting edge has come to a "dead" stop.
• Make sure that no part of your body is in the cutting line of a machine.
• When narrow stock is being ripped with a power saw use a push stick.
• Use a feather board to hold narrow or thin stock close to the fence.
• Allow the motor to come up to full operating speed before a cut is made.
• Always use a Vee block when cutting round stock on the band saw.
• When cutting tight curves or circles on the bandsaw, make relief cuts.
• The upper blade guide of the bandsaw should be adjusted so it is no more than 1/8 inch above the stock being cut.
• The minimum distance the blade should be from the fence is 1/4 inch.
• When using the miter guage on the bandsaw at least 6 inches of stock should be in contact with the miter guage.
• When the table saw power is turned on make sure you are not in line with the blade.
• Do not cut, round or dowel stock on the saw table.
• The minimum width of stock that should be ripped on the table saw is 2 inches.
• The blade of the table saw should protrude no more than 1/8 inch above the stock being cut.
• When using the miter on the table saw, be sure 6 inches of stock is in contact with the miter guage (this is the same measure for the bandsaw).
• When you are finished using the radial saw be sure to push the blade unit behind the fence (toward the column).
• Do not remove waste stock from the radial saw until the blade has come to a "dead" stop.
• Allows allow the blade to coast to a stop.
• The anti-kickback guard is used on the radial saw only when stock is being ripped, and must be used when ripping.
• Never stack stock to be cut on the radial saw. Cut only one piece of stock at a time.
• When crosscutting with the radial saw always hold the stock being cut against the fence.
• The minimum length of stock that should be cut on the radial saw is 4 inches.
• Always remove the key from the chuck of a drill.
• Always let the drill chuck coast to a stop. Never grasp the chuck in an attempt to stop the drill bit.
• Use a drill press vice or some means of holding onto small parts (other than with your hands) when using a drill.
• When coming toward the end of the cut the feed should be reduced when using a drill.
• Insert the tang of the drill at least 1/4 inch into the chuck.
• When starting the disc sander always stand in front of the sander.
• Keep you fingers at a safe distance from the abrasive on the belt or disc sander.
• Always let the belt or disc sander coast to a stop. Never try and stop it by any other means.
• Never use the disc sander if the abrasive disc is worn or adhering loosely to the plate.
• Sand on the left side of the disc sander. The left side has a downward rotation.
• Sanding belts must be adjusted and tracking correct prior to use.
• Always operate sanding equipment, WITH THE GRAIN! Sand all surface areas an equal amount to prevent hollow or shallow spots. DO NOT DOWN PRESSURE. The weight of the machine with a small amount of pressure is enough for a good cutting action.
• Inspect the abrasive sheet or cloth frequently for resin-build-up or kernels that can harden and cause a groove in the stock surface. Clean the abrasive sheet belt or disk with an abrasive cleaning stick.
• Never feed a portable circular saw toward your body. Always saw away from you and other people.
• Do not allow the blade on a portable circular saw to be exposed more than 1/8 inch below the stock being cut.
• When using the sabre saw hold the base of the saw firmly against the stock being cut.
• Direct the sparks from the portable grinder toward the floor and away from other people.
• Before using the portable grinder always examine the abrasive well for cracks and signs of extreme wear. If there are cracks or extreme wear do not use the portable grinder.
• Before using a hammer be sure the handle is not cracked or loose.
• Do not hold work in one had and a screw driver in the other hand.
• Always direct a wood chisel away from your body.
• Never use a file without a handle.
• Don't use a power tool with wet hands.
• Never use a power machine while you are standing in water.
• Don't force tool. It will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Don't abuse cord. Never carry tool by cord or yank it to disconnect from receptacle. Keep cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
• Inspect all stock to be cut for loose knots, stones, nails, warp or splits. Remember such stock cannot be cut safely on the machine.
• Unusual operations must be done with the technical director's supervision.
• All resawing, beveling, tapering, or similar special set-up operations must be done with the aid & assistance of the supervisor.
• If a steady click should sound, or the blade break call the supervisor at once. Never operate the saw if something sounds unusual.
• Keep your hands OFF OF ALL EQUIPMENT, when not using it for an authorized operation, or an intended purpose.
• Always have the tool rest adjusted 1/16" above the wheel center and 1/16" from the grinding wheel.
• Always test run the grinding wheel when turning power on by standing to one side.
• Always grind on the grinding wheel face, and NEVER on the side.
• When grinding tool edges, always keep that tool edge cool by dipping it in water. NEVER grind an edge hard because you will burn the tool, damaging the temper of the tools. IT will not hold an edge as a result.
• Be extra careful when cleaning and brushing the machine, being cautious not to blow or dust the powder carelessly. Keep it away from your clothes, face, and hands.

