Student Worker

Handbook
Silver Center for the Arts
2016 ~ 2017 Season
 We look forward to working with you this season in a fun and safe
environment. But, before you actually start working, you will have to complete
the introductory training sessions listed in this handbook.

The purpose of this program is to introduce you to the policies and safety
procedures of the Silver Center. Understanding and following these rules and
completing this training is critical to your continued employment. The safety
of yourself and your coworkers depends on your comprehension and
compliance with this program.

Everyone is expected to follow these general rules when engaged in any activity
in the Silver Center. Theatre work, by nature, is physical and dangerous.
However, if you use common sense and follow these safety procedures, working
in the shop and on stage will be fun and safe for you and your fellow workers.

Please feel free to ask questions at any time.

Training Sessions

Stage Etiquette
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Power Tools
Lifts & Ladders
Rigging Protocol
Electrics Procedure

General Safety

Report ready to work. This means you are well rested, have eaten and are appropriately
dressed. Fatigue is a major cause of accidents. Please get plenty of rest before reporting to
work!

No one will be permitted to work while their ability is affected by alcohol or drugs
(prescription or non-prescription). If you are taking a medication that may impair your
ability, tell your supervisor.

No one is permitted to work alone. A qualified supervisor must be present any time work
is to be performed in the scene shop or on stage.

If you encounter any unsafe circumstance, please report it to your supervisor immediately.
You have the ability to create a safer working environment for yourself and others. If
you see an unsafe situation, please speak up and do something about it! Any injury or
illness, no matter how small, should be reported to your supervisor immediately.
Tools and equipment are only to be operated by qualified persons and then only when
adequately trained in the use of the equipment and authorized to operate it.

Clean up your work area at the end of your work shift. This means clean up all saw dust
and debris, put away scrap lumber and return all tools and equipment to their proper place.

Do not block fire extinguishers or doorways. Keep pathways to all fire exits clear at all
times.

Do not hurry and cut corners on safety. Theatre sometimes demands that we work
quickly and are always under a deadline. Be aware of your surroundings and what others
are doing around you, but never sacrifice safety for speed!

Never leave a job half done. Mark all hazards; openings in floors, platforms that are not
fully secured, unfinished rails, lights not safety cabled, booms not tied off or line sets out of
weight, etc

This is a learning environment. Never be afraid to ask questions.

Proper Attire

Safety demands that proper clothing be worn for work in the shop. Failure to wear proper
clothing is a safety hazard. Prepare to get dusty, dirty, and covered in paint. Wear work
clothes that you dont mind ruining.

No loose, long or baggy clothing, scarves or jewelry. It can get caught in moving parts
and machinery or snagged on splinters, etc.

Wear shoes with good, non-slippery soles that cover the whole foot. No sandals, open
toed shoes, high heels, flip flops, or dress shoes.

Long hair must be put up or tied back and put down your shirt.

Personal Protective Equipment

The shop will provide you with personal protective equipment (PPE). Your safety is our
concern. Feel free to request safety equipment or ask questions at any time. Our goal is to
make you safe and comfortable when performing duties in the shop.

Eye Protection

Eye protection is required whenever you are in the shop. You may be struck by
flying debris from someone else who is working. You must wear eye protection any
time you are using a power tool (pneumatic or electric). Regular glasses do not count
as protective eyewear! We will provide safety glasses that will fit over your corrective
eyewear. Always wear the appropriate protective eyewear for the specific hazards to
your eyes and face. If you are not sure which eyewear to wear, ask someone. Make sure
that your protective eyewear fits properly and is in clean and good condition.
 Ear Protection

The tools in shop generate noises that exceed safe levels over extended periods of time.
Protect your hearing with the same vigor that you protect your eyes. Hearing
protection must be worn whenever tools are in use in the shop. We have earmuffs
and earplugs for your protection. See packaging or ask your supervisor for assistance
in their use.

