SAFETY SERIES – DESIGNING A STRIKE PLAN FOR SET DECONSTRUCTION PT.3

To read pt.2 of the series, click here.

Last week, in the second part of this series, we addressed the “when” and “who”, safety proceedures, and strike scheduling for an efficient strike plan. We also discussed conducting documented training practices for crew, crew leaders, and strike supervisers, as well as PPE requirements. Today we'll touch more on PPE, and the post-strike review.

Provide PPE 

The appropriate use of PPE vastly limits the risk of injury. The PPE necessary for each member of the crew will depend on the task they are assigned, and the work that is occurring around them. For safety's sake, provide and require the use of:

1. Hard hats – when overhead hazards are present 
2. Safety glasses and goggles – when using hand and power tools or there is a risk of flying debris 
3. Work gloves – when required to handle materials with abrasive edges 
4. Reflective vests – required to increase their visibility 
5. Chemically resistant gloves – when hazardous chemicals are used 

Provide the Appropriate Tools

Provide the appropriate tools for the tasks at hand, and require the crew to use these tools in the manner for which they were designed. The misuse of tools can increase the likelihood of accidents, so ensure crew members are trained to use the tools they are assigned, and understand they should never use a power tool without proper training in its use and limitations.

Reduce Distractions

Distractions during strike activities increase the risk of injury, just as distracted driving increases the risk of accidents. Strikes are already noisy due to all the activity taking place. It is not unusual to have to shout to be heard. Turn off the music. Prohibit the use of the sound system to project music, and prohibit the use of personal entertainment devices. Distractions can also be caused by unauthorized personnel “visiting” the strike. Limit the strike to authorized personnel. If students must be there to observe the operations, require them to adhere to all safety rules and precautions expected of the crew, and require them to be continuously supervised.

Provide Rest Periods and Refreshments 

It is important to promote strike crew alertness by providing routine rest periods and refreshment breaks. When it comes to refreshments, stay away from sugary and caffeinated foods and beverages. Sugar and caffeine can have an initial short-term energizing effect, but that sugar/caffeine high is followed by a crash. Provide fresh water and vitamin drinks, such as Propel and Gatorade. The fresh water and the replenishing electrolytes of sports drinks help keep the body hydrated. Dehydration causes listlessness, headaches, and feeling tired. Serve snacks that are high in protein and complex carbohydrates. Ensure adequate time for meal breaks when the strike will last more than four hours.

Post-Strike Review

After each strike it is important to conduct a review of the strike. Ensure the review answers the following questions:

1. What lessons can be learned from the events of the strike? 
2. What went well? 

• Why?
• How can you ensure you can repeat it?

1. What did not go according to plan?

• Why?
• What needs to be changed?

1. What should be done differently?

• How will you ensure the change occurs?

1. If injuries occurred, even minor ones,

• Why did each injury incident occur?
• What could be done to prevent a recurrence at the next strike?

1. If near miss incidents occurred,

• Why did each incident occur?
• What can be done to prevent a recurrence?

1. What do you need more of:

• PPE?
• Rest periods?
• Refreshments?
• Training?

1. Are there policies or procedures that need to be amended or created?
2. How will you share the information from this meeting to benefit others?

The Review Team

After you review the list of questions, you may have additional questions to add to the list. In order to answer these questions, who will you need to have at the table? Be sure you include one or more representatives from the EH&S Department and/or the Risk Management Department. Physical Plant may also have important input that would increase the value of the review.

Fall Protection

Fall hazards discussed in the Set Construction chapter are also present during the strike. It is important to review the fall protection information located in the Set Construction chapter, as well as the various Codes of Safe Practices regarding fall protection.

Thanks for reading this 3 part series on set deconstruction. We hope this explains the process to those with less experience, and maybe opened the eyes of seasoned pros to some new tricks!

Special thanks to the University of California.