STAGE EFFECTS
RESOURCES
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE TO SMOKE & VAPOURS:
Precautionary Measures
The first priority is to eliminate the risks, eg by using effects that contain no harmful substances. Smoke effects should be under the control of people competent in that activity. Good planning and regular maintenance is essential in the safe use of these effects. The risk assessment should be discussed with the person in charge of the production. People involved in the production should be warned in advance that smoke effects are to be used. Where possible a full rehearsal should be carried out to ensure that no unforeseen risks have emerged, eg problems due to reduced visibility.
Preventing exposure
Correct usage of these smoke and vapour effects should allow you to limit the number of people exposed. It should be possible to prevent exposure to the audience and certain members of the production team if care is taken to minimise the amount of smoke used, and to control and direct the smoke.
Since CO 2 is heavier than air, particular attention should be paid to low-lying areas, basements, orchestra pits and under-stage areas. It may be necessary to arrange for a competent person to monitor the CO 2 and oxygen levels in these areas if they are to be occupied by any person.
Controlling exposure
On-site monitoring has indicated that it is very easy to exceed the OESs laid down in guidance note EH 40.
The following precautions should allow you to control and minimise exposure:
• Always use the minimum amount of smoke required
• Ventilate areas well immediately after use
• Minimise the exposure time of those concerned
• Keep people away from areas in front of all machines since concentrations are at their highest here
Personal protection
PPE should only ever be used as a last resort when it is not possible to reduce the risk by other means. It may occasionally be necessary to use Respiratory Protective Equipment for the machine operators. If this is the case respirators may be sufficient for oil or glycol effects, but full breathing apparatus may be required for CO 2. Those using dry ice or liquid nitrogen should always wear well insulated impervious gloves to protect against freeze burns. The use of tongs should be considered. Goggles or visors
should be worn to prevent eye injuries.
