Safe Working Practices

Props Mistress

As the Props Mistress it is important to make sure that all the props meet the highest health and safety regulations so that no one is harmed or injured.

Food: As there was food used on stage we had to make sure that no one had any allergies to bread or cheese. Bread crumbs

Chairs or stools: As there are chairs and stools in our musicals I have to make sure that they are structurally sound.

Not blocking exits to avoid tripping. Make sure that performers have enough space to get changes Make sure that all props are either on or under the tables to avoid

tripping over. Make sure that the props tables/areas are lit enough to see in the dark

back stage areas. Make sure that all used food items such as cans are cleaned out

thoroughly to avoid mould growing which could cause illness as the actors have to pretend to drink from the cans.

Make sure that the props store remains clean and organised and that any items that are hooked on to walls are secure.

The age, size and physical fitness of the performers should be taken into account in all stages of design, purchase, construction and use of hand props and costumes. For example we considered the weight of the flags so that they are able to wave them effectively.

I also had to make sure that the Hand held lights we not broken and that when they did brake they had sharp plastic on them so they had to be replaced.

Slushies’ – We could not have real slushies’ like the director wanted because of the health and safety implications of having melting ice on and off stage. They also had to dance with the slushies’ and they get thrown into the Kart which would be messy.

Weight of coffee Machine and Cash Till – We had to consider the weight and position of the coffee machine and the cash till because the actors dance and sit on the counters.

In the shop we also had to make sure that all the items were stuck down on to the shelves so that nothing fell off the set and created a tripping hazard.

Confetti cannon – The director also asked for fireworks to be on stage however because of the danger of this we used a confetti canon instead as it is just compressed air. It is also kept off stage and is only brought in when it is needed.

Champagne and wine bottles – We also had to make sure that all the wine bottles were empty so that if they were dropped they would not make a slipping hazard.