Risk assesment/Health and safety

Whilst planning a live performance I understand how important it is to take in to consideration the audience whilst desicion making, however you also need to be aware of the actors and ensure they are safe and any movement on stage does not cause them to be in danger of: slipping, clashing in to or tripping over props etc. I was able to discuss with other members in my group the risks of working on stage, they included:

·  Darkness – it can cause actors to become anxious as it can be dangerous to move around in blackout

·  Unstable screening – the immaculate sized backgrounds need to be positioned in stable as it changes during the performance

·  Using power tools for construction – for anyone taking on responsibility to use the tools they should ensure they are not left unattended on left plugged in. Helmets, gloves etc should be worn and lose items on yourself such as a tie, long hair etc are tied up.

·  Props getting lost, damaged or confused for its use – each prop is very important and is made for purpose

By thoroughly going over these risks my group and I were able to think of a few solutions which could come to our advantage:

·  Use of torches backstage during blackout

·  All stage furniture has a mark taped on the floor so all the crew can acknowledge where it is allocated

·  Scenery is braced and made stable

·  Usual health and safety rules apply to safe use of power tools e.g. wearing goggles, cutting away from your body etc

·  Props are kept on a special table and logged in and out by the prop manager

·  Have a first aid kit

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Pre Production

Risk	Solution
Use of power tools	wear safety clothing/goggles
Cutting equipment	use cutting mats
Slippery surfaces	indicate clear signs
Use of paint and glue	use water based
Heavy lifting	work in groups, bend knees not backs
Ensure that plants are safe to use	make sure he had easy access to enter and exit, no sharps bits, did not get dehydrated if it got too hot etc

Production

Risk	Solution
Stage blackout, tripping/falling/colliding	use of torches, all scenery positions clearly marked on the floor
Height hazard, falling off stage	use of barriers, clear announcements to cast/crew, pulling curtains during blackouts
Moving scenery around, position/remove/change	allocate specific job roles
Crowd control	controlled tickets sales, security, staff on the door, clear signs, research the seating limit in the venue, seating plan
Fire	clear announcement and signs, usual fire precautions
Props being misused/lost	keep props(inc. weaponry) on specific tables, keep a log book under control of the manager
Actors don’t get too hot	Have an interval during the production

By investigating the issues of risks that may arise we were able to come up with solutions. By doing this we had some conciliation that everyone safe. During rehearsals the procedure for if a fire alarm went off and where the closest fire exits were located were announced. Health and safety is very important and teachers have a legal obligation to ensure all backstage helpers, actors and the audience are in a safe environment