Water Hazards

  • Prior to the first day when the actors and stage managers will be first introduced to the water hazard(s), a qualified individual(s) (e.g., safety supervisor, etc.) should conduct a production assessment of all areas and the work planned between the actors, stage managers and the water hazard(s). A plan should be developed to reduce and/or eliminate the risks for the actors and stage managers.
     
  • No later than the start of the first day when the actors and stage managers will be first introduced to the water hazard(s), the qualified individual(s) should give an orientation to the actors and stage managers explaining the results of the production assessment, provide demonstrations and/or instructions and copies of the plan that is in place including, but not limited to, safety measures, hazard awareness (e.g., slipperiness, electricity used in or around water, microphones and their transmitters placed on Actors in or around water, etc.).
     
  • Thereafter, the qualified individual(s) should give an orientation, provide demonstrations and/or instructions and copies of the plan to all replacement stage managers and actors as well as Swings and Understudies no later than the start of the first day when the actors and stage managers will be first introduced to the water hazard(s).
     
  • Any conditions that change the working with the water hazard(s) and/or in an area(s), the actors, stage managers and qualified individual(s) must be notified immediately, and the plan should be updated and provided to the actors and stage managers.
     
  • Water should always be clean. It should be filtered, drained, cleaned, and refilled with fresh, clean water on a regular basis to ensure that it is free of any and all contaminants before the Actors are directed to be in the water.
     
  • The water temperature should be no less than 99 degrees and the air temperature in the theater should be between 72 and 76 degrees.
     
  • The pH levels of the water should meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations: 
    https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/residential/disinfection-testing.html
     
  • Immediately following rehearsing or performing with water, actors and stage managers should be provided with easily accessible and appropriate materials to dry off (e.g., towels, robes and/or dry clothing). This will ensure that actors and stage managers are not spending an extended period wet. Hair dryers should be provided when necessary.
     
  • An individual with appropriate first-aid training should be made available during scenes involving water.
     
  • Additional recommended guidelines can be found at the following organization: