Health & safety for theatres & performers
Some pointers for where to start on Health & Safety
The phrase ‘Health & Safety’ is used in a variety of ways but mostly as a way of dissuading performers & technicians from a course of actions when ill informed managers can’t present a reasoned argument. Most reasons are ill-founded – hopefully this page will provide the means for you to be better informed.
What is on this page?
I’ve collected over the course of the last 20 years a small selection of sources that can provide most of the information that’s needed for you to gain an appreciation for Health & Safety. So that this information is at it’s most current, there are links to other sites where you can find documentation. Clicking on the links below will send you to a website with the original guide or downloadable document.
This should ensure:
- the document will be the most up to date version
- if a web page – it’s hopefully the most up to date information
If you know of a website that’s not listed and you think might be useful as a resource for others, then please let me know.
Websites
The Blue room link
An online forum for backstage technicians making it a good starting point for theatre/backstage technicians.
The UK Health & Safety Executive – link
The UK’s official watchdog/regulator for Health & Safety legislation that applies in the UK. It’s a good starting point if Google doesn’t find it first.
Association of British Theatre Technicians – link
A professional organisation for British Theatre technicians that composes many of the guidelines & standards for backstage theatre in the UK.
Professional Lighting & Sound Association (PLASA) – link
An industry led professional organisation for the entertainment industry with many well-known names as members. Many PLASA technical standards are worldwide accepted practice or embodied in legislation.
Bryan & Armstrong – Health And Safety In Broadcasting And The Performing Arts – link
Health & Safety recruitment specialists with a good insightful article in to Health & Safety in performing arts with some good pointers to starting a conversation about this often tricky subject.
Online documents & Guides
Volunteering:How to manage the risks – link
From the HSE for organisations that rely on volunteers to operate, an overview of your duties & responsibility
Electrical safety at places of Entertainment – link
A guide that outlines the main risks with electrical equipment used at places of entertainment and steps that can be taken to prevent electrical danger. It can be read by venue owners and their performing visitors. Source: UK HSE
Electrical Safety for entertainers – link
Contains some of the guidance in “Electrical safety at places of Entertainment” but presents examples of potential risks with sound & lighting equipment and also imported equipment. Source: UK HSE
Maintaining portable electrical equipment – link
Do you have control over or use portable electrical equipment? This is for managers, electricians, technicians & gives sensible advice on maintaining portable electrical equipment to prevent danger. Source: UK HSE
Smoke & Vapour effects – link
Aimed at production organisations, employees and freelancers who may use smoke and vapour effects at work. Source: UK HSE
Management of Firearms & weapons in Film and TV – link
Primarily aimed at Film and television production, some of the advice is useful to theatres who want to use firearm replica’s onstage. There are many apocryphal stories about confiscate props or mistaken arrests, hopefully this document will start you on the right path. Source: UK HSE
Health & Safety in Theatre – link
A webpage from the Health & Safety Executive that covers the basics of working at height and manual handling in theatre. Source: UK HSE
