Safety Manual and Practices

Lemont High School Theatre Tech Program

Safety Policy

LHS believes that nothing we do in the name of theatre or entertainment is worth compromising someone’s safety or well-being.

LHS attempts to maintain a safe theatre facility. This does not guarantee freedom from injury. The best form of safety lies in strict safety practices and procedures.

It is important that all students and staff recognize their obligation to conduct themselves in a safe manner.

Open Door Policy

Safety issues are of foremost consideration. Therefore LHS encourages an “Open Door” policy on safety matters.

WHERE/HOW TO REPORT SAFETY HAZARD/COMPLAINT:

Tech Theatre Class - report to Crew Head - Crew Head reports to instructor.

Rehearsal/Production - report to Stage Manager - Stage Manager reports to instructor.

Reports are verbal and on paper memos.

WHERE/HOW TO REPORT EMERGENCIES:

Report to instructor immediately.

Safety Materials and Information

Safety bulletin board backstage, next to stage right doors.

MSDS’ on file in shop.

FIRST AID: First Aid kits are

located backstage and in the booth. Both are in marked bright orange boxes.

Policy on Injuries

Minor Injuries Requiring Band-

Aid or ice pack. Complete “Boo

Boo” form and place in envelope near sign on board.

Major injury (an injury needing additional first

aid) Notify instructor

immediately. Accident form is

completed. Instructor will determine

plan based on severity of injury.

Instructor has received First Aid and CPR training.

The school nurse is on site during most school hours.

Using Gloves: Students are not required to

perform first aid on major injuries.

Technique for using gloves:

Use a clean pair of gloves for each contact or cleaning task.

Remove glove by grasping the cuff and stripping it off by turning it inside out.

Dispose of gloves in plastic bags.

Wash hands after removing gloves.

DISCIPLINE FOR SAFETY INFRACTIONS:

Due to the special nature of this department, there will be an expectation and requirement that all students exercise absolute responsibility regarding Lemont High School District 210 guidelines, class rules and requirements.

Immediate referral and possible removal from this class:

Failure to follow behavioral expectations discussed in the Student Behavior Code;

Unsafe behavior i.e.. improper use of tools, paint, brushes, rollers, etc.;

Disrupting other classes; Unauthorized absence from

theater or workstation.

Why?

Through these guidelines, it is my hope to provide a SAFE and productive environment for the students that are in the Theatre Tech class.

WORK WITH SPECIALIZED TRAINING:

Only those who have been trained on equipment are authorized to use it. This includes, but is not limited to lighting equipment,

sound equipment, power tools, hand tools and ladders.

Light Crew: All instruments must

have a safety cable attached.

When using “adjustable wrench” to adjust instruments, make sure it is attached to your belt.

Gloves must be worn when focusing instruments.

Costume Crew:

Sewing machines must be in good working order.

Hot glue guns are to be used in an open area and unplugged immediately after use.

SAFETY COMMITTEE:

Members: Stage Manager, Tech Theatre Crew Heads, Theatre instructor.

The Safety Committee has authority over all students of LHS Theatre.

Meetings are held with Stage Manager as secretary.

EMPLOYEE SAFETY TRAINING:

Crew Heads and Stage Manager will receive training on safety concerns twice a year.

All students in theatre program will be drilled on evacuation procedures and safety plan.

Drills will occur on the first technical rehearsal of each production (approximately 5 times a year).

GENERAL SAFETY AND WORK RULES:

FIRE PREVENTION: The theatre has

extinguishers that will extinguish all types of fires.

Fires rarely occur naturally. As a rule, personal

carelessness causes fires. Unfortunately, innocent

people suffer injury or death along with the careless individual.

By practicing fire prevention rules, you can help prevent injury to yourself and others.

Learn the locations of fire extinguishers and fire hoses. We have extinguishers both backstage and in the booth.

Become familiar with the operation of all types of extinguishers located in the theatre.

Nothing shall be hung on fire extinguishers, and the area around them must be kept clear so that they may be reached without delay if fire breaks out.

Kerosene, paints, lacquer thinner, chemicals, and all other finishing or cleansing materials are to be used in a well-ventilated room. They are never to be used near an open flame.

Three classes of fires:

Class A. Fires involving combustible material, wood, paper or cloth: To extinguish, cool and quench with pump-type tanks or soda and acid extinguishers. CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers may be used.

Class B. Fires involving flammable liquids such a gasoline, kerosene, grease, thinners, and paints: Smother the burning fuel. Foam and CO2 (carbon dioxide) or dry powder.

Class C. Fires involving electrical equipment: Use a non-conducting-type extinguisher such as CO2 (carbon dioxide) or dry powder.

LADDERS: Maintain ladders in good

condition. Keep safety feet and other

auxiliary equipment in good condition.

Inspect ladders frequently. Keep rungs free of grease and

oil. Face the ladder when ascending

or descending. Do not use the top step of an

ordinary ladder as a step. One person must stand at the

bottom of each side of the ladder when the ladder is in use.

