THEATER HEALTH AND SAFETY SELF-EVALUATION CHECKLIST



I. General Considerations                                 YES    NO     N/A

                                       

1. Who is the management representative responsible

   for health and safety?                                 ( )    ( )    ( )

2. Is there a labor/management Health & Safety Committee? ( )    ( )    ( )

3. Is there an evaluation procedure for new materials,

   productions, and special effects?                      ( )    ( )    ( )

4. Are there material safety data sheets on products and

   chemicals in use?                                      ( )    ( )    ( )

5. Is there right-to-know training for all employees?     ( )    ( )    ( )

6. Are there special procedures for the health and

   safety of child actors?                                ( )    ( )    ( )



II. Fire Safety



1.  Are there written emergency procedures?               ( )    ( )    ( )

2.  Are fire drills routinely scheduled?                  ( )    ( )    ( )

3.  Are the emergency exits clearly marked

    accessible?                                           ( )    ( )    ( )

4.  Is the sprinkler system functional?                   ( )    ( )    ( )

5.  Are there appropriate fire extinguishers?             ( )    ( )    ( )

6.  Are the fire extinguishers in good condition and      

    checked regularly?                                    ( )    ( )    ( )

7.  Is there adequate training for their use?             ( )    ( )    ( )

8.  Is there a working fire alarm system?                 ( )    ( )    ( )

9.  Are there working smoke alarms?                       ( )    ( )    ( )

10. Are there appropriate fireproof curtains, props,      

    sets, and costumes as required?                       ( )    ( )    ( )

11. Are there fireguards or firefighters present at

    each performance?                                     ( )    ( )    ( )



III. Theater Conditions



A.  Stage Conditions

1.  Is rigging safely secured?                            ( )    ( )    ( )

2.  Are props safely secured?                             ( )    ( )    ( )

3.  Are lights safely secured?                            ( )    ( )    ( )

4.  Are trap doors and pits adequately marked?            ( )    ( )    ( )

5.  Are the grooves in the floor clearly marked?          ( )    ( )    ( )

6.  Are electrical outlets recessed?                      ( )    ( )    ( )

7.  Is electrical wiring secured on floors and walls?     ( )    ( )    ( )

8.  Are electrical cords clearly marked?                  ( )    ( )    ( )

9.  Are elevations clearly marked and safe?               ( )    ( )    ( )

10. Are raked stages used and safe?                       ( )    ( )    ( )

11. Do stage floors have adequate resiliency?             ( )    ( )    ( )

12. Are the stage floors dry and cleared of 

    slippery materials?                                   ( )    ( )    ( )

13. Are the stage floors free of splinters, nails, 

    or worn-out floorboards?                              ( )    ( )    ( )





B. Lighting

1. Are the stage lights properly focussed, angled and

   located?                                               ( )    ( )    ( )

2. Is there adequate lighting backstage?                  ( )    ( )    ( )

3. Do lasers meet FDA requirements?                       ( )    ( )    ( )

4. Is black light output low in ultraviolet radiation?    ( )    ( )    ( )

5. Are there adequate precautions for strobe lights?      ( )    ( )    ( )



C. Stairways

1. Are the treads and backstage stairs maintained 

   in good condition?                                     ( )    ( )    ( )

2. Are the stairwells properly lit?                       ( )    ( )    ( )

3. Are the alleyways clear of litter and obstacles?       ( )    ( )    ( )



D. Environmental Conditions

1. Is the temperature comfortable?                        ( )    ( )    ( )

2. Are costumes modified appropriately for extremes of   

   temperature?                                           ( )    ( )    ( )

3. Is the humidity level optimal?                         ( )    ( )    ( )

4. Is there sufficient air flow with adequate intake of   

   clean outside air?                                     ( )    ( )    ( )

5. Is the stage area free of drafts?                      ( )    ( )    ( )

6. Is the air free of contaminants?                       ( )    ( )    ( )



IV. Stage Conditions



A. Stage Traffic

1. Are entrances and exits well choreographed 

   and rehearsed?                                         ( )    ( )    ( )

2. Are on-stage movements well choreographed

   and rehearsed?                                         ( )    ( )    ( )



B. Stunts/Stage Combat

1. Are there written procedures?                          ( )    ( )    ( )

2. Are stunts and combat carefully choreographed and 

   planned by qualified personnel?                        ( )    ( )    ( )

3. Is there adequate training and rehearsal time?

4. Are there padded landing areas for jumps over 6 feet?  ( )    ( )    ( )



C. Firearms and Weapons

1. Is there a qualified person in charge of all 

   firearms and weapons?                                  ( )    ( )    ( )

2. Are there appropriate licenses?                        ( )    ( )    ( )

3. Is there secure storage for firearm and weapons when 

   not in use?                                            ( )    ( )    ( )

4. Is there adequate training and procedures for those

   using firearms?                                        ( )    ( )    ( )

5. Are the firearms and weapons routinely inspected?      ( )    ( )    ( )



D. Special Effects (Fogs, Fire, Smoke, Etc.)

1. Is there a fire permit when required?                  ( )    ( )    ( )

2. Is there hearing protection for noise, (e.g. 

   firearms or explosions)?                               ( )    ( )    ( )

3. Are materials chosen for optimal safety?               ( )    ( )    ( ) 

4. Are protective fire gels for skin and hair used

   in fire scenes?                                        ( )    ( )    ( )

5. Is sand and artificial snow free of contaminants?      ( )    ( )    ( )



V. Miscellaneous



A. First Aid/Medical Procedures

1. Are there approved first aid kits available?           ( )    ( )    ( )

2. Are there emergency medical procedures?                ( )    ( )    ( )

3. Is there a list of local physicians and medical

   facilities?                                            ( )    ( )    ( )



B. Make-up

1. Are there individual make-up kits for each performer?  ( )    ( )    ( )

2. Are ingredients listed on makeup?                      ( )    ( )    ( )

3. Is there appropriate ventilation for aerosols (e.g.                     

   hairsprays)?                                           ( )    ( )    ( )

 

C. Travel and Tours

1. Is there advance inspection of stage, dressing 

   rooms etc.?                                            ( )    ( )    ( )

2. Is there adequate rest time between arrival at a 

   location and practice/performance?                     ( )    ( )    ( )

3. Are buses and trucks inspected?                        ( )    ( )    ( )

4. Are there reasonable standards for accommodations?     ( )    ( )    ( )

5. Is there available sanitary drinking water in 

   the dressing rooms?                                    ( )    ( )    ( )







This checklist was made possible through a grant from the New York State

Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education

Program.  



(c) copyright Center for Safety in the Arts 1988