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Risk Assessment
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2025
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Reference: RA for Red Entertainment 2025 productions
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Phase:Rig / Performance / DerigDate Prepared:1/9/2025. Subject to ongoing review and update on site.
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Assessor(s):Dave MuirContact details:
dave@davemuir.net
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Activity/ItemHazardsPersons at riskRisk before control measuresControlsRisk after control measures
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SeverityLikelihoodTotal ratingSeverityLikelihoodTotal rating
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Electrical Install - Lighting, AV, Electrical equipment electrocutionVenue Staff, performers and tour staff5210 - PAT test mains voltage equipment over 12 months from purchase
- All electical euipment installed by competent/trained professionals,
- Supplied by reputable supplier: ( details on request).
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Electrical Install - Lighting, AV, Electrical equipment fire hazardEveryone5210As above PLUS:
- daily switch on / power down regime on more than one day perfs.
- daily visual inspection regime.
- Familiarisation with in-house extinguisher equipment.
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Load In and Out
Movement of bulky / heavy / unusual objects from transport
things that might hurt staff on stage, crush injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, manual,handling considerations etcVenue Staff and tour staff339- PPE to be worn as appropriate and in line with venues policies. At minimum all staff both tour and venue to wear Steel toe capped footwear.
- Venue to provide Hi Vis and hard hats if this is a house requirement for safe systems of work.
- Using Low-Loader to reduce trailer drop.
- Evenly distributed manpower to move items in and out of transport.
- Weight markings on scenic pieces as appropriate.
- Venue Staff to work under instruction of HOD or delegated team member familiar venue specific Load In procedure.
- expectation of working with Venue Staff qualified in Manual handling.
- Use of venue dolly's / barrows as appropriate.
- Production flight cases suitable for wheeling.
- Clear pathway maintained from truck, thru Get In to Stage.
- Items secured in transport by driver ONLY.
- All items stored to be assessed for manual handling before being allocated a space in the storage areas.
- Nominated venue staff to identify if injuries are reportable under RIDDOR, initially this will be the Venue’s H&S manager.
- Incident/injury form to be completed as soon as possible. All accidents to be reported.

- Good housekeeping to be maintained at all times.
- Trailing cables to be avoided.
- Any spills will be cleared as soon as possible.
- All staff to be made aware of importance in keeping a tidy working area and re- affirmed on a regular basis.
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Load In and Out
Movement of bulky / heavy / unusual objects from transport
Injury during unload/load of vehicles on busy street/pathway.public, Venue Staff and tour staff339- All Venue Staff to be cautious of movements and courteous of public walking past.
- All movement to be carried out in pairs with additional spotter if necessary.
- Venue to cordon off/manage areas as per Venue risk assessment.
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Vehicle Movements
Rig / Derig phases
Road traffic accident , collisionPublic, Venue Staff and tour staff5210- All drivers are to ensure their vehicle is in a roadworthy state prior to dailey trips i.e. daily vehicle check, current MOT test certificate.
- Any faults are to be rectified asap, normally before commencement of trip.
- The load is the responsibility of the driver and will be evenly distributed and sufficiently secured. All drivers are to comply with the Highway Code and any local traffic regulations.
- All drivers to observe site speed limit. Drivers to use orange flashing beacon and/or dipped headlights at all times whilst on site.
- Vehicles only to move in designated areas.
- No reversing without a competent person acting as a banksman.
- No access to venue without permission of the Venue representative.
- Mobile phones and radios not to be used whilst driving unless fitted with hands free adapter.
- Site plant operating procedure to be followed at all times
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Flown Items - Fit Up
things falling from aboveVenue Staff, performers and tour staff5210 - Appropriate mechanical fixings used throughout production items
- Correct weighting of overhead LX ( see Rider) tested in fit up process
- Visual check prior to flying, all shackles, safety's chains etc in good working order
- Observe in house protocols for movement of bars
- in the case of rigging lights to static bars, the rigger will have tools on lanyard and no loose items on person. Normal working at height conventions apply, plus in house H&S protocals will be observed.
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Staging / Set - PerformanceStage Collapse, crush injuriesVenue Staff, performers and tour staff4312- Reputable set builders to design & construct all pieces.
- All venue staging to be constructed as per manufacturer's instruction suitable for the activity of the show.
- Tour set to be constructed as per instruction from RED/Production Manager with Tour Manager overseeing the install and de-rig.
- Tour Manager to assess suitability of staging (especially temporary) to reduce risk of accidents and adapt show as necessary.
