Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Set Height & Safety

Message

   The Director for our Christmas musical wants to 'artistically' pile up twenty 4' wide x 8' long x 7" deep platforms to construct a symbolic 'mountain pass' which actors have to 'climb up and down'.  She does not want to use hand railings even though it will be going up to 40 inches off the stage floor. We will have 20 actors, including 8 children, going up and down it.  Aren't there codes/regulations for theatres about using handrails if a raised area is over 20" tall?  Does anyone know?

I'm fighting against this set design for safety reasons as I'm SM-ing the show and don't want people tumbling off.

Thanks.

Author	Message
k8tt Star Joined: 4/05/05 Location: Canada Online Status: Offline Posts: 73	Topic: Set Height & Safety Posted: 8/05/06 at 10:39am
	The Director for our Christmas musical wants to 'artistically' pile up twenty 4' wide x 8' long x 7" deep platforms to construct a symbolic 'mountain pass' which actors have to 'climb up and down'. She does not want to use hand railings even though it will be going up to 40 inches off the stage floor. We will have 20 actors, including 8 children, going up and down it. Aren't there codes/regulations for theatres about using handrails if a raised area is over 20" tall? Does anyone know? I'm fighting against this set design for safety reasons as I'm SM-ing the show and don't want people tumbling off. Thanks.

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JoeMc Celebrity Joined: 3/13/06 Location: Australia Online Status: Offline Posts: 832	Posted: 8/05/06 at 11:09pm
	I employ a 3 step rule also known as the chair rule for a hight factor. Which probably won?t help you in your situation? I?m sure you would be able to get a ruling from your local health & safety authority on line. What rings the warning bells for me is the words ?artistically pile up?! Unfortunately I have seen some disastrous situations, when artistic intentions over rides know how with risers & rostra. Especially in school productions when they are used for other than what they were designed. However as you have concerns & at the end of the day, this will be on your head as the SM. Put the old spanner in & stand on your dig! But be sure to protect your own backside, by putting it in writing &/or advising the powers that be. Duty of care & risk assessment needs to be the over all defining factor. The responsibility of which is on the shoulders of everyone involved without exception.
	[western] Gondawandaland "Hear the light & see the sound! TOI TOI CHOOKAS {may you always play to a full house!}
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Shatcher Celebrity Joined: 2/21/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 251	Posted: 8/07/06 at 2:14pm
	I have used a set very much like this. I don't like the lack of handrails either but it can be done. I would get it up asap so they can practice! or maybe the rails can be made or rope to look like a climbing line?
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Set Design and Construction
Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Producing Theater :Set Design and Construction

Topic: Set Height & Safety( Topic Closed)