Are you using Theatrical Dust Elements and/or Effects?
- Approval of Venues
- Emergency Action Plans
- Infection Control
- Injury-Illness Report
- Outdoor Spaces
- Pre-Production Safety Information Form
- Production Assessment
- Pyrotechnics
- Raked Stage Instructor Qualifications
- Technical Standards
- Theatrical Dust Elements and/or Effects
- Theatrical Firearms
- Theatrical Smoke and Haze Regulations
- Ventilation Guidance
- Water Effects
- Working with Animals
Production elements are the sets, props, costumes, lighting, special effects, sound and more that are part of a show. Actors and stage managers interacting with these may encounter a greater risk. Employers should know what those risks are.
Information for the Employer
Employers are responsible for the following:
Ensure performer and stage manager safety when using dust elements (e.g., sand; dirt; cork; ash; chalk; EPDM (rubber); powders like flour, corn starch, or vitamin B), or dust effects (e.g., throwing, dropping, snorting).
Notify Early – Mention dust use in casting notices and inform hired performers before first day.
Engage Experts – Hire licensed professionals (industrial hygienist, occupational health specialist) for product and safety assessments.
Protect Health – Monitor air quality, provide ventilation, and have first aid resources ready.
Before Use
Include advisory in casting notices.
Share written notice with performers and stage managers.
If there are uneven surfaces created by the dust element, engage appropriate individuals, such as a physical therapist.
Review product Safety Data Sheets (SDS); avoid carcinogens and organic mixtures.
Conduct risk assessment and create a written safety plan.
Orient performers: explain dust use, safety measures, and contingency plans.
During Use
Train and rehearse dust handling.
Contingency plans should be rehearsed.
If conditions change, notify all involved.
Covers and replacements should be provided with all information about the dust prior to their first use.
Use clear cues for dust effects.
Report any health issues immediately.
Maintenance And Ongoing Use
Post SDS backstage.
Footwear worn outside the venue should not come in contact with a stage fully or partially covered in a dust element.
Clean costumes, props, and surfaces more frequently.
Provide cleaning resources (showers, wipes).
Maintain ventilation and air purifiers.
Employers should provide their personnel who will oversee the dust elements and/or effects with the companion document named THEATRICAL DUST ELEMENTS AND/OR EFFECTS for their review.
For questions or concerns, contact your Equity Field Representative.