Performing Arts Safety Primer

Working at
Heights
Contents
Introduction.......................................................1
Quick-start questions........................................3
Types of fall protection.....................................6
Fall protection plans.......................................10
Worker instruction and training.......................14
General safety................................................17
Rehearsal.......................................................21
Developing production components...............25
Unguarded edges...........................................29
Ladders..........................................................32
Scaffolds.........................................................34
Lifts.................................................................38
Communication protocols...............................43
WorkSafeBC requirements.............................45
Organizations.................................................46
Resources......................................................48

Note: The material in this publication is intended as

educational information only. This publication does not
replace the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
administered by WorkSafeBC. Employers and workers
should always refer to the Regulation for specific
requirements that apply to their activities.

©2012 Actsafe. All rights reserved. Actsafe encourages the

copying, reproduction and distribution of this document to
promote health & safety in the workplace, provided Actsafe
is acknowledged. However, no part of this publication may
be copied, reproduced or distributed for profit or other
commercial enterprise, nor may any part be incorporated
into any other publications, without written permission from
Actsafe.

First printing. December 2012. Printed in Canada.

Introduction
This primer is for employers, performers,
and technicians in British Columbia’s live
performance industry. It describes health and
safety requirements and safe work practices for
working at heights.

You may find the information in this primer useful

if you are involved with:
• An established performing arts organization,
such as a dance or theatre company
• An organization that produces concerts,
cooperative shows, or corporate or special
events (including festivals)
• A volunteer or educational organization

Aim of this primer

• Help employers comply with their legal
responsibility to take every reasonable
precaution to protect workers from falls
• Provide information about fall protection
issues so cast and crew members can work
safely


 This primer does not replace the
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
or the Workers Compensation Act. It explains
many of the health and safety requirements that
apply to live performance in B.C., but employers
and workers should always refer to the
Regulation for specific requirements that apply
to their production activities.


Quick-start questions
Answer each of the following three questions
to help determine what you need to do for fall
protection on your production.

1. Will technicians or performers be working

near unguarded edges at heights of 3 m
(10 ft.) or more, other than on a temporary
ladder, or in a bucket or scissor lift?

Yes. Your production Think about:

needs fall protection.
• Working on ladders,
Complete a risk
scaffolds, work
assessment and follow
platforms, balconies,
safe work procedures. catwalks, scenery,
Complete a written lifts, flying rigs, high
fall protection plan if steel, or near pits
technicians or performers and traps
will be working at heights • Build, set-up, hang,
of 7.5 m (25 ft.) or more touch-ups, tech, run,
without permanent and strike
guardrails, or if the
fall protection system will consist of work
procedures (for example, a control zone and
safety monitor).
No. Move to question 2.

 2. Will technicians or performers be working
at heights less than 3 m (10 ft.), but where
a fall could involve unusual risk of injury?

Yes. Your production Think about:

needs fall protection.
• Working above
Complete a risk
an audience, an
assessment and follow orchestra pit, or on
safe work procedures. platforms or risers
Complete a written above scenery
fall protection plan • Build, set-up, hang,
if technicians or touch-ups, tech,
performers will be run, and strike
working at heights of
7.5 m (25 ft.) or more
without permanent Actsafe resources
guardrails, or if the Visit www.actsafe.ca
fall protection system for health and safety
will consist of work resources, including
procedures (for the following:
example, a control zone • Risk Assessment
and safety monitor). Checklist
• Fall Protection Plan
No. Move to question 3.
Other resources are
described on page 48.


3. Will there be any other hazards while
technicians or performers are working at
height?

Yes. Complete a risk Think about:

assessment and follow • Working alone,
safe work procedures. with moving or
Depending on the hazard, falling objects, on
you may need to complete slippery or unstable
surfaces, in adverse
a written fall protection
weather conditions,
plan.
near power sources,
or with new crew
No. You’re done.
• Build, set-up, hang,
touch-ups, tech, run,
and strike


 Types of fall protection
Types of fall protection In the Regulation
include:
See Part 11: Fall
• Fall restraint Protection.
(guardrails, safety
belts, or full body harnesses)
• Fall arrest (full body harnesses)
• Work procedures (control zones and safety
monitors)
• Other work procedures acceptable to
WorkSafeBC

Fall protection hierarchy

1. Use fall restraint before fall arrest.
2. Use fall arrest before work procedures.
3. Use work procedures only if you cannot use
restraint or arrest methods.