Air Tools

• Keep your hands, feet, or any other part of your body at least 2 inches away from a staple gun.
• Handling: Air Tools are extremely rugged and durable but should never be abused by dropping on hard surfaces. Always disconnect air line pressure before servicing. Carefully secure cylinder cap an check for properly-functioning regulator before re-connecting air supply. Use proper tools for repair. Never force parts or assembly of tools.
• Air Supply: Use only clean, dry compressed air.
• Air Pressure: It is good operation practice to use the minimum air pressure required to accomplish the application. Most Air Tools operate at 60 lbs. P.S.I. Never exceed 110. lbs. p.s.i. compressed air.
• DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, USE OXYGEN AS A POWER SOURCE TO DRIVE TOOLS.
• For safety's sake, do not fire tool into the open. Always test drive into wood or similar materials.
• DO NOT REMOVE ANY BOLTS OR SCREWS that secure parts of the tool together.
• Oil tools regularly because proper lubrication is very important for continued operation of the tools as well as increased safety of moving parts.
• In the event of a malfunction or jam:
1. Disconnect the airline.
2. Remove all fasteners (staples or nails) from the magazine.
3. With a clearing tool, push the driver all the way back into the driver track.
4. Open the guide body gate manually, if not already popped open, and remove all pieces of the jammed fasteners.
5. Check condition of fasteners and feed tension for cause of jam.
6. Tighten all screws and fittings.
7. Reload and test the tool.

Rigging

• At the beginning of each work period in which rigging is to be done, appropriate safety procedures must be explained to the entire crew.
• Work should be arranged so that all rigging and flying are done together. No other work will take place on stage at these times.
• When an arbor is being loaded, unloaded, or when a piece is coming in, there will be complete silence on stage.
• Only the technical director or crew head may call instructions to the grid crew. The director should inform both the grid and stage crew before a batten or piece is pulled in or out.
• IF YOU DISCOVER ANY IRREGULARITY IN A CABLE, ROPE, OR THE COUNTERWEIGHT SYSTEM, REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY TO THE FACULTY OR STAFF MEMBER IN CHARGE. Any repairs or modification to a system must be checked and approved by the appropriate faculty or staff member.
• Before loading or unloading an arbor, the grid worker must call out: "Clear the rail!" This call is a warning that everyone must clear the area of the stage adjacent to the locking rail. When this area is clear, someone on stage must call out "Rail Clear!" Only after this has been done should the grid worker commence loading or unloading the arbor. It is the responsibility of the stage worker who gives the "Rail Clear" call to keep the rail area vacant.
• When loading or unloading is complete, the grid worker should call out "Rail is Safe". This call should be acknowledged from the stage.
• A counterweight set must be left in a balanced position. This means neither "batten-heavy" nor "arbor-heavy" beyond the control of a single operator. If it is impossible to balance a set, the lock should be supplemented by a checkline and the condition of the set labeled accordingly.
• When not in use, every counterweight set should be locked off with the locking rings in place.
• A 10 lb. weight should not be place on the top of the stacked weights in an arbor--a 20 lb. or heavier weight should always be on top!
• Counterweights that are not in use on either the stage floor or loading platform must be neatly arranged. They must never be stacked above the toe rail height of the loading platform.
• When rigging pipes, battens and other flying pieces with a rope, secure the piece with a clove hitch finished with a half hitch and tape.
• When hanging scenery or goods, the load should be attached to the batten before the arbor is loaded. When striking scenery or goods, the arbor should be unloaded before the load is removed from the batten.
• Pipe extensions to battens must be securely bolted, lashed, or wedged into the batten. There should always be at least 3' of pipe extension inside the batten. Long weight bearing extensions must be bridled to the batten.
• When not is use, every batten must be stripped of hardware, extensions, hemp, other attachments and accessories.
• Stagehouse rigging must be checked and approved by a faculty or staff member before use.
• Tools brought onto the grid must be tied or secured to the worker. Pockets should be emptied before going on to the grid.
• Tools, hardware, shims, etc., must never be left loose on the grid.
• Dead hung masking or scenery should be lowered or raised with the batten parallel to the stage floor, never tipped.
• Ropes or electrical lines must never be dropped to the stage floor from the grid. They should be pulled up, coiled, and carried down.
• The correct call to warn of a batten, piece, or line coming in, under control, is "Head!" The emergency call for dropping objects is "Clear!". It is the responsibility of the crew heads that all persons working on stage understand these calls.
• All operating purchase lines must be in good condition.
• All tension pulleys must be free to move and holding the purchase lines taut.
• Rope lock brakes must be adjusted to hold purchase line and safety rings holding handles in place.
• Safety plates must be operable on arbors.
• Operating purchase lines and cables must be securely attached to arbor.
• Batten ends must be capped with a bright and impact absorbing material.
• All items (drapes, lights, drops, cyc, etc.) must be securely attached to battens.
• All temporary rigging must use appropriate rope or cable to support the weight of the items being held.
• The weights that need to remain on the arbor at all times in order to balance the empty batten, must be painted a bright color and everyone must know that they should not be removed.