Remove damaged or defectively constructed ladders from use.

Don’t place ladders where they can be accidentally struck or displaced.

Portable ladders in use shall be tied, blocked, or otherwise secured to prevent displacement.

Don’t place planks on top (cap) of stepladders.

Don’t splice ladders together. Don’t use metal ladders for

electrical work or near live electrical parts.

Mark portable metal ladders: CAUTION - DO NOT USE AROUND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.

PROTECTIVE GEAR:

The theatre shop space carries safety glasses, dust masks and gloves for use. Anyone working with power tools must supply their own set of ear plugs.

Eye & Face Protection:Eye protection (or a face shield) is required where there is an inherent risk of eye injury from flying particles, injurious chemicals or harmful light rays.

Body Protection:Be sure clothing is safe and suitable for shop work. Remove or fasten any loose clothing. Roll long or loose sleeves above the elbows. Keep hair away from equipment in operation. Long hair must be confined. Jewelry is not to be worn while you are working in the shop.

Hearing Protection:Wear proper ear plugs while engaged in high noise operations.

Head Protection:Use head protection when exposed to falling or flying objects.Keep hair up or covered if it is long enough to become entangled in moving parts of machinery.

PROPER LIFTING TECHNIQUES:

Squat from the knees, never bend from the waist.

Keep spine straight, tuck your chin.

Keep feet comfortably spread...about shoulder width.

Keep load close to your body. Never twist while carrying any

load...no matter how light. Seek assistance in moving

any heavy or bulky item.

PERSONAL SAFETY PRACTICES

Student must develop good safety habits; they are for your protection and the protection of others.

When in doubt, ask your instructor. Do not depend upon the advice of another student.

Caution other students if you see a violation of a safety practice.

Disturbing another student while he is working is a dangerous practice.

A student who sees a dangerous situation must report it to the instructor at once.

Dry your hand completely before touching electrical switches, plugs or receptacles.

Safety Cont.

Playing, running, and throwing objects are dangerous practices in any shop and are forbidden at all times.

Spilled liquids on floors are slippery and dangerous. Clean them up at once.

Keep floors, aisles, and passageways clear of stock, tools, and materials.

Never use chairs or desks for climbing or standing. Use ladders only.

Keep all storage areas clean, neat, and free of unused materials. All heavy items should be kept on lower shelves.

Keep cords (electrical, phone, etc.) out of walkways.

Inspect all electrical apparatus in use in each room to ensure good operating condition. Look for frayed cords, broken plugs, exposed wires, and broken or cracked housings.

TOOL SAFETY:

Hand tools and hand tool safety are too often taken for granted. Hammers, knives, wrenches, files, screwdrivers, saws, and such tools are often so

casually treated that their danger is not realized.No one is to use any tools without receiving proper

instruction. If any tool seems broken or unsafe, notify tool manager, crew head or S. M. immediately.

GENERAL HAND TOOL SAFETY PRACTICES:

The proper use of tools, machines, and materials is necessary to prevent accidents in the shop.

When using machines or hand tools, give the job at hand all your attention.

The motion involved in striking or cutting must be done away from oneself and other student.

Sharp, pointed tools or materials are not to be carried in clothing. Cover sharp edges. Hold sharp points down.

Immediately report to the instructor all breakage or damage to tools, machinery, or equipment.

Screws, nails and other foreign objects found in the school shop are never to be placed in one’s mouth.

Report to the instructor or crew head, any equipment that does not work properly.

Do not tamper with equipment. Service and maintenance may be done only with the permission of the instructor.

Basic Hand Tool Rules: Be sure your hands are as free as possible of dirt, grease, and oil when

using tools. Use the proper type and size of hand tool. Make sure that the tools you are going to use are sharp and in good

condition. Use edged or pointed tools with special care. Be sure, when using a sharp-edged tool, to point the edge away from

yourself and your classmates. Keep tools and materials from projecting over the edges of benches. Firmly hold or clamp all work in a vise. Use a brush to clean chips, shavings, or scraps from a bench. Wear a face shield or safety glasses (goggles or spectacles) when chipping

or cutting with a cold chisel. Arrange your work so that classmates are protected from flying chips.

Pass tools to others with the handles first.

HAMMERS

Use the proper type and size of hammer for the job.

When hammering machined, tempered, or hardened surfaces, use a soft-faced hammer such as rawhide, lead or copper.

Check to see that the hammer head is not damaged, and that it is securely attached to the handle. The handle must be firm and free from cracks or splinters.

Before using a hammer, make sure that your hands and the handle are dry.

Do not choke a hammer. Grip it near the end of the handle and use a normal swing.

SCREWDRIVERS: Use a screwdriver of the correct

size and shape for the job. Be sure the blade is in good

condition. If it is not, check with your instructor.

Never hold the work in your hand while using a screwdriver.

Clamp small work on the bench or secure in a vise when driving screws.

Screwdrivers are not to be used as chisels or as pry bars.

Use a screwdriver with an insulated handle when working with electrical equipment.

Never use pliers on a screwdriver to increase the twist.