Fall restraint systems

Whenever possible, use a fall restraint system
to avoid getting into a situation in which you can
fall. Guardrails are preferred.


If guardrails are not practicable, use a safety
belt or full body harness attached to a securely
anchored lanyard or lifeline. Adjust the lanyard
or lifeline to limit your ability to travel and keep
you away from the unguarded edge.

Fall arrest systems

If a fall restraint system is not practicable, use
a fall arrest system. A fall arrest system will not
prevent a fall from occurring, but it will stop the
fall after a short distance.

A fall arrest system consists of a full body

harness attached to a securely anchored lanyard
that will limit the fall to a safe distance. Full body
harnesses are specially designed to help protect
against internal injuries. Don’t use safety belts in
fall arrest systems.

A fall protection plan is required for work at

heights of 7.5 m (25 ft.) or more in locations
that don’t have permanent guardrails. (See “Fall
protection plans,” pages 10–13.)


 Work procedures
If fall restraint and fall arrest systems are not
practicable, use a work procedure, such as a
control zone and safety monitoring system.

A control zone is an off-limits area between an

unguarded edge and a safe zone where workers
can move about. If you need to enter the control
zone, a safety monitor keeps an eye on you.

Work procedures can also include other

procedures acceptable to WorkSafeBC.

Exceptions for live performance

Live performance In the Regulation
presents unique
See sections 4.56,
difficulties when it comes 4.59, 4.60, and 8.22.
to working at heights.
Guardrails are often not
practicable on scenic units that will be visible to
an audience. Full body harnesses and safety
lines on performers are often not practical during
performance.

WorkSafeBC recognizes this and allows some

exceptions to the use of standard protective


equipment and clothing in performance
situations “provided that effective measures are
taken to protect performers and other workers
from injury.”

Effective measures may include procedures

described in “Rehearsal” (see pages 21–24)
and “Developing Production Components” (see
pages 25–28).

Fall protection equipment

Employers are responsible for providing workers
with any necessary fall protection equipment.
However, if employers and workers both agree,
workers may use their own equipment as long
as it meets WorkSafeBC
What does qualified
requirements and is
mean?
appropriate for the
specific task. In the Regulation,
qualified means “being
If you are inexperienced knowledgeable of the
work, the hazards
or unsure of what
involved and the means
fall protection to use,
to control the hazards,
consult the specialist by reason of education,
on your production who training, experience or a
is most qualified for the combination thereof.”
intended task.


 Fall protection plans
When are fall protection plans
required?
Employers must ensure that decisions are
documented in a written fall protection plan in
any of the following cases:
• When technicians or performers will be
working at heights of 7.5 m (25 ft.) or more
without permanent guardrails
• When a fall from a lower height could involve
unusual risk of injury
• When the fall protection system will consist
of work procedures, such as control zones
or nets

Even if you are not required to complete a plan,

briefly documenting your decisions can be
useful for future reference and can establish due
diligence.

10
What should the fall protection plan
include?
Include detailed rehearsal and performance
plans. All fall protection plans must specify:
• Fall hazards expected during each
production phase
• Methods to prevent or mitigate the hazards
• Procedures to assemble, maintain, inspect,
use, and disassemble fall protection
systems
• A rescue plan for aiding workers who fall and
are left suspended at height

Rescue plans
The rescue plan should answer these questions:
• If workers at risk fell, what would likely
happen?
• Would self-rescue be possible?
• If not, could rescuers get to the workers?
• What equipment and techniques (including
qualified experts) would you need, and how
will you provide them?

11
 Safety measures for customized
equipment
If a performer will be using customized
equipment — including harnesses and fly
hardware (rated equipment made into a
customized system) — describe safety measures
the production will take.

Examples of safety measures

• Write a detailed rehearsal and choreography
plan.
• Use equipment designed for the forces that
will be exerted on it.
• Appoint a qualified person to inspect the
equipment before each use.