Respiratory Protection

Dust masks will reduce the amount of large dust particulates that can enter your
respiratory system. If you are not clear on how to use, fit or care for them, please ask.
If you have allergies or known respiratory problems, please let your supervisor know.
These masks will not protect from vapors or fumes (i.e. paint solvents, adhesives,
and welding fumes), they are to reduce the amount of particulate matter entering your
lungs only. Spray adhesive can be especially bad. Read and follow the manufacturers
safety instructions!

Hard Hats

Hard hats are provided for anyone working in a situation where the potential exists for
objects falling (i.e.; anytime someone is working above you). Hard hats are to be fitted
and worn correctly, with the adjustment knob in the back. You may personalize your
hard hat with stickers or tape. Paint or markers leach chemicals into the helmet and
can weaken the plastic; do not use these to decorate your hard hat. Your hard hat
should be inspected prior to each use. If it absorbs significant shock, either through
being hit by a falling object or being dropped, it should be retired.

Gloves

Gloves should be used when protection is needed from dirt, abrasion, or chemicals. The
shop carries various kinds of gloves. See your supervisor to best determine which glove
to use given the circumstance.

Health Hazards

Paint

Most paints used with scenery are low toxicity, acrylic or latex water-based paints.
However, spray paints and enamels are sometimes used. Caution should be used
when spraying any type of paint.

MSDS (SDS) sheets are available online and in the technical directors office. They are
available to everyone. It is highly recommended that all individuals present while
spraying paint wear a particle mask and goggles.

Spray paints (cans) may only be used under special circumstances and must be used
outdoors. Do not spray paint in the shop. Please use the loading dock area outside
and lay down brown paper or a drop cloth if you are spraying on the ground. Clean up
any paint spills immediately!

Label all containers of site-mixed paint as to the types of paint present.

Use drop cloths whenever painting in the shop, loading corridor or outside.

CLEAN UP BUCKETS, BRUSHES AND ROLLERS WHEN FINISHED PAINTING!

Dust & Fumes

Because this is mainly a wood working shop, it can at times be a dusty environment.
We have dust collection installed on most of the tools and an air filtration unit hanging
in the middle of the shop to help minimize the amount of dust in the air.

All welding must take place outside the building (loading dock area); make sure that
doors are closed so that fumes dont blow back inside.

Ladders & Personnel Lift

Working on ladders and scaffolding presents the potential for a fall. If you need to use
a ladder, always have a ground person there to foot and hold the bottom for you. Your
ground person should be wearing a hardhat and should be attentive to what you are
doing.

Before you get on a ladder, make sure all four legs are firmly on the floor. Do not stand
on the top or any upper steps as indicated by the safety labels.

Do not leave tools, hardware or anything on top of a ladder. This could lead to the
next person who moves the ladder getting hit in the head by a falling object.

When you are working on a ladder you must take extra precautions. You need to be
aware of overhead scenery, lighting instruments, and electrical cables. Do not have
loose items in your pockets that may fall. Tools should be attached to your belt or
wrist. If you can't attach tools, please keep people below you aware of your work.

You must be trained by a shop supervisor to use the personnel lift (JLG/Genie).

Lifting, Pushing & Pulling

Many injuries are the result of improper lifting, pushing or pulling of heavy objects.
Load-in, strike, scenery installation, scenery shifting, rolling cases, equipment, risers,
shells, and lumber should all be handled with care.

When lifting objects do not lift with your back; squat down, use your leg muscles, and
keep your back straight. Think about what youre doing. Will the object shift when you
pick it up? Do you need help?
When a number of people are lifting and moving a heavy object, someone should count
the lift (i.e.; 1, 2, 3 lift). Call hold or stop if you observe or are having a problem.
Be aware of objects around you and especially of objects overhead, such as curtains,
scenery and cables.

Overhead Work Areas

There are many overhead work areas in the Silver Center. These include ladders, lifts,
platforms, grids, catwalks, and loading galleries. There is always a chance that
something or someone may fall from an overhead work area. Exercise caution when
working overhead as well as below.

IF SOMEONE IS WORKING OVERHEAD, YOU MUST WEAR A HARD HAT!

Be aware when working overhead; the area below should be clear of all personnel
when working out over the catwalk railing. This includes, but is not limited to, the
hanging, focusing, and gelling of lighting equipment.

