Working in the Theater space
Working with the fly system and ropes. When you are the person responsible for raising and lowering scenery or equipment it is your responsibility to make sure that people are out of the way, that all hazards are cleared and that everyone on stage knows that you are about to move something in or out (down or up) on stage. This should be a loud verbal warning so all can hear you over all other work going on at the time. This goes for lifting a bucket up to a scaffold to moving a one ton wall on a counterweight batten. Yes, you must watch the rope you are pulling and the object that it is moving at the same time.
Natural fiber ropes age and wear, so do not trust them completely.
Do not use any rope or hardware or cable that is worn or in questionable condition to fly anything that is heavy or could lead to a hazardous situation. We do not want to endanger the lives of anyone. If you have a question always ask someone who knows.
Working Above Whenever you are to work on the grid loading deck or any other overhead platform, all tools must be secured so they can't fall. Loose change and items in your pockets can cause serious injury if dropped from thirty feet. They should be removed before you ascend. You are responsible to make sure the people working beneath you know you are above them, and whenever possible they should be cleared from the area. If by chance an accident occurs and you do drop something, you should yell "HEADS !!!!" Do this clear and loud so people know where the warning is coming from and can scatter out of the way of danger. If you are below and hear "heads" yelled, get out of the freaking way. Do not let curiosity get the best of you and look up to see what is falling. This may lead to your face getting up close and personal with a stage weight and could cause serious injury or death.
If you need to work above in an area that does not provide railings and there is a possibility of a fall that could cause injury, you must wear proper fall protection equipment. You should also be trained in the correct use of this equipment.
Stage Elevator Lifts Stage lifts (elevators) are found in the Trueblood, Mendelssohn and Power Center stages. These are large and dangerous pieces of equipment. They have the capability of snapping a large piece of a set in half and could easily shear off a foot or crush someone to death. These lifts should only be operated by trained individuals. In Mendelssohn and Power this is the on call House Technician. You should obey all written and verbal instructions from them. In the Trueblood
there is no house Technician staff for our productions. When operating the elevator you must make sure there are no large objects on the lift. When lowering the lift you must make sure there is nothing sticking out of the cage. A person must ride down in the elevator to be able to stop it if there is a problem.
Set Strike This is where a lot of dangerous work goes on in a short amount of time. Make sure you are aware of all the things going on around you. The fast work pace and the extra enthusiasm you will find does not change the need to pay attention and follow all the rules for working in the theater and with power tools. Pay extra attention to nails in wood and debris on the floor.
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