- Stage drawings & weights provided in advance to venue.
- Any unsafe items to be removed for the performance and repaired in a timely manner by Touring/Venue Crew if safe to do so.
- Nightly show reports to RED/Production Manager to outline any damage or concerns in order for repair to be undertaken by a professional/manufacturer.
- Floor standing set pieces to be weighed down or attached with safety ropes to a flown bar to avoid tipping over.
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Staging / Set - Performance
Falls, working at heightVenue Staff, performers and tour staff339- Performers to be fully rehearsed in working on raised rostra levels
- All set edges to have clear markings.
- Performers to rehearse in safe working light during in technical rehearsals to familiarize themselves with the stage layout before show-conditions are introduced.
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Staging / Set -
Moving Tread units in Performance
Falls, working at height, trips injuriesPerformers339- Structure to be finished in original metal colour and steps painted white to be easily seen on stage even in blackout.
- Handrails incorporated into design for safety.
- All staircase movements to be rehearsed in safe working light before show-conditions are introduced as part of the tec rehearsal process.
- Movement of scenic items ( the mobile tread units) to be regulated by stage management / rehearsed by performers.
- Staircases have battery powered lifting castors to avoid unwanted rolling during performance when stationary.
- Tour Manager to charge batteries daily and be positioned at the side of stage if possible during the performance when staircases are in use .
– performance will be interrupted/stopped if brakes do not engage or release.
- Tour Manager to assess safety of using moving staircases at each venue considering space, stage finish, stage rake and height of ceiling – show to be adapted as necessary.
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Trip hazards
All phases
things that might hurt people as they work on the stageVenue Staff, performers and tour staff339 - Edges /hazards clearly marked as nec.
- Cables taped and/or carpeted, cable ramps etc.
- Safe passageways / wing management undertaken by tour team to ensure safe movement backstage in performance.
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Carrying Sharp/Pointed Objects -
Show Related
hurting some else, falling with the objectPerformers538- Props that are sharp or pointed could be dangerous when carried
- Blunt any objects
- Only handled by specific performers and rehearsed with the prop
- Any sharp or pointed edge is never pointed towards another performer or the holder - dangerous edges to be angled towards the floor
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Injury - show related
Cuts, bruises, breaks, strains, grazes, etc
things that can hurt performers
performers236 - Fully rehearsed piece.
- actors to undertake physical warm up prior to work session.
- Appropriate footwear in use / consistent show floor throughout.
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Water-Based Haze MachineSlips trips and injuryVenue Staff, performers and tour staff224- Production Manager to provide information on hazer effects used within the performance in advance of arrival.
- Hazer to be tested in working light before any performance takes place and placed in a position where it will not be knocked over or moved during the performance.
- Fluid spills can cause slip hazards and should be cleaned immediately with no work taking place in the area until safe to do so.
- Burns should be treated as necessary by the Venues first aid representative.
- Any damage or defects to haze machine that are not repairable on site to be reported to RED/Production Manager in
order for a repair/replacement to be arranged.
- All unsafe equipment to be removed for performance.
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Pyrotechnics
Electric Streamer/Confetti Cannon
Proximity to the public, performers, event staff.
Abrasions, Burns, Injuries.
Injury from faulty equipment.
Venue Staff, public, performers and tour staff5210- Designated performance area should have adequate height for equipment being used. Area must also be of adequate size for the number of performers taking part. Area must be clearly marked for the performers and public to see at all times.
- The minimum distance from the performance area to the public is to be no less than 4 metres at any times.
- A clearance of 20 feet(6 metres) either side of the performance area is to be observed. Scaled down for smaller. If not possible props will be used that only fire inwards from the outside edge of the performance area.
- A fire extinguisher and fire blanket complying to British safety standards will be kept adjacent to the performance area with clear access to at all times. The performer is fully trained in the use of
these safety items.
- A designated area outside of the performance area to be kept for pyro equipment

- Performance area to be established with a clearly defined boundary. Any performers not using equipment or must also enforce this boundary where possible.
- No performer may cross out of the performance area.
- No member of public or event staff may cross into the performance area until all sources of ignition are put out, the performance area checked for residual hazards and then declared safe to enter.
- No pyro prop will be left unattended at any time
- No pyro prop will be allowed within 3 meters of the audience.
- In the event of a fire (unintended), where possible equipment must be removed from the performance area. The fire to be put out using a fire blanket or extinguisher where appropriate.

