NOTICE TO ALL USERS:

The following should be read and thoroughly understood before using the Department of Speech and Drama Scenic Studio and must be observed at all times while using the theater and studio facilities.

Understand that the use of scenic studio machinery and stage equipment is voluntary on your part.  You my use the tools, machines, and stage equipment only after you have been instructed in their proper use and have approval of the Technical Director or authorized representative.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES:

1.                  Individuals should never work in the scenic studio or theaters without the technical director or authorized representative present.  Never work alone.

2.                  Do not attempt to use any tool or machine before being fully trained in its use by the Technical Director or authorized representative.  It is your responsibility to ask for assistance if you are unsure how to safely use a tool, machine, or stage equipment.

3.                  Always wear eye and ear protection when operating any stationary or hand power tool. 

4.                  Remove adjusting keys and wrenches before turning on tool or machine.

5.                  Keep floor around tool or machine work area free from scraps and debris.

6.                  While operating any power tool or machine, absolute concentration is a must. Talking or allowing others to talk to you can distract you form the task at hand.  If a conversation is necessary, turn off the tool or machine.

7.                  Do not force the tool or machine to cut at a faster rate than it was designed for.

8.                  Use the right tool.  Don't force a tool or machine to do a job for which is was not designed.

9.                  Allow the tool or machine to come to a complete stop before attempting any adjustments.

10.              Disconnect power when servicing, changing blades, bits and cutters.

11.              After completing a task, clean equipment and work area thoroughly with a brush and/or broom and return tools to their proper storage compartments. 

12.              Any tool or machine found to be out of order or malfunctioning in any way should be immediately reported to the Technical Director.

13.              Never operate any tool or machine while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, medication or if you are exhausted.  Do not work if you might be putting yourself or others at  risk of injury.

CLOTHING SAFETY RULES

1.                  Never wear loose clothing of any kind, such as a necktie, gloves, long sleeves or anything else that might get caught in moving parts.

2.                  Long hair should be tied back out of the way.

3.                  Rings, bracelets, necklaces, and wrist watches should not be worn while operating power tools and machinery.

4.                  Shoes should have thick soles and should provide protection that can withstand the weight of heavy objects that might accidentally fall on your feet. Sandals or open toed shoes are not allowed in the scenic studio.

5.                  Long pants are recommended when working in the scenic studio and must be worn when welding.

GENERAL RULES FOR STATIONARY POWER TOOLS

1.                  Do not operate a machine without its safety guards in place and in good working order.

2.                  Think through all operations carefully before turning on the machine.  Think twice, measure twice, cut once.

3.                  Before the power is turned on, remove all tools, wood scraps, or other materials from the machine table.  Vibration from the machine might cause these items to move into the path of a moving part.

4.                  Check the setup of the machine carefully for each job before turning on the machine.

5.                  Never leave a machine unattended while it is still running.

6.                  Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

7.                  Obtain help when handling long or broad pieces of wood or other materials.

8.                  Make sure that spectators do not stand directly in line with revolving cutters or material.

9.                  While a machine is running, be alert to noises that might mean it is not operating properly. If it does not sound right, shut it off and get help from the technical director.      

10.              Once a machine has been turned off, do not use a stick or your hands to slow down or stop moving parts.

GENERAL RULES FOR PORTABLE POWER TOOLS

1.                  Use only a tool that can handle the job adequately.

2.                  Before starting a motor, always check to see that the tool is in safe operating condition and that there are no loose parts or extraneous materials.

3.                  When a power tool is not in use, disconnect it at the outlet. It is not completely safe to trust tool switches.  When you disconnect the tool from the outlet, do not pull the plug from the receptacle by yanking on the power cord.

4.                  Hold tool firmly with both hands.  Use a vise or clamp to hold work whenever possible.

5.                  Do not activate a tool while carrying it at your side.

LADDERS, TELESCOPING LADDER, AND PERSONNEL LIFT. 

1.                  Students are not required to use ladders or personnel lifts.

2.                  Do not stand on the top of any ladder.

3.                  Any time a student climbs above 8' on a ladder, it must be held by another student.

4.                  Do not leave anything unattended on the steps of a ladder or on the top of a ladder or personnel lift.

5.                  Make sure a ladder is firmly placed before climbing.

6.                  Do not lean or overreach while on a ladder or personnel lift.

7.                  Never move a ladder or personnel lift while someone is on it.

8.                  Always adjust and lock the outriggers and/or casters before climbing the telescoping ladder.

9.                  Outriggers must be in place and secured before raising the personnel lift.

RIGGING SYSTEM

1.                  Do not use the rigging system without proper training.

2.                  Do not operate the rigging system without a spotter or a clear view of the stage.

3.                  Be sure the load is properly balanced. Always release the brake carefully and slowly.

4.                  Do not leave a line set without locking the brake.

5.                  Attachment and removal of scenery to and from battens shall be done under the supervision of an authorized member of the shop staff.

6.                  Changing weights shall be done under the supervision of an authorized member of the shop staff.

7.                  When changing weights on a loading gallery above the stage floor, the floor must be cleared of people back to the proscenium arch before any weights are moved. Sound off when starting and when finished. A spotter must be stationed on the floor to keep people from walking in the vicinity of the counterweight arbors while weights are being changed from above.

8.                  When loading a batten, always load the batten first and the arbor last when changing weights at the loading gallery above the floor.

9.                  When unloading a batten, always unload the arbor first and the batten second when changing weights at the loading gallery above the floor.

10.              Sound off when moving a line set in or out during rigging or construction activities.

11.              Do not move a line set without warning any persons who may be working on the grid.

12.              If a line set runs away and is too heavy to safely stop, warn all present and take cover.

13.              The lock rail should be labeled with what is on each line set and which line set(s) are not to be moved.

14.              In a performance situation, only move lines on cue. Moving a line before a cue could cause severe injury or damage to persons and property on stage. If the line set seems out of balance, don't move it. Notify the technical supervisor immediately.

15.              If you are unsure about any aspect of the rigging system, ask the technical supervisor.

16.              It may be necessary, due to the size or configuration of a piece of flown scenery, to add or remove weights from the arbor when it is down at stage floor level. This could be a potentially dangerous procedure and must be done only under direct supervision of a technical supervisor.