Review and update the fall protection

plan
• Review the fall protection plan before
implementing it.
• Review the fall protection plan regularly
as the production develops and conditions
change.

12
 • Make and document any necessary
additions or changes.
• If you change things on the fly, make sure
there is enough time to reassess risks
and to test and rehearse the system. Note
changes on the risk assessment checklist
and fall protection plan.

Make changes as required by the venue

If you did not see the venue before completing
the risk assessment checklist and fall protection
plan, you may need to review and update them.
This applies particularly to touring shows or new
locations, where you need to reassess hazards
for the new venue or worksite. Even if you
have been there before, reassess the venue or
location when you arrive.

Formalize continual risk assessment

The risk assessment should be on the agenda
at production meetings. Briefly document each
reassessment (for example, add to the risk
assessment checklist and fall protection plan).

13
 Worker instruction and training
Employers must provide workers with
information, instruction, training, and supervision
so they can carry out their work safely.
• When hiring, specify the requirements of the
job if it will involve working at heights.
• Inform workers of relevant hazards.
• Post your risk assessment checklist and
fall protection plan, and any subsequent
amendments.
• Instruct and train workers in rescue
procedures, fall protection methods, and
equipment use.
• Document crew talks, training programs, and
rehearsals, including attendance.

Crew meetings
Supervisors or crew chiefs must discuss fall
protection at the first crew meeting.
• Inform workers where the risk assessment
(and fall protection plan, if there is one) is
posted before working at heights begins.
• Address the safety aspects of the work
and the technical requirements, particularly
14
 when the task involves unusual or unwieldy
equipment.

With new crew, discuss fall protection and other

health and safety issues in an orientation before
they begin work. Introduce them to their worker
health and safety representative.

Young and new workers

Employers must ensure that In the Regulation
young and new workers See sections
are given health and safety 3.22–3.25.
orientation and training
specific to their workplace before beginning work.

Definitions
Young worker — “Any worker who is under
25 years of age.”

New worker — “Any worker who is new to the

workplace, returning to a workplace where the
hazards in that workplace have changed during
the worker’s absence, affected by a change in
the hazards of a workplace, or relocated to a
new workplace if the hazards in that workplace
are different from the hazards in the worker’s
previous workplace.”

15
 Employers must document orientation and
training of new and young workers. Actsafe
has a sample form available in the publication
Orientation for Young and New Workers.

Tips for effective orientation and training

• Set the tone
Actsafe resources
by providing a
• New and Young
clean, safe work
Worker Orientation
environment.
infosheet
• Stress safety
• New and Young
over productivity.
Worker Orientation
Productivity will series (three videos)
come as new
employees learn.
• Encourage questions.
• Don’t assume anything is common sense.
• Evaluate and assess the safety of
equipment that young or new workers might
be required to operate.
• Ensure that young and new workers are
appropriately supervised.
• Involve supervisors and experienced
workers in orientation and training.

16
General safety
Falling objects
Wear a hard hat if there is a risk of head injury
from falling or thrown objects (for example, flown
scenery, lighting equipment, tools, or tail ends of
cable). Although some companies provide hard
hats, workers are responsible for providing their
own approved hard hat, if necessary.

Hard hat requirements

• Keep your hard hat clean. Don’t use
solvents to clean it; they weaken the plastic.
• Don’t drill holes in your hard hat.
• Don’t paint it or apply stickers to it.
• Inspect it regularly. If it is cracked or
damaged, replace it.
• Warn anyone not wearing a hard hat in an
area where hard hats are required to keep
clear of that area.

Working at heights
• Empty your pockets.
• Strap loose tools to your body.
• If you are using a hard hat, fasten the chin
strap.
17
 • If you need to work with loose tools,
materials, or equipment (for example,
when loading a
counterweight arbor), In the Regulation
make sure the area See sections
below is cleared of 4.21–4.23.
people and marked as
a danger zone.
• Position objects as securely as possible so
nothing gets accidentally knocked overboard.
• Avoid working alone at heights.

