Activity/ Process/ Operation

What are the Hazards to Health and Safety

What Risks do they pose and to whom?

Risk Level

H/M/L

What precautions have been taken to reduce the risk?

Risk Level Achieved H/M/L

What further action is needed to reduce the risk

Use of stage lighting - general

Heat from high powered lanterns igniting scenery /drapes

Fire on stage/in auditorium;

Risk to cast/crew/audience

H

All materials used in standard fixings/drapes either DFR or retardant treated;

Lanterns positioned correctly to avoid direct contact

L

Continuous monitoring of materials used on stage as per T & C

Use of pyrotechnic effects during performances -

Includes use of blank firing firearms during performances

Ignition of scenery/drapes from effects;

Burns or flash injury from effects.

Fire on stage;

Severe burns to cast/crew/audience;

With firearms, also potential flash burns

H

All materials in vicinity of effects to be fully fire retardant;

Cast/crew fully briefed on what is being used and where – demonstration of each effect to full company;

Only competent and trained technicians to be permitted to set and fire effects according to house pyro policy statement;

Appropriate means of elimination of flame readily available – eg fire extinguisher/sand bucket etc.

For firearms, use only permitted with NAC approved armourer on site and monitoring;

All cast involved to be fully briefed and/or trained on blank firearm safety

M

Active involvement of house tech crew for ALL instances of pyrotechnic use;

Where feasible, pyrotechnic users to attend formal training and refreshers;

Monitoring to ensure firearms used as per NAC process

Storage of pyrotechnic devices

Unplanned explosion of stored effects.

Fire/burns to technical crew;

Damage to property

H

All pyrotechnic effects kept in storage in locked cupboard away from any potential source of ignition;

During performances, pyrotechnic effects only to be taken out by authorised technician as required

L

None

Storage of firearm blanks (gunpowder)

Unplanned explosion of stored cartridges

Fire/burns to technical crew;

Damage to property

M

All cartridges to be kept in locked gun case in secure room when not in use;

During performances, gun case accessible by armourer only;

Gun(s) to be loaded/unloaded by armourer only

L

None

Use of naked flame on stage

Ignition of scenery/drapes from prop – eg candle/lantern/lighter

Fire on stage/in auditorium;

Risk to cast/crew/audience

H

Use of naked flame on stage is discouraged except where essential to plot-line;

Stage manager or specific designate responsible for lighting/extinguishing props if lit off-stage;

If lit by cast on stage then full appreciation of risks and detailed rehearsal of actions taken.

Appropriate means of elimination of flame readily available – eg fire extinguisher/sand bucket etc

M

Fire exits

Inability to egress via stated exits due to blockage/hazards

If evacuating during actual fire, risk of injury/smoke damage/death if designated exits not available.

H

All users/staff made aware by signage and under T & C or hire that all designated exits to be kept clear at ALL times;

Property, costumes, scenery to be stored away from doors and access passages;

All fire exits to be clearly marked with approved signage

L

Continuous monitoring of clear doorways, including spot checks before and during performances

Evacuation

Failure to evacuate in real fire situations

If evacuating during actual fire, risk of injury/smoke damage/death if process not followed

M

Theatre Fire Safety policy to be available to all users either on paper or via internet web site detailing procedures to be followed;

Users to be advised of policy;

Clear statement of assembly point(s) to be displayed on fire safety signage throughout building

L

Regular reminders to users/volunteer staff of FS policy;

Fire drill to be effected where feasible

Evacuation – disabled patrons

Priority evacuation of able bodied patrons

Attempting to evacuate physically disabled/ wheelchair bound patrons/cast/crew before able bodied may cause blockages in exits

M

Front of House process dictates that able bodied persons evacuated first with less able held back to prevent blockages

L

Ensure FoH process available and adhered to by all users

Emergency Lighting

Failure of automated lighting and/or static lighting

During evacuation, risk to cast/crew/audience if signage not visible should mains electricity fail and normal lighting fails

H

Regular checks of both maintained and non-maintained lighting;

L

Continued regular checks of both maintained and non-maintained lighting;

Storage of combustible materials

Incorrect storage of combustibles together with potential ignition sources

All users if circumstances create likelihood of fire

M

Combustibles stored in suitable locations, away from potential ignition sources

L

Practical management of combustibles

Smoking

Dropped or discarded cigarettes/matches etc potential sources of ignition

All users if discarded cigarettes ignite flammable material

H

As per No Smoking legislation 2007 smoking within the premises is prohibited by law.;

No smoking signage is displayed within the premises;

Suitable cigarette bins are provided for users at the front of the building.

L

Enforcement of the no smoking policy