Sound off that you are working overhead. Announce the situation of loose tools or
hardware. If practical, secure all tools and equipment when working overhead. Do not
leave unsecured tools or materials unattended in overhead work areas.

Call heads if you drop something. If someone calls heads do not look up. Take
immediate measures to protect your head. Do not drop or throw objects from
heights; lower them down.

If you do not feel safe working at heights, stop and inform your supervisor.

Electrics

Electricity is present everywhere in the shop and theatres. The nature of theatre
requires us to work in low light conditions with obstacles all around. Having
knowledge of the theatres electrical system will help to keep you safe. Additionally,
common sense and a watchful eye will keep you out of harms way.

As an employee of the Silver Center, you will be exposed to these conditions on a

regular basis. You must be aware that these dangers exist and avoid putting yourself
at risk of injury. If you are working as an electrician your exposure to these conditions
will be increased. If at any time you are uncomfortable working around these
conditions or you are uncertain of anything, SPEAK UP!

The following is a list of electrics safety measures at the Silver Center. These
shall be read, followed, and referred to by all employees:

Lighting instruments get extremely hot. Wear gloves.

DO NOT touch the glass part of a lamp. Oil from your fingers and high heat
from the lamp significantly reduce lamp life.
 Unplug or disconnect (trip breaker) instruments before servicing them.

Check all instrument and cables before use. If any equipment is damaged,
notify a shop supervisor, tag it, and leave it in electrics for repair.

Be aware of your surroundings. Instruments may be mounted on the

ground, hanging off of booms, or mounted on scenery. Also be wary of cables
running along the ground.

Always tie up or tape cables down, especially in high traffic areas.

Always properly dress all cables. Do not wrap cables around pipes or
raceways, and ensure that cables are clear of stage rigging.

Tie off your tools and equipment. A crescent wrench falling from the grid
could ruin someones day.

Sound off (Going dark on stage!) when stage lights are going to black.

Power Tools

Power tools include stand-alone tools, as well as portable and hand-operated power
tools. In general, power tools have rotating parts. Do not wear large rings, jewelry,
loose sleeves or anything that can become entangled in moving parts. Long hair must
be tied back. Power tools can throw debris at you, so eye and ear protection should
always be used.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when using any power tool.
Allow the tool to reach full speed before use. Stay with it until it stops. Do not leave
a tool running.

Make sure the work surface and floors are clear, and get everything ready
before you turn the tool on.

Each power tool has its own set of safety rules. They are safe when properly used, but
can cause serious accidents when used incorrectly. You must be trained on each
power tool before you use it.

Be aware of where you are standing when you turn the power tool on. Do not stand
directly in line with the blade or other moving devices.

Never carry a portable power tool by the cord. Keep cords, hands and clothing
away from moving parts of the tool (i.e.; blades, bits, and cutters).

Disconnect tools from their power supply when not in use, before servicing and before
changing bits or blades.

Do not use a damaged tool. Visually inspect tools and cords or hoses for damage and
defects before each use. Tag it and turn it in to your supervisor.
 Rigging

Rigging can be one of the most dangerous areas of theatre. Not only is it possible to
seriously injure yourself, anyone on the stage could also be injured, or even killed.

One of the most important facets of rigging is communication. Accidents can and
will happen because of a lack of communication.

YOU MUST HAVE BEEN TRAINED AND CERTIFIED TO RUN THE SINGLE PURCHASE
COUNTERWEIGHT SYSTEM.

When running a lineset, call out and make sure that you get a positive
acknowledgement from everyone on stage that youve been heard and its OK to fly the
line set.

When adding lights or scenery to a line set make sure that standard protocol is
being followed:

Everyone on stage understands whats happening.

A fly captain has been designated to run the call.

If someone is working overhead, everyone is wearing a hard hat.

Crew is away from the rail, and the doors are being watched for anyone
coming onto the stage.

The lineset is secured as needed with a snub.

The loaders at the rail repeat back to the captain what is to happen.