Low light levels

• Install running lights backstage.
• Mark unguarded edges, if possible, with
conspicuous warning markers such as
white tape, glow tape, LED lights, or laser
markers. Don’t rely entirely on electrical
illumination in case of a power failure.
• Make portable lights (such as trouble lights,
forehead flashlights, and mag lights) easily
available to technicians working near
unguarded edges.
• Include the running crew and technicians
in technical rehearsals so they can orient
themselves to the conditions.
18
Slippery or unstable surfaces
Performers and technicians In the Regulation
must wear footwear that
See sections
protects against existing
8.22–8.23.
hazards. If it is not practicable
for a performer to wear
standard safety footwear, the employer must
take other measures to protect them from
injury — for example, fit costume shoes with non-
slip soles, change the floor surface, or remove
the hazard.

High voltage
Don’t violate the limits of In the Regulation
approach when working
See sections
near energized high-voltage 19.24–19.29.
electrical equipment. In the
Regulation, high voltage
“means a potential difference (voltage) of more
than 750 volts between conductors or between a
conductor and ground.”

Strike
When assessing risks, include the work that will
be done at heights when striking. Circumstances
can be more hazardous during strike: there is

19
 often a sense of urgency, crew sizes may have
changed, all departments may be working at the
same time, and fatigue is often a factor.

If the install required special equipment, make

sure you have it for the strike. Ensure that
stairways and other access methods are left
intact until workers do not need access to the
areas they serve.

20
Rehearsal
Rehearsal is a fundamental safe work practice
for live performance. If a falling hazard cannot
be eliminated during the design and construction
phases of production, use rehearsal to introduce
workers to the hazard and train them to deal
with it. Proceed gradually from no risk to
performance-level risk. Complicated sequences
and hazardous parts of the action may require
far more rehearsal time.

Pre-rehearsal planning
• Consider fall protection and general safety
when discussing how the artistic concept will
be staged. Include fall protection strategies
in the budget.
• Assess risks, and eliminate or control
hazards and unsafe work practices.
Reassess risks as the production develops
and conditions change.
• Complete a fall protection plan that includes
information on hazards, prevention methods,
safe work procedures, and rescue plans.
(See “Fall Protection Plans,” pages 10–13.)

21
 • Make fall protection a part of all pre-
production planning and communication.
Allow enough lead time for adjustments to
be made for each venue.
• Hire performers and technicians who
are sufficiently trained, experienced, and
comfortable performing the tasks required.
• Schedule enough rehearsal time to deal with
hazards. Allow time for additional rehearsals
throughout the run, if necessary.
• Make sure understudies and replacements
have enough rehearsal time to perform
safely.

Orientation
• Orient performers Actsafe resources
and technicians at
• New and Young
the beginning of Worker Orientation
production or when infosheet
arriving at a new
• New and Young
venue.
Worker Orientation
• Point out hazards series (three videos)
such as traps and
other unguarded
edges.

22
 • Discuss the risk assessment and fall
protection plan. Focus on risks and how to
mitigate them. Give workers an opportunity
for feedback.
• Update workers about changing set
conditions — for example, draw attention
to an open orchestra pit or a new floor
opening.

Rehearsal guidelines
• Develop blocking or choreography that
eliminates or mitigates risks; or alter the
technical parameters of the hazardous
sequence.
• Ask the stage manager to document fall
protection issues and solutions in the daily
production notes.
• Ensure that production notes are on the
agenda and discussed at weekly production
meetings, and with appropriate technicians
and performers.
• Inspect fall protection Actsafe resource
equipment before and • Stunt Harness
after each use. Inspection video

23
 • Make sure that technicians checking a
performer’s safety arrangements are
protected from injury while doing so.
• Upon arriving at the venue, conduct a
spacing or orientation rehearsal.
• Dry-run sequences that involve special
effects, pyrotechnics, stage machinery, or
other technical hazards.
• Do a full run-through of any sequence
believed to be hazardous.

24
Developing production
components
The safe development process is a part of
production design that can be initiated at
any time. Use this process to identify and
resolve health and safety issues for potentially
hazardous production components, such as
scenery used to fly performers or a costume
with stilts. Document the process in your fall
protection plan to establish due diligence.

