Hazard Warning - Basic Theatre Safety

All these sections on Occupational Health issues are meant to solely increase your awareness of certain potential hazards and are not intended to as a complete guide. Medical concerns should be immediately communicated to your physician or a responsible health care provider.

Theater work combines many artistic and craft mediums. The basic rules apply for working in a wood shop or with with live electricity. Many of the basic practices are mentioned in our Important General Information Section (please read it!!).

BUT one should remember that even though theater work is often about deadlines, one should NEVER work with power tools, electricity,or rigging lights, going up on a ladder if you are tired. It is not worth hurting your self or others for that matter (that is why there is a union of theater workers to regulate the amount of hours they work per day etc..). Not only can you hurt yourself and the crew but the entire cast and audience if you mess up!! Lights not rigged right can fall and/or start a fire.

When working in the shop ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE EYE GEAR & GLOVES. That goes for working with anything that can get into your eyes- plaster chips (when breaking open a mold), dust, glass, working with UV light, etc... That goes the same for wearing gloves- your skin absorbs liquids so wear gloves when working with hazardous materials and also wear them when working with lights!!!.

ALSO wearing the right clothing is essential- no ties or clothing that could get caught in a power tool and the right shoes for working in a wood shop and climbing ladders.

WE CAN not stress enough of SAFETY IN NUMBERS: When using dangerous materials, equipment (power tools), live electricity, and/or using ladders- never, never be alone- make sure someone is going to be PHYSICALLY around or at least have someone come by periodically (in person) to check on you.

Fire proofing is essential in theater (especially in Boston). Make sure that you have enough fire extinguishers on hand and that your emergency exits are clearly marked and usable at all times. Use fire proof or flame retardant materials (you can buy products to spray things to make them this way). One should call Stage Source for more info on these very important issues!