Welding

• Never watch someone weld without the proper eye wear. Ultraviolet rays produced during welding can be very dangerous to the unprotected eye.
• When others are welding never assume that the metal pieces are cold. Always ask those involved whether it is safe to touch metal objects that may have been welded.
• Never work in the vicinity of someone welding when you have a disposable lighter in your pocket. It is possible that they will explode if a stray spark lands on them.
• Welding must only be done when proper ventelation is available.
• Make sure that the welding area is clear from all flamable objects and material.

Paint & Chemicals

• The main goal of the shop is to eliminate all toxic, flamable or potentially hazardous paints, chemicals and dyes from the area. Any materials that fall into this catigory should only be allow in the shop when no other acceptable subistitues can be found and then they must be handaled with strict safety precautions.
• Paints and chemicals brought into the shop and theatre facility should be water based, non-toxic, and non-flamable.
• All paints and chemicals brought into the shops or theatre facilities must have MSDS sheets.
• All flamble materials must be stored in the flamable starage cabinet.
• Sprays useage must be done in a controlled booth or done outside.
• Air pressure spraying of of scenic paint should be eliminated in the shop because of lack of ventilation.
• Old scenic paint should not be poured down the drain or thrown in the dumpster. The cover should be left off and the liquid allowed to vaporize.
• Any toxic paint or chemcal shold be given to the campus hazard control officer for proper disposal.
• When paint is mixed into larger of different than the origanial containers, these new containers must be labeled properly so other will know what is in the cantainer.

Strike

• The most dangerous time of a production is when the show is over and the set is struck. This is a time of pronounced exhilaration and exhaustion--or both--and warrants a greater degree of attention and vigilance than any other period in the life of a show. If you feel that you are emotionally, mentally, or physically unable to participate safely, immediately advise the director or representative who is in charge!

Training

• Given books and sign off that it has been read.
• Attend lab demos
• Understand the operation of each machine, tool, or instrument before using.

Electrical & Lighting

• Do not use any defective or questionable electrical tool, cord, connection or accessory! Immediately report any shortcoming for repair or replacement and make certain that hazardous equipment is adequately identified and removed from service.
• During rehearsals and performances, electrical lines running along the stage floor should be taped or otherwise secured to prevent tripping.
• Use only heavy duty U.L. listed extension cords of proper wire size and length.
• Only trained personnel are permitted to work on lighting and its circuitry.
• Only trained personnel who have received formal instruction in the operation of the dimmer boards and patch panels are permitted to work with this instrumentation.
• If an electrical cord is equipped with a 3-prong plug, it should be plugged into a 3-hole receptacle. If an adapter must be used to accommodate a 3-prong plug into a 2-hole receptacle, the 3rd or ground wire on the adapter must be properly attached to a known ground. Never remove the ground prong from a plug in order to make it fit a 2-hole receptacle or outlet!
• Any incident of electrical shock--no matter how slight--must be reported for immediate correction to the faculty or staff member in charge.
• All wires and insulation must be in good repair.
  (extension cords, lighting cables, and electrical tools)
• All electrical connectors must be in good repair
• The correct lamps must be used in each instrument.
• All yokes and "C" clamps on instruments must be securely fastened.
• All gel frames must be correctly fastened to the instruments.
• Safety chains or cables must be attached to all instruments in hanging positions.
• Lens housings and clips must be tight and secure.
• Dimmer capacities must be clearly indicated on the console.
• All circuit breakers must be working and of appropriate capacity.
• Contacts in the patch panel must be tight and in good repair.
• Follow spots must be in good repair and controls clearly marked.
• All switches, panels, and junction boxes must be covered.
• High-voltage circuits, panels, and switches must be marked as dangerous.
• Unused cables must be removed, coiled, tied, and put on storage rack.

*This Handbook was created in 2007 by Ken Stofferahn. Portions of the content were edited from the University of Indianapolis Student Handbook and other resources. The content is strictly for educational purposes of the students of UWRF.