The safe development process consists of three

steps: development, testing, and rehearsal.

Note: Before developing production

components, make sure the production and
creative teams complete a risk assessment.

Development Actsafe resource

Use research and design to • Sample Safe
resolve health and safety Development
concerns. Consult with Process
performers, production
team members, and the health and safety
representative, if there is one.

25
 Testing In the Regulation
Test production See Guideline 11.2-6,
components that Fall Protection During
interact or might Stunt Work.
interact with performers
or technicians.

• For initial tests, use non-live loads such as

sand bags.
• For secondary tests, use controlled live
loads with appropriate safety measures
such as fall arrest harnesses to simulate
and exaggerate performer movement and
interactions.
• Carry out final tests with all other production
components that could affect the component
under development (for example, adjacent
performer or scenery movements, lighting
conditions, or sound levels).

Rehearsal
Provide all performers working on or with
potentially hazardous components with enough
orientation and rehearsals to eliminate or mitigate
the risks. (See “Rehearsal,” pages 21–24.)

26
Components visible to the audience
Generally, structures and components must
meet the standards described in the Regulation.
However, WorkSafeBC allows exceptions for
props, scenic units, and effects components
that will be visible to the audience, as long as
effective measures are taken to ensure that
workers are protected from injury.

This means that in situations where

WorkSafeBC requirements are not practicable,
you can use the safe development process
(in conjunction with the rehearsal process) to
identify and resolve health and safety issues.
You must still use professional engineering when
necessary.

Entering new territory

When trying something for the first time, ask
a trusted and respected colleague who has
done something similar how to approach the
component design, or consider hiring a specialist
or engineer.

27
 Consult or hire an engineer to help develop
production components when:
• The development process does not
adequately address the engineering
principles involved
• You want to ensure that you are providing a
safe work environment and doing your due
diligence

Refusing unsafe work

At any point, anyone In the Regulation
involved can and must
See sections
speak up if he or she
3.12–3.13.
feels the process is
inadequate and the
resulting production component will not mitigate
the hazard. If there is a concern, work toward
a solution that satisfies everyone involved. For
example:
• Provide additional rehearsal time for the
performer to increase their comfort level.
• Change the sequence.
• Cut the sequence from the production.

28
Unguarded edges
You are working at height if In the Regulation
you are working near a vertical See sections
drop that is: 4.54–4.63.
• 3 m (10 ft.) or higher
• Less than 3 m (10 ft.) but where a fall could
cause unusual injury

Note: Section 4.55 of the Regulation mentions a

requirement for guardrails at heights of 122 cm
(4 ft.) or more. This requirement is only intended
for structures such as loading docks and does
not apply to performance stages and scenic
units visible to audiences.

When working near edges Actsafe resource

such as stages, balconies,
• Health and Safety
catwalks, and traps, look
Overview of
out for others — especially if Orchestra Pits
you are a director blocking (Performing Arts
performers or a stage Safety Bulletin #11)
performer working above pit
musicians.

29
 Notify all workers of changes to their work
environment. For example, tell them if the pit is
open and the drop has significantly increased, or
if unguarded edges are hidden by drapery.

Technical setting vs. rehearsal or

performance setting
• Establish when work zones will change
between the technical setting and the
rehearsal or performance setting so
protective measures can be implemented.
Example: When shifting from a focus call
to a technical rehearsal, technicians may
need to replace guardrails with alternative
fall protection intended for rehearsal and
performance.
• If practicable, leave standard fall protection
measures used to protect technicians during
work calls in place to protect performers (for
example, during technical rehearsals).
• If reassembling protective devices is
impractical between shows or during
maintenance, protect workers by using the
systems in place for performers, but only
if these measures are safe given the risk

30
 involved and you reorient the technicians to
the altered risk.
• If the running crew will be working near
edges during the performance (for example,
follow-spot operators), provide them with fall
protection and include them in rehearsals.

Traps
• When not in use, cover In the Regulation
traps or surround them See section 4.59.
with guardrails.
• If practicable, mark trap
perimeters with glow tape, LED lights, white
tape, or laser markers.
• Don’t rely exclusively on electrically powered
systems, in case of a power failure.