- Pyros and Igniters to be kept stored in their separate packages
- Pyros are kept away from all sources of paraffin or similar lighting fluid
- All equipment must be checked regularly and before any performance for any damages or issues. Damaged equipment must not be used in any performance.
- Safety mechanisms are on all Pyro props including, safety switches, safety cable and igniter movement.The safety switch provides a visual cue when the pyro is armed or not. When the light is not on the pyro cannot fire.
- Safeties will only be disengaged immediately before a pyro use.
- Equipment must only be used for its intended purposes.
- A resistance test will be made on all igniters to be used to check for faults.
- After firing, place pyros back in the designated pyrotechnic zone.
- Any unfired pyros will have the safeties reengaged and removed from the props as soon as possible.
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Presence of ChildrenLimited understanding or ability to safeguard their own person.Child cast, crew and audience326-Vulnerable persons in the audience should
always be accompanied by an appropriate
adult.
-Children in a show must be accompanied
by a Chaperone who is licensed and
aware of their responsibilities.
- All children/young-persons will be accompanied and chaperoned by an approved licensed chaperone.
- Toilet facilities and dressing rooms/areas provided will be separate from adults.
-Separate changing facilities provided for
junior cast members.
-Continual vigilance and monitoring.
-All chaperones will be briefed
on Child Protection Policy and Risk Assessment. They will also be
DBS/CRB checked. The chaperones will be experienced in
working with children.
-Guardians drop students at building and pick them up
again. Chaperone to be aware of the adult who is picking
them up.
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Limited understanding or awareness of staging layout, hazards to equipment, stagingChildren Cast5210-The chaperone is aware of the space, and will speak to the
children about the areas in which they can use.
-The chaperone will never leave students in part of the theatre alone.
-Chaperone will keep an eye on student activity to stop any
inappropriate behaviour.
-Chaperone manages session and does not allow or attempt
activities not suitable for children.
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Risk of falls from staging during/Injury from use of props Children Cast5210-The children will be briefed on appropriate use of staging, and will rehearse entrances, exits on to stage prior to performance, safe routes to dressing rooms and they will never be left alone on stage.
-Chaperone will monitor the children from the wings with constant visuals on the children.
- A member of the production team will brief the children with Chaperones present about the entrances and exits on stage in a specific allocated time before the show. This has to take place for the show to go ahead. Any potential dangers on stage and how to behave safely will be shown and described to the children to ensure they are cognisant of any potential dangers.
-The Children will not stand or make contact with the rostra/staging/equipment used by the production.
-The children will be briefed on appropriate use of stage properties, with each individual being responsible for their own and not to play with others.
-The nature of the show can be quite active. The chaperones may not be first aid trained, although there is first aid equipment in the building, there are likely to be few instances where the chaperone can help. Producer will ensure there is a qualified member of staff from the venue who is first aid trained and knows where first aid equipment is.
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Material could cause offence Children Cast326- Written material will be sensitively selected by the
production creators. With song work, the students will be
monitored to ensure one persons work does not cause
offence to another.
- Material will be send to children in advance to learn with the drama school as part of their lessons.
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COSHHglues, hazer fluid etcEveryone236- Min. substances toured.
- Appropriate labeled and stored.
- Data sheets available.
- Used by authorised personnel only.
- follow manafacturers instructions regarding storage, use , and disposal.
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Risk Scoring KeySeverityLikelihood
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Fatality5Certain or imminent5
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Major injury, disabling illness, major damage4Very likely4
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Lost time injury, illness, damage3May happen3
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Minor injury, minor damage2Unlikely2
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Delay only1Very unlikely1
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Risk Rating Categories10 to 25UnacceptableDo not proceed; seek immediate guidance from the safety team
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6 to 9TolerableProceed with caution but seek to reduce risk further if possible
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1 to 5AcceptableProceed
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Order of Control Measures
Most effectiveEliminateAsk yourself if the activity needs to be carried out
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SubstituteAsk yourself if the same effect can be achieved with something less risky
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ReduceAsk yourself if you can use less of something, or limit the time etc
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IsolateMake sure that the risk is contained to the smallest possible area
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EncloseMake sure that no-one can get to the hazard
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Other Engineering ControlsEmergency stop buttons, automated controls etc
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Safe System of WorkCarry out the work according to a specific step by step programme with training
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Training/CommunicationSafety team can advise
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Personal Protective EquipmentUse of ear defenders, hard hat, toetectors etc
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Least effectiveDiscipline and EnforcementTelling people to be careful
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