This page will guide you in some Health & Safety matters at the Plaza Theatre.

Grid Loading

The stage grid is a structure fabricated from unistrut sections with 2-inch round lighting bars attached that run from side to side of the stage. The grid has been empirically evaluated by local company Rope & Tackle and certified for support of a distributed load not exceeding 1.5tonnes.

Portable Appliance Testing

RAODS own and maintain on site a Robin SmartPAT 5000 tester. Stage lighting and other electrical appliances around the theatre are subjected to periodic portable appliance testing. As part of the visual PAT, any evidence of cable abraison, faulty cable strain relief, connector deformation/scorching or cracks in equipment housings may require that component to be withdrawn from service and either repaired or disposed of as appropriate.
Our technical staff may require that any electrical equipment brought into the theatre by visiting companies has evidence of PAT certification. Failure to present such documentation on request may mean the equipment is banned from use.

Fire Extinguishers

The Plaza is well-equipped with fire-extinguishers placed at strategic locations throughout the building. These are subject to periodic inspection and where appropriate test by discharge and refill, prior to issue of certification. A document located both in the Box Office and the Backstage corridor lists what type of fire appliance is located in which rooms throughout the theatre and workshop.

Policies

The theatre management committee is working on a number of policy documents which are currently at draft stage. These are now available via the web-site - visit our Library.

Pyrotechnics

When pyrotechics are used in a production they should be stored in the labelled and lockable steel containers provided in the control room area and in the stage area.

Staff Guidance

Guidance cards are available in the theatre Box Office detailing the requirements of Front Of House duty roles and also information on what each staff member should do in event of need to evacuate the building. The evacuation assembly point is at the front of the theatre building.