College of Fine Arts School of Dance Undergraduate Handbook

Appendix I

Safety in the Rupel J. Jones Theatre

The Rupel Jones Theatre has a counter-weight fly system. You must be aware that a fly system has the potential to cause personal and property damage if it is improperly handled.

When you are the person responsible for raising and lowering scenery, it is your responsibility to follow these basic rules:

  1. When you are working on the stage while rigging work is taking place you must PAY ATTENTION to all calls and movement on the stage.
  1. When a line set is being moved in or out (down or up) the flyperson must call out the line set being moved and the approximate plane that it is flying in on. For example: “Line set 45 coming in upstage!” or “Line 3 going out downstage!” All calls must be done loud and clear for all people on the stage (deck) to hear it. You should wait for an acknowledgement from the stage (“Thank You!”) , usually from the TD or other responsible deck hands. Frequently many people on stage will respond “Thank you!” but that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone is paying attention!
  1. When a line set is being moved, spotters will be necessary to make sure the batten does not snag on cables, lights, or other objects located at the batten ends. It is necessary to watch the rope you are pulling and the object that is moving at the same time.
  1. When flying scenery NEVER FORCE a line set. If it feels wrong, it is wrong!
  1. When an arbor is being loaded, the designated loader must call out to warn people on the stage and on the fly rail to move out of the area below. For example, “Line Set 36 Loading Upstage!”. The TD or other responsible hands will call “Clear the Rail!”, followed by “Rail Clear!” after everyone has moved to designated clear areas the loading can begin. When the loading is complete the designated loader will call “Rail safe!” and work below can continue.
  1. When people are on the loading rail, fly rail or on the grid they should not have loose objects with them that could fall. For example: tape measure, screwdriver, sunglasses, etc. Stage weights and other objects must never be stacked or placed where they could be knocked over the edge. An object falling from these heights can do serious damage. A stage weight from any height can cause tremendous damage or death.
  1. If something is falling call “Heads!” very loudly so people below can tell where the danger is. If you are below and hear “Heads!” you must not look up, but you must move out of the area as fast as possible or duck immediately.
  1. If any component looks worn, damaged, or frayed, stop immediately and bring it to the attention of the TD or other responsible deck hands. If it looks wrong, it is wrong!
  1.  At strike, either the TD or the Scene Shop Coordinator will be making the calls. Be quiet during fly calls so that there is no confusion on the stage while the work continues.

The Rupel J. Jones Theatre is equipped with two hydraulic lifts, one is the apron and the other is a large area called the thrust. These machines have the capability to do tremendous damage to scenery, equipment, or personnel. The lifts should be operated by trained individuals. Before moving a lift the edges must be checked (each time) to be clear of overhanging objects. All available lighting will be turned on so the hazard is visible. When the lift is going to be moved the operator will call “Apron Going Down!” and spotters shall be used on deck to keep people from stepping in the well. If the lift will be in the down position for more than a few minutes the edges must be marked with saw horses or other barricades to prevent falls.