-
At auditions, an advisory statement should be included in the casting notice if there will be the possibility of the use of pyrotechnics in the upcoming production.
-
Prior to the first day of employment, the performers and stage managers should be advised that there will be pyrotechnics in the production. This notification provides an opportunity for the performers and stage managers to begin a dialogue with the production and the Equity field representative on what to expect and ask any initial questions and/or inform of any concerns. To find your field representative, go to https://members.actorsequity.org/find-your-rep
-
Prior to the first day when the performers and stage managers will be first introduced to the pyrotechnics, a qualified individual(s) (e.g., safety supervisor, etc.) shall conduct a production assessment of all areas and the work planned between the performers, stage managers and the pyrotechnics. A plan should be developed to reduce and/or eliminate the risks for the performers and stage managers.
-
At the start of the first day prior to when the performers and stage managers will be first introduced to the pyrotechnics, the qualified individual(s) shall give an orientation to the performers and stage managers explaining the results of the production assessment, provide demonstrations and/or instructions and copies of the plan that is in place including, but not limited to, the type of pyrotechnics, introduction of the pyrotechnic operator(s) and fire guard(s), safety measures (e.g., fireproofing, including maintain/upkeeping it, extinguishers, blankets, first aid, fire curtain, etc.) and hazard awareness (e.g., use of or exposure to the pyrotechnics, locations of the pyrotechnic devices, fallout area, etc.).
-
The same orientation, demonstrations and/or instructions, and documentation must be provided to all swings, understudies, replacement stage managers and performers at the start of the first day prior to when those performers and stage managers will be first introduced to the pyrotechnics.
-
Stage managers, performers and qualified individuals will be notified immediately if any conditions change the established practices and/or use of pyrotechnics in the production. At that time, the pyrotechnics plan should be updated and the new version provided to the performers and stage managers.
-
An inspection by the local authority having jurisdiction (e.g., fire department, emergency services, etc.) should take place prior to the use of the pyrotechnics with the performers and stage managers.
-
The type of pyrotechnic material that will be used should have a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and should be posted backstage on the performer's callboard and in the stage manager's office.
-
The fallout area should be pointed out to the performers and stage managers, including onstage, in the wings, backstage, etc. It is the point most distant (in feet) from the center of the pyrotechnic device creating a fallout radius (in feet) where any hazardous debris can fall.
-
Performers that will be staged in the fallout area should not be directed to look at the pyrotechnic effect (e.g., exposing their face to the fallout from the effect).
-
For each performer that will be staged and/or stage manager working in the fallout area, everything should be flame proofed, including all costume and prop pieces as well as anything else the performer and/or stage manager is wearing, handling or in proximity of. Soft goods (e.g., curtains, borders, tabs, scrims, etc.) should be routinely flameproofed. It is encouraged to flame proof items outside of the fallout area for an extra level of safety.
-
For pyrotechnics placed on or in contact with a performer's or stage manager's body, shielding should be provided, or containment should be adequate to prevent injury.
-
Cameras and monitors should be used to provide a complete view of the pyrotechnics for backstage personnel.
-
When cuing a pyrotechnic effect, there should be a separate cue for each pyrotechnic that will take place and a specific identification (e.g., "pyro", etc.) for the name of the cue.
-
Emergency stops should be in place for all pyrotechnics and located where they can be easily accessed.
-
At least one burn kit should be easily accessible backstage and always fully stocked.
-
An individual(s) with appropriate first-aid training, including on how to use the burn kit, should be on-site during scenes involving pyrotechnics.
-
Local exhaust vents should be added onstage/backstage to assist in removing the pyrotechnic effects after use.
-
Prior to the first use of a pyrotechnic effect, appropriate training and rehearsal provided by qualified individual(s) should be held to ensure the safety of the performers and stage managers. This should also apply to all replacement stage managers and performers as well as swings and understudies. Training and rehearsal for the performers and stage managers should include, but not limited to, discussing what the effect(s) is simulating, (e.g., fireworks, magic trick, burning effigy, etc.), how the effects work, when in the production they will take place, number of firings, each firing's cue length and the activity of each performer and stage manager onstage and backstage. If, for any reason, it is not possible to hold such training and rehearsals, the Equity field representative should be notified immediately.
-
In case the pyrotechnic is not used as planned in performance, contingency/alternate staging plans should be in place and rehearsed with the performers and stage managers.
-
Performers and stage managers experiencing any adverse effects from the use of pyrotechnics during the run of the production should notify the Equity field representative immediately. Possible adverse effects include powder burns, errant particles (e.g., a piece of hazardous debris falling after being fired) and eardrum problems. Also, performers and stage managers should also report discomfort, pain or injury to the employer immediately. The employer should document these in the weekly injury report that is sent to Equity.
-
The above are recommended guidelines. Consult all applicable rules and regulations.
-
Additional recommended guidelines can be found at the following organizations:
