Frequently Asked Questions...
These are the technical FAQs for the ABTT forum. It condenses some of questions which have been asked on the Green Room Forum and their replies. If you want to expand or amend an answer to a question, or have information on other technical subjects which you want to add to the FAQ then send your contribution to [email protected] or to the Green Room Forum. The ABTT publishes this information in good faith but no responsibility can be attached to the Association or any of its members or employees for its accuracy or for any liability therefrom. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Association.
What are the new rules for working with Tallescopes?
After discussion amongst the Tallescope Working Party which comprises representatives from SOLT, TMA and a range of UK theatre industry organisations, members of the HSE and the manufactuerers of the Tallescope, Aluminium Access Products, the ABTT on behalf of the industry is pleased to announce:
"Tallescopes have long been and remain one of the methods for Working at Height in Theatres. However as stated and illustrated in the ABTT Code of Practice on Selection of Equipment for Work at Height in Theatres, Tallescopes should not be regarded as the default or first choice tool for working at height. Employers should always refer to the hierarchy or the selection of equipment for work at height. However it is recognised that in some circumstances the Tallescope will be the most appropriate means of gaining access to height and in those cases it is important that stringent conditions are in place.
Briefly, these are:
- Strict adherence to Section 5 (Tallescopes) of the revised ABTT Code of Practise, shortly to be published.
- 4 no. "Outriggers" are fitted to reduce the possibility of a Tallescope falling sideways.
- 4 no. "Base column extensions" ("push and pulls") are fitted to the corners of the Tallescope so as to provide steering without the operator bending at the waist.
- 4 no. "Non-lift" castors are fitted so as not to cause movement in the Tallescope basket when the brakes are being engaged or disengaged.
- The ABTT will not regard a Tallescope as an acceptable piece of equipment for working at height without the modifications detailed above.
The ABTT reminds employers and employees that they must be able to justify the use of a Tallescope instead of safer methods of gaining access to work at height. This may have to be done in a court of law and it is strongly recommended that employees make themselves familiar with the hierarchy for selection of work equipment in the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
In terms of moving an occupied Tallescope, all of the above conditions should be met. Attention is drawn to the specific conditions in the Code of Practice such as only used on a flat and unobstructed stage with all 4 outriggers no more than 10mm off the floor, only fully trained personnel, a Tallescope that has been inspected and certified by the manufacturer or approved representative within the previous 12 months, all as set out in the manufacturer's instructions laid out in the Code.
The ABTT anticipates that the revised "Code of practice for the selection and use of temporary access equipment for working at height in theatres" will be available at or before the PLASA Show in September 2011. In the meantime the publication of June 2010 remains withdrawn."
- ABTT Statement released June 2011 -
What are the safety implications of using dry ice in a medium sized venue?
Posted by Dave Whiting
My advice to you would be DON'T!! Its dangerous to handle, difficult to transport and store, and presents all sorts of problems with possible asphyxiation, particularly in low under stage areas and orchestra pits. Aside from all this you have the problem of a couple of gallons or so of almost boiling water kicking around the stage area and a 3Kw. power supply to the kettle itself. Its much safer and easier to use a low-smoke machine. I know that perhaps these don't give exactly the same effect but it's close, safer and a lot less hassle from a safety point of view. If you really must do it make sure that your risk assessment is thorough and accurate and that all possible precautions are taken.
Posted by Frank Wood
I see no serious safety problems at all. It can perfectly safely be handled with reasonably well insulated gloves:stored in a very well insulated box (ours used to double as the door slam!), and is unlikely to asphyxiate anyone. The body requires a certain minimum CO2 content in the air to maintain the breathing reflex.
Do not forget that that the white 'smoke' you see isn't CO2: it's simply condensed water vapour. It's cold, yes, and may pose an intonation problem to the band. I suppose that the use of really huge amounts of it might pose a hazard to the pit, but I think that's not what you have in mind. And, if your stage organisation is so incompetent that the equivalent of a tea-urn is a bad thing to have around backstage, I should take to knitting socks!
I'm all for safety, but not to such an extent that presenting a production is impossible. All the UK regulations I've seen contain the phrase: "insofar as is reasonably practicable". I think the cost of the dry ice you would need to present a serious hazard would be prohibitive.
Posted by Euan Turner
I'm not aware of any specific regulations to do with the use of CO2 in theatres, although if it is likley to impinge on public safety then I'm sure your local authority who grant you your licence may have an opinion - there may be a local requirement/additional condition of your licence to cover this.
From a more general perspective, the health and safety regulations that may apply are the Confined Spaces Regs 1997. You can get some guidance of the HSE in the Approved Code of Practice to the regulations, "L101 Safe work in confined spaces" (1997 ISBN 0 7176 1405 0). You may be able to get some easier to digest guidance by looking at the HSE Books website (http://www.hsebooks.co.uk/index2.html) and doing a query on confined spaces.
http://www.hsebooks.co.uk/index2.html - HSE Book finder
See also the 'Safety Matters' area of this site
* � Dry Ice
* � The handling and storage of Dry Ice.
* � BOC Gas - Dry Ice