31
 Ladders
Two types of ladders are In the Regulation
used in live performance:
See sections
• Portable ladders 13.2–13.6.
(straight ladders,
extension ladders,
A-frame ladders, and Note: The use of
stepladders) wheeled A-frame
ladders is not
• Permanent ladders recommended.
(access ladders and
escape ladders)

Use ladders that meet CSA or ANSI standards.

You can work without fall protection for short,
light-duty tasks only. If the job will take longer,
use another method such as a lift.

Raising and lowering items

Don’t climb ladders while carrying heavy or bulky
objects. Either position yourself securely on the
ladder and rope the item up or down, or attach a
pulley block to a rated overhead grid or rigging
point, and have ground crew raise or lower the
object.

32
If you are roping the item by hand, make sure
the ladder is secure (for example, tie off the
ladder at the top and secure it at the bottom or
have ladder assistants foot the ladder).

Ladder assistants Note: The use of

ladder assistants
When necessary, use ladder
is not considered
assistants to:
fall protection.
• Foot the ladder
• Keep people out of the area
• Hook up and raise or lower equipment or
materials on a rope

Portable ladders as scenic units or

props
A portable ladder constructed at the job site must
meet WorkSafeBC requirements unless it will be
used as a scenic unit or prop that will be visible
to the audience. If a ladder is designed and
constructed for use as a visible scenic unit or prop:
• Inform all technicians that the ladder is for
performance only
• Mark the ladder “for performance only”
when it is not being used in performance or
rehearsal

33
 Scaffolds
In the Regulation, scaffold In the Regulation
“means any temporary
See sections
work platform and its 13.13–13.19.
supporting structure used
for supporting workers, or
materials, or both.”

Scaffolds must meet the safety standards in

section 13.17. The only exceptions are scenic
units or props that will be visible to the audience.

Erecting scaffolds
• A qualified worker must supervise scaffold
erection and dismantling.
• Follow the manufacturer’s and supplier’s
instructions, and meet WorkSafeBC
requirements.
• Erect scaffolds on solid footings. If
necessary, use screw jacks to level
scaffolds.
• Secure and rigidly brace the uprights to
prevent swaying and movement.
• If a scaffold is higher than three times
its minimum base dimension, secure the

34
 scaffold to the adjacent structure or use
guylines and outriggers.
• Don’t erect scaffolds near power lines or
other energized high-voltage electrical
conductors. If necessary, contact the local
power company.
• Install required guardrails and toeboards on
platforms that are 3 m (10 ft.) or higher.
• Don’t mix and match components.
• Keep erection drawings on site.
• Use fall protection when erecting or
dismantling scaffolds that are 3 m (10 ft.) or
higher.

Inspecting scaffolds
Inspect scaffolds daily before use and after
any modification. Follow the manufacturer’s
and supplier’s instructions, and replace any
damaged components.

Using scaffolds
• If guardrails are not practicable, use
personal fall protection.
• Use a ladder, stairway, or other safe means
to access scaffold landings. Don’t climb the
outside of scaffold frames between landings.
35
 • Don’t use ladders or makeshift devices on
top of scaffolds to increase the height.
• Don’t overload scaffolds with materials or
people. Stay within the manufacturer’s and
supplier’s load specifications.
• Secure and belay equipment when hoisting
it. When lifting materials more than three
frames high from the ground, use a well
wheel and davit. Secure equipment on top to
the main framework.
• Don’t remain on a rolling scaffold while
others are moving it if the scaffold is higher
than twice its minimum base dimension.
• Don’t remain on a rolling scaffold if you are
moving it and the platform is higher than
one and a half times the scaffold’s minimum
base dimension.
• Don’t work on a draped scaffold in outdoor
conditions unless a professional engineer
has determined that it is safe to do so in
those conditions at that particular venue.
• Objects mounted on scaffolds can make it
unstable. Use counterweights or bracing if
necessary.

