To read pt.1 of the series, click here.
Last week, in the first of this series, we addressed the “what” and “how” of designing an efficient strike plan, as well as the safety of the entire process. We outlined the order in which deconstruction typically occurs during a strike, and how to dispose of or reuse certain materials. Today we'll discuss "when", "who", safety proceedures, and strike scheduling.
When
The strike plan identifies when the strike will occur. The timing of the strike is determined by the scheduled use of the venue, the availability of the strike crew, the scene shop, labor contracts, and safety concerns. Multiple studies have shown that more injuries occur on night shifts and when personnel work extended or unusual hours. Scheduling the strike to occur the morning after the last performance reduces the risk of injury incidents related to fatigue and the inattention associated with lack of rest. Often the schedule of an incoming production dictates the strike must begin as soon as the final curtain call is concluded. When this is the case, the proper training and preparation of the strike crew, and the provision of rest breaks, along with healthy refreshments becomes more critical..
Who
The written strike plan spells out who will be involved in the strike and their individual responsibilities. The strike should always be supervised by a trained and qualified person; this may be the set designer, show carpenter, or technical director. The strike supervisor must remain on premises and actively supervise the strike during strike activities. Strike efficiency increases when several crews are working safely in unison, and that requires trained and qualified strike crew leaders to report and take direction from the strike supervisor. Identify who will serve as crew; students and/or paid professionals? Aside from the strike crews, determine:
1. Who will install the safe guards for the edge of the stage?
2. Who will be responsible for providing personal protective equipment (PPE):
-Collection
-Dispensing
-Retrieval
1. Who will be responsible for the supervision of safety, and ensuring compliance with safety rules and regulations is maintained?
2. Who will make the arrangements for the packaging, storage, and disposal materials, such as bubble wrap, paper, boxes, and dumpsters?
3. Who will be responsible for making the arrangements for the provision of refreshments?
4. Who will complete the final walk through to ensure the strike is complete?
Be Mindful of Safety
Advanced planning helps to ensure the safety of the strike crew.Strike safety considerations include:
1. The scheduling of the strike as discussed in the “when” section above
2. Strike crew and leader training
3. The provision of PPE
4. Provision of appropriate tools
5. Reducing distractions
6. Provision of rest periods and refreshments
Strike Scheduling
When late night, through the night, or overtime is required to complete the strike, extra steps need to be taken to ensure strike crew safety. Conduct documented “night shift and extended shift” safety training for the strike crew well in advance of the strike. Design the training to inform them of the safety issues associated with fatigue and disrupted sleep rhythms associated with night and extended shift work, and the proper steps they can take in advance of the strike to reduce their risk of injury.
Strike Training
Conduct documented strike training for the crew, crew leaders, and strike supervisor in advance of the strike. Ensure the training includes:
1. An explanation of the strike plan – including who, what, when, and how
2. Each crew’s assigned tasks – what are they expected to do and when it will occur in the schedule
3. How to handle recycled and waste materials –
- Remind them to remove nails and staples from wood or hammer them flat
- Inform them where will the materials go
- Instruct them to keep routes and access to the exits and the dumpster clear and safe
- Let them know what tools they will be using
- Provide instruction regarding how to safely use the tools
- Provide instruction regarding how to safely clean and store the tools at the completion of the strike
1. PPE requirements –
- Tell them what they have to wear
- Tell them when they have to wear it
- Tell them how to care for their PPE
- Tell them how to return or dispose of it at the completion of the strike
1. Basic electrical safety training
2. Prohibited behavior, such as no horseplay, no working under the influence of drugs or alcohol, etc.
Prior to starting the more hazardous deconstruction tasks, conduct a brief safety meeting to review the task steps. An example of such hazardous tasks is the removal of large steel flats that require the use of bull lines, lots of people, and complete concentration.
Check back next week for Safety Series – Designing a Strike Plan for Set Deconstruction pt.3!
