WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Drama: Designing Drama

HEALTH AND SAFETY IN LIGHTING DESIGN Any activity that involves electricity and hanging heavy objects above people’s heads needs to be treated with a great deal of care. Stop and think about the risks for a moment! ASSESSMENT CHECK Throughout Units/ Components 1 and 2, you should adopt safe working practices. This is also covered in AO3: ‘Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how drama and theatre is developed and performed.’ FOCUS This section offers potentially life-saving information! The exam board does not want you to take on much responsibility for your own and other people’s safety when it comes to lighting. Your school must not allow students to put themselves or others at risk either. However, there are good reasons why you still need to know about it: • Everyone bears some responsibility for the safety of their environment. If people look out for potential dangers, the better it is for everyone. • Assessing risks and avoiding hazards is part of being a responsible member of the group. • You are expected to show your knowledge and understanding of health and safety issues. • If you progress to make your living in this field, you need to consider health and safety issues and how to tackle them. Take notes on any risks and hazards you encounter in your practical work. As well as making sure that they are attended to by an adult, you could mention them in your portfolio if you design lighting for Unit/Component 1. Using your common sense Many dangerous situations can be avoided when people are sensible. Here are some basic issues to be aware of before your lights are set up. If I’m not allowed to rig lights, why do I need to know about health and safety? ? a Hazards Safety measures Loose electrical cables Tape them down or cordon off the area. Damaged cables or electrical items Lack of or out-of-date PAT (electrical safety) test label Report the problem immediately to someone in authority. Having the wrong tool for a job, such as a knife instead of a screwdriver Find out what the right tool is and make sure it is available and used. Working at height See ‘Rigging and focusing’, pages 34–35. Unsecured lanterns or fixtures on the lighting bars Make sure no one is underneath. Ask a suitable person (not yourself!) to attach a safety bond (cable). Hot lanterns and gobos Wear safety gloves. T Chapter 1 Practical Guide to Lighting Design 36