36
Scaffolds as scenic units or props
A scaffold must meet all WorkSafeBC
requirements unless it will be used as a scenic
unit that will be visible to the audience. If a
scaffold is designed and constructed for use
as a visible scenic unit and it does not meet
WorkSafeBC requirements, you must include it
in your fall protection plan.

• Inform all technicians that the scaffold is for

performance only.
• Mark the scaffold “for performance only”
when it is not being used in rehearsal or
performance.
• Provide an effective means of fall protection
for workers (see “Rehearsal,” pages 21–24).

37
 Lifts
Lifts (usually bucket or In the Regulation
scissor lifts) are ideal for
See sections
live production because 13.20–13.33.
they:
• Have built-in guardrails
• Usually do not require full body harnesses
(except for boom lifts)
• Are easy to move around for minor
adjustments
• Leave both hands free for work

Types of lifts
Bucket lifts are single-person telescopic vertical
lifts. Some bucket lifts are self-propelled.
Scissor lifts are vertical lifts that are scissored
rather than telescopic. They can hold more than
one person.
Boom lifts are mounted on an arm that can be
articulated (above) or telescopic.

In the Regulation:
• Boom-supported elevating work platforms
include boom lifts.
38
 • Elevating work platforms include bucket lifts
and scissor lifts.
• Self-propelled “means the capability of
an elevating work platform to be power
propelled with the primary controls on the
work platform.”

Lift requirements
Personnel lifts must meet CSA or ANSI
standards and WorkSafeBC requirements.

Basic requirements for personnel lifts

Type Annual lift Harness Suitable
of lift certification required? for sloping
required? ground?
Bucket No No, if operating on No
lift a firm, substantially
even surface with
all guardrails and
chains in place
Scissor Yes No, if operating on No
lift a firm, substantially
even surface with
all guardrails and
chains in place
Boom Yes Yes Yes, if used
lift according to
manufacturer’s
instructions

39
 Inspecting lifts
• Inspect lifts before each use.
• If you find any defects, repair the lift
immediately or tag it and remove it from
service.
• Keep inspection and maintenance records.
• Check the equipment decal to ensure the
certification has not expired.

Operating lifts In the Regulation

• Lifts must be operated See sections
by trained, qualified 19.24–19.29.
crew members.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
and WorkSafeBC requirements. Keep the
operating manual on site.
• Before operating the lift, check for potential
hazards, including traffic, power sources,
floor openings, and slopes.
• Level and plumb the lift base and supporting
ground. Use wheel chocks and blocking on
inclines.
• Look out for overhead power lines and high-
voltage devices. When working near power
lines, stay outside the limits of approach.
40
 • Don’t exceed the manufacturer’s specified
load limit.
• Don’t try to increase lift height by placing
ladders, planks, or other objects on top of
the platform.
• Set the braking system before elevating
crew members.
• Don’t sit or climb on the railings.
• Lock out unattended personnel lifts.
• Establish clear communication protocols
between workers on the platform and those
on the ground.
• Don’t use lifts in extreme weather conditions
such as thunderstorms, heavy rain, or high
winds, unless safety measures are in place.
• In electrical storms, workers must get off the
lift.

Moving workers on lifts

• Most lifts, with the exception of scissor lifts,
must be lowered before they are moved with
workers on them.
• Follow the manufacturer’s or supplier’s
specifications.

41
 • Ensure that all guardrails and chains are in
place.
• Watch the rate of travel and communicate
with the worker on the platform according to
pre-set protocols.

42
Communication protocols
Generally, workers at height should dictate any
movement of themselves or the equipment in
their immediate area. Workers below should
never make such moves unless asked to by the
person at height.

If you need to move a counterweight or other fly

pipe that is near a worker on a ladder or lift, or
the worker is on the grid or loading gallery, ask
the worker before moving the item.

If you drop an object from a height, immediately

yell “Heads!” If you hear someone yell “Heads!”
duck and cover; don’t look up.

Moving workers on scaffolds or

bucket lifts
1. Worker at height: Make sure your head is
clear of the grid and the space is clear of
cables. Initiate the move by saying “Ready
to move” and indicating the location or
direction (for example, “Stage left, one foot”).