HAND SAWS: Select the proper saw for the job to be

done. Clear the work area before sawing.

Make sure that the material to be sawed is well supported.

Saws jump out of the cut when improperly engaged or forced. Start cut on the back stroke by guiding the blade with your thumb. Move free hand away after the cut is started.

When finished with a saw, place it so that no one can accidentally brush against the teeth. When saws are not to be used, hand them up in their proper places.

Watch your saw and your work. When nearing the end of a cut, ease up on the pressure and stroke.

HACKSAWS: Select the right type of hacksaw

blade for the type of material to be cut.

Inspect the frame to see that the blade is properly installed.

Hacksaw blades are of hardened steel and will hatter if forced during the cut.

Watch your saw and your work. Ease up the pressure and stroke as the cut is being completed.

Never use a hacksaws as a hammer to knock off a piece of material that has been partially cut.

BRACE AND BIT, HAND DRILLS:

Select the proper tool for the job.

Check the brace for proper alignment and assembly. Check the drill or bit for sharpness.

Always assemble and disassemble the brace and bit or hand drill at the work station.

Ease up on pressure when a drill or bit is “breaking through” the material.

WRENCHES: Use a wrench big enough for the

job. Never get added leverage by slipping a piece of pipe over the handle.

When using adjustable wrenches, pull toward the movable jaw. The pressure will then be against the stationary jaw.

Jaws on all wrenches must fit snugly around the bold or nut.

Never apply a wrench to moving machinery. Do not leave a wrench where it can cause injury to you or others.

BASIC MACHINERY

MACHINE SAFETY PRACTICES:

Qualify as a safe machine operator. Obtain permission from your teacher before using any power

equipment. Check adjustments on machines before turning on the power. Make sure that all the other students are clear of the machine

before turning on the power. Keep all machine safety guards in correct position. Start your own machine and remain with it until you have turned

it off and it has come to a complete stop. Stay clear of machines being operated by others. When a machine does not seem to work properly, turn it off and

notify the instructor. Wait for machines to come to a complete stop before oiling,

cleaning, or adjusting them. Special precautions should be taken when working with short

pieces of stock.

PORTABLE ELECTRICAL MACHINES:

Drill motors, vibrating sanders, sabre saws, routers, and belt sanders are all

examples of portable electrical machinery. Misuse of these machines can cause serious injury or death by electrocution. The following safety

practices are common to all the machines mentioned above.

Obtain permission from the teacher before starting any of the machines.

Always make sure the power switch is in the OFF position before connecting the cord to the power source.

Report any mechanical defect to the teacher at once.

Most portable electric machines are provided with a three-pronged plug. If a two-pronged plug with a separate ground wire is used, the wire must always be connected to the ground.

Use only the electrical outlets that match the plug end of the cord.

Keep the electric motor, cord, and plug dry at all times.

Coil up the cord and return the machine to its holder when finished. Loose dangling cords can be dangerous.

PORTABLE ELECTRIC DRILL MOTOR:

Portable electric drill motors come in several sizes. Most electric drill motors have a safety switch. This switch is designed to insure automatic power cutoff when the trigger is released.

Do not tamper with the switch provided by the manufacturer. If the drill motor has a switch-locking feature, use it only as instructed.

Remove the chuck key immediately after tightening or removing a twist drill or power bit from the chuck.

Apply straight and steady pressure on the drill motor. Do not ram or weave. This practice breaks the twist drill power bits and may cause injury to the operator.

Ease up on feed pressure as the drill or bit emerges from the work.

PORTABLE JIGSAW (SABRE SAW):

The shoe or sole should always be kept in contact with the work.

Never reach under the material being cut.

Do not cut cylindrical stock unless properly clamped and checked by your instructor.

When you are through cutting, turn off the switch. Do not put the saw down until the motor stops.

Switch on the saw before the blade comes in contact with the work, except when inside cuts are made.

Turn off the switch and wait until all the action stops before removing the saw blade from an unfinished cut.

Let the blade cut at its own rate of speed; do not force the tool.

Always avoid sideways pressure on the blade when cutting.

When cutting bevels, relief cuts, or sharp curves, use a slow feed.

PORTABLE SAW:

Be sure that the saw is properly grounded. With the saw switch off and the saw disconnected from the power source, make sure

that the blade is in good shape and is the proper type for the work to be done. check to see that the blade is tight.

Check to see that the retractable blade guard is functioning properly before connecting the saw to the power source. Never tie back the blade guard.

Make all adjustments with power off and with saw disconnected from the power supply. Keep the electrical cord clear of the cutting operation. Make sure that the material to be cut is firmly supported and free of any foreign

materials. Wear a face shield when using the portable saw. Bring the saw blade up to the desired point of cut, back up slightly, and start the motor.

When full speed is reached, advance the saw through the work. Do not force the saw. Never reach underneath the material being cut. Stand to one side of the cut. When the saw is through the cut, release the switch. Apply brake or wait until the

blade stops before setting the saw down. Disconnect the saw from the power source.