The lineset is tested and cleared after being loaded.

No lineset is ever left out of weight.

Any rigged scenery is checked by a supervisor.

Accident Reports

If you are not sure if you need to fill out an accident report, ask. If you get hurt, tell
someone. It might be more serious than you think.

ACCIDENT REPORTS MUST BE FILLED OUT BY A SUPERVISOR WITHIN 4 HOURS OF THE

INJURY!
 Emergency Procedures

In the case of an emergency; call 911!

State your name, the type of emergency, and your location. For example; Joe
Goodworker, Brain Damage, Silver Center Scene Shop, PSU, Plymouth, NH. Stay on the
phone and have another staff member go and meet the emergency staff. Then have
someone notify a supervisor.

Fire Safety

Most of the materials in the shop are combustible. Paint solvents, etc. are highly
flammable and must be kept in a special cabinet. Welding and grinding produce
sparks. Paper, sawdust, oil, and all flammable items must be moved away from the
work area during these procedures.

Know where the Fire Exits are in the shop and on stage.

Know where the fire extinguishers are and what types we have in the shop and on
stage.

In case of a fire, pull one of the alarm stations and clear the building.
We meet in the upper parking lot outside the loading dock, make sure your supervisor
knows where you are, and that you are out of the building.

Contacts

Bob Bruemmer x. 2718 CELL (603) 254 - 6905

Heather Manfredi x. 2931 CELL (603) 391 - 4752

Stuart Crowell x. 2384 CELL (603) 254 - 6903

Ginny Fisher x. 2672

Schedules

You will be asked to fill out a schedule of your regular shifts for each semester. We
understand that class schedules differ from our working schedule, so let us know when you
can actually be here. Please sign up for a minimum 1 hour shift.

Being an employee at Silver will require you to work events, evenings and weekends in
addition to your regularly scheduled hours. We understand that everyone has their own
schedules and that gigs are sometimes difficult to work, but please remember that it is a
mandatory part of you job as a Silver employee to take part in them. It is not fair to the
other employees who regularly work events due to the lack of people signing up for gigs.
Please try to work as many as possible, not only for the extra hours, but for the experience.

Only sign up for positions you have been trained for. If you wish to receive additional
training in a different area or on an additional piece of equipment, please ask your
supervisor.

If you have signed up for a gig and find you cannot work it, do not cross your name off the
gig sheet. You must find your own replacement and notify your supervisor. Crossing off
your name or failing to show up for a gig you have signed up for is grounds for termination.

DO NOT schedule meetings or rehearsals during your work time!

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOUR TIME ON THE CLOCK IS SEPARATE FROM ANY HOURS FOR A
PRACTICUM OR CLASS!

Lateness

The lateness policy is simple; if you show up for work late three times you get a
week long suspension without pay. Excessive lateness is grounds for termination.

Day Off Requests

Day off requests must be submitted for approval at least 24 hours in advance. An
unexplained absence from a shift is grounds for termination.

Cell Phones

You may keep your cell phone on you during work, but remember; our work requires
our full attention and puts us in potentially dangerous situations. You are here to
work, so please use your time efficiently. If you will be working overhead, please leave
your cell phone in your locker or another location that is not over someones head. Not
only do you put your cell phone at risk of breaking, but you may hurt someone working
below you. You may use your cell phone to play music in the shop or keep your cell
phone with you when working gigs.

Time Cards

The time clock is located in the back hall next to the gig sheet wall. You will be given
an ID number to punch in with. When you punch in, you will be asked to pick from a
list of job codes. If you dont know which show youre working on, please ask.

DO NOT punch anyone else in or out!

Remember to sign your time card; you wont get paid if you dont!
Here at the Silver Center, we rely on our staffs professionalism and willingness to take
responsibility. As our staff, you will regularly interact with professional artists and
performers who come here from all over the world. We hope that you will continue the
traditions of one of the finest facilities in New England.

I, __________________________________________, have read the student handbook,

understand the rules that apply, and agree to participate in the training
and follow these rules completely.

Signature _________________________________________ Date _____ / _____ / _____