A safe workplace includes not only protocols related to day-to-day occurrences, but ensuring there are plans in place in case of emergencies. Employers should have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and educate workers on the safety protocols in place in case of events like active shooters or shelter in place procedures.
Some Equity agreements already require an EAP. However, the union strongly encourages all producers to have protocols fitting these guidelines in place for auditions, rehearsals and performances.
(1) The plan should cover, but not be limited to, emergency evacuation procedures, fire prevention and preparedness, medical and other emergencies, life safety systems (e.g., fire alarm system, fire suppression system, first aid stations, etc.), security awareness, active shooter procedures, shelter in place procedures, etc.
(2) The plan should be in writing and provided to the actors and stage managers no later than the beginning of the first day of work in the space. When updates are made to the plan, a revised copy should be provided immediately to the actors and stage managers.
(3) At the beginning of the first day of work in a space, there should be an EAP meeting. This should be conducted by a qualified individual (e.g., venue manager, facilities director, facilities’ security personnel, third party security firm, etc.). The meeting should include a walkthrough of the space to point out emergency exits, emergency stairwells, fire alarm pull stations, fire-fighting equipment, first-aid stations and shelter in place locations, etc.
(4) For working in spaces for more than two months, subsequent EAP meetings should take place at least every three months. However, if a situation has taken place or there has been an inquiry, etc., a subsequent EAP meeting should be held immediately.
(5) An EAP meeting should be provided to all replacements at the top of their first day working in a space.
(6) For in-person Equity auditions, the plan should be posted and pointed out to the actors and stage managers when they first arrive.
Additional information can be found at the following ANSI standard:
ANSI ES1.9 – Event Safety – Crowd Management.
