Health and Safety Policy (Front of House)

Accountability - BPT Management Committee - South London Theatre General Council - Youth Theatre - Building Manager - Duty Manager (or Lead Volunteer, normally Box Office volunteer) - Other Volunteers
Health and Safety Requirements - Fire and Evacuation
First Aid
Environment - Access - Slippery floors - Standing on chairs - Food storage - Broken glass - Cleanliness & tidiness - Infestations - Trailing wires - Reporting of accidents and incidents

Accountability

BPT Management Committee

BPT Management Committee holds overall responsibility for the safety of the building and all non-SLT theatre activities within the Old Fire Station.

South London Theatre General Council

South London Theatre General Council, through the General Stage Manager, is responsible for the safety of all SLT theatre related activities within the building.

Youth Theatre

The Deputy Chair (Training Director) shall be responsible for any Youth Theatre related activities.

Building Manager

The Building Manager shall be responsible for the effective implementation of the Health and Safety Policy. They shall be kept informed of all incidents or accidents relating to this Policy via completion of accident or incident reports and take action to prevent reoccurrence.
They, or via delegated persons, shall instruct volunteers precisely and clearly on their duties with regard to Health and Safety. They will inform the BPT Management Committee and SLT General Council of any incidents or accidents or other matters that require attention in a timely manner.

Duty Manager (or Lead Volunteer, normally Box Office volunteer)

On performance days the Duty Manager (who may be a lead volunteer, normally the Box Office volunteer) shall be responsible for the effective implementation of the Health and Safety Policy within all Front of House areas. They shall be responsible for the public’s health and safety whilst they are in the foyer and auditorium. The bar volunteers will be responsible for the public safety when people are in the bar, and after the show has finished (when the Lead Volunteer indicates they are leaving the building).

Other Volunteers

All volunteers must make themselves fully aware of the Health and Safety Policy and, to this end shall:

  • Observe and promote all safety rules at all times.
  • Familiarise themselves with the evacuation procedure and nearest emergency exits.
  • Familiarise themselves with the safe operating procedures and instructions applying to their roles.
  • Report any defect or health hazard to the Duty Manager or Lead Volunteer.
  • Report any accident or dangerous occurrence to the Building Manager or Lead Volunteer
  • Shall not make any repairs or carry out maintenance work of any description unless authorised to do so
  • Shall comply with all hazard warning signs and notices displayed on the premises
  • Must not obstruct any fire escape route, fire equipment or fire doors
  • Must report to the Building Manager or Duty Manager any medical condition, which could affect the safety of themselves or others

Health and Safety Requirements

Fire and Evacuation

The Building Manager is responsible for ensuring that fire alarms are tested regularly and in good working order.

  • Fire: The Duty Manager is in charge in the event of a fire. This may be the Building Manager, Duty Manager or Front of House or Bar staff. If you are volunteering check if you are the responsible person. If the fire alarm sounds treat it as real unless there is very clear evidence that it has been accidentally triggered. Instruct people to evacuate by the nearest safe exit. Do not use lifts; always use the stairwells. If a performance is underway Front of House will escort the audience out and meet in St Luke’s Church Gardens. The Duty Manager will take out the signing in book together with the FoH report to check that all people can be accounted for. If safe to do so, the Duty Manager will check the building. See Fire Safety notices for more information.
  • Bomb threats: In the event of a bomb threat the Duty Manager will take advice from the police as to how to safely evacuate and convey information to those in the building. If the bomb is within the building evacuate as per fire. If it is in the local community stay in the building and away from windows.
  • Front of House duties: Front of House are responsible for the safe evacuation of audiences during performances.
  • Bar staff: Bar staff are responsible for ensuring the safe evacuation of people from the bar area
  • Fire Extinguishers: The Building Manager will check that fire extinguishers are fit for purpose. Never move a fire extinguisher from its designated station unless it is being used to put out a fire. Never use a fire extinguisher to prop open doors.
  • Keeping exits clear. Never block a fire exit even temporarily. Anything blocking a fire exit will be removed and disposed of.
  • Fire Doors: Keep fire doors shut. Never prop them open.

First Aid

The Building Manager and Duty Managers should be trained in basic first aid. Other volunteers, e.g. front of house, bar, stage management, etc. will be offered opportunities for first aid training at periodic intervals.

Environment

The Building Manager and Duty Managers should be trained in basic first aid. Other volunteers, e.g. front of house, bar, stage management, etc. will be offered opportunities for first aid training at periodic intervals.

Access

Certain areas of the building have limited access to both Members of SLT and visitors / hires. The theatre (including backstage and the technical gallery) should not be accessed by visitors / hires unless a duty or tech manager is present and has given permission. Other areas of the building, such as the Watch Tower are not available for general access, including by Members.

Slippery floors

If there is a spillage anywhere for any reason it must be wiped up immediately and made dry. Front of House staff to check foyer and auditorium for spillages during the interval and at the end of each production. Bar staff are to be responsible for cleaning up any spillages in the bar area.

Standing on chairs

Do not stand on chairs to reach anything at height or undertake any repairs, including changing light bulbs. Always use a ladder and ideally have a second person present.

Food storage

All food must be stored in sealed containers. This is to reduce the attraction of mice or other rodents and to ensure basic hygiene is maintained. In the bar plastic boxes are provided for crisps, nuts, chocolates, etc.

Broken glass

Always sweep up broken glass immediately and place safely (wrapped) in the rubbish bin. Do not place in the recycling bin or empty bottle repository in the bar. Do not handle broken glass directly.

Cleanliness & tidiness

Always clean up after yourself and ensure that items are stored safely in the specified place in the building. If there is a large mess that requires additional or specialist cleaning please notify the Building Manager immediately.

Infestations

In the event of infestations, e.g. mice, moths in wardrobe, etc. the Building Manager should be notified so that remedial action can be taken.

Trailing wires

Never leave wires trailing. This includes for technical equipment (computers, phones lighting, sound, etc.) as well as kettles, etc. If wires cannot be kept tight they should be secured and highlighted as a potential hazard, e.g. with yellow strips.

Reporting of accidents and incidents

All accidents or incidents, however minor, must be recorded in the Accident/Incident Reporting Book, which is kept in the first aid box in the foyer. For any serious accidents or incidents, including any incidents with visitors, please also notify the Building Manager.

Agreed by General Council December 2019