43
 2. Assistant below: Before moving the ladder
or lift, make sure the path is clear, then say
“Moving.”
3. Worker at height: When you reach the new
location, say “Stop.”

Assistants should pay close attention to the

worker above. Designate one assistant as the
operator. The operator should:
• Communicate with the worker above
• Make sure the path is clear
• Make sure others know there is someone
working overhead

44
WorkSafeBC requirements
Fall protection requirements appear throughout
the Regulation. These are the most relevant
sections from the Regulation and its associated
guidelines that apply to working at heights in live
performance.

Topic Location in Regulation

Work Area Guards and Handrails Sections 4.54–4.63
Personal Protective Clothing and Sections 8.2–8.3, 8.7–8.9
Equipment
Safety Headgear Section 8.11
Footwear Sections 8.22–8.23
Fall Protection Part 11
Ladders Sections 13.2–13.6
Scaffolds Sections 13.13–13.19
Movable Work Platforms Sections 13.20–13.33
Safe Work Areas and Safe Access Sections 20.4–20.14.3
Roof Work Sections 20.73–20.77
Demolition Sections 20.111–20.121
Evacuation and Rescue Part 32
Fall Protection During Stunt Work Guideline G11.2-6

45
 Organizations
Actsafe
Tel: 604 733-4682 in the Lower Mainland.
1 888 229-1455, toll-free in B.C..
Fax: 604 733-4692.
Web: www.actsafe.ca

Collaborating with B.C.’s motion picture and

performing arts industries to provide innovative,
accessible health and safety training and
resources.

WorkSafeBC
Tel: 604 276-3100 in the Lower Mainland.
1 888 621-SAFE (621-7233), .
toll-free in B.C..
Email: workpub@worksafebc.com

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation

and many other publications are available at
WorkSafeBC.com.

46
Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology
Tel: 1 888 271-3383.
Fax: 613 482-1212.
Email: info@citt.org.
Web: www.citt.org

Entertainment Technician Certification

Program
Tel: 212 244-1505.
Fax: 212 244-1502.
Email: etcp@plasa.org.
Web: http://etcp.plasa.org

North American Association of Flying Effects

Directors (NAAFED)
Tel: 1 888 359-4255, ext. 103.
Email: louh@flyingfx.com.
Web: www.naafed.com

United States Institute for Theatre

Technology (USITT)
Tel: 1 800 938-7488.
Fax: 1 866 398-7488.
Email: info@office.usitt.org.
Web: www.usitt.org

47
 Resources
Actsafe
Visit www.actsafe.ca for health and safety
resources, including the following:
• Risk Assessment Checklist
• Fall Protection Plan
• Sample Safe Development Process
• New and Young Worker Orientation
infosheet
• New and Young Worker Orientation series
(three videos)
• Stunt Harness Inspection video
• Health and Safety Overview of Orchestra
Pits (Performing Arts Safety Bulletin #11)
• Play it Safe online manual

Other
WorkSafeBC Ladder Safety web page:.
www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/EquipmentSafety/
LadderSafety.asp

48
What is Actsafe?
Actsafe partners with B.C.’s entertainment industries
to keep workers safe. Actsafe is where people in the
industry connect with others who share their safety
concerns, and set the stage to work safely.

Mission
Collaborating with B.C.’s motion picture and
performing arts industries to provide innovative,
accessible health and safety training and resources.

Values
Accessibility, Collaboration, Innovation.

Structure
Actsafe is governed by the industries it represents.
We operate through two standing committees that
represent the motion picture and performing arts
communities. Membership on these committees
includes both employer and worker representatives.

Office hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

Contact us:
Suite 215 – 750 Hamilton Street .
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 2R5

Tel: 604.733.4682
Fax: 604.733.4692
Toll-free: 888.229.1455

Email: info@actsafe.ca

www.actsafe.ca
Performing Arts Safety Primer

Working at
Heights
This primer is for employers, performers, and
technicians in British Columbia’s live performance
industry. It describes health and safety requirements
and safe work practices for working at heights.

This primer is intended as a tool to help cast and crew

members work safely. It will also help employers comply
with their legal responsibility to take every reasonable
precaution to protect workers from falls.

www.actsafe.ca