The checklists, risk assessments and signposting on this page have been derived from a number of resources including members of FST and Festivals Edinburgh’s TAGSS group, SOLT/ UK Theatre, the Association of British Theatre Technicians, Costume in Theatre Entertainment and Arts, RB Health & Safety Solutions, the Scottish Government and the Government of Northern Ireland.
All resources below are in line with current legislation and guidelines but please check Scottish Government and Local Authority updates as these have been known to change regularly.
If you notice that a resource on this page is out of date please get in touch with us at hello@scottishtheatre.org
Contents
You can click on the headings below to be taken straight to each section.
Some downloads apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once. For documents that are used in more than one instance you will find the corresponding checklist numbers underneath, eg: 2.3, 2.5, 22.3 indicating that this form applies to those areas also.
- 12. Ventilation/ Air Quality
- 13. Working in Cohorts/ Separating Groups
- 14. Handling Equipment/ Props/ Costume
- 15. Design/ Planning
- 16. Rehearsals
- 17. Construction/ Production prep
- 18. Fit Up/ Load In/ Get Out
- 19. Tech Rehearsals
- 20. Performances
- 21. Touring
- 22. Monitoring & Feedback
- 23. Index (All Resources PDF)
Click here to download the full resources index complete with links to download each document used below.
1. Context
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 1.1 Have you checked what the Covid restrictions are for your local area and other locations that staff/visitors may travel in and out of? | Website: www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/ |
| 1.2 Have you liaised with any relevant local authorities around additional requirements they may have in relation to theatre licencing? | Local authority websites are made up of www.localauthorityname.gov.uk |
2. Management & Communication
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 2.1 Have you carried out a Covid risk assessment for each area of your operations? | www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/risk-assessment.htm Weblink |
| 2.2 Have these been carried out by competent people with an appropriate degree of knowledge and/or training? (e.g. gaining knowledge through workshops, seminars, training, seeking outside expertise) | |
| 2.3 Have staff and freelancers been consulted with and made aware of the Covid procedures that have been put in place to keep them safe? (e.g. health and safety meetings, safety briefings, tool box talks, training, etc) | Advanced Information Sheet 2.3, 5.4, 5.5, 11.2 Covid Declaration Checklist for Managers 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 22.2, 22.3 |
| 2.4 Are you asking people to do self-declarations? (e.g. Health declarations, Individual Risk Assessments, lateral flow tests etc) | COVID Declaration Form 2.4, 22.4 |
| 2.5 Have people at greater individual risk been identified and steps taken to ensure their safety? (e.g. Health Declarations, vaccine status etc) | Covid Declaration Checklist for Managers 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 22.2, 22.3 |
| 2.6 Have any contractors been asked for their Covid risk assessments and method statements to ensure that they tie in with your own minimum standards to sufficiently mitigate any Covid risks? Have they been briefed as to your own procedures? | Contractors Checklist 2.6 |
3. Emergency Response
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 3.1 Are there procedures in place so that people know what to do if they have symptoms or test positive for Covid? (e.g. government guidelines on self-isolating, before they come to work, at work etc, isolation rooms) | Covid Declaration Checklist for Managers 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 22.2, 22.3 Suspected Cases Checklist 3.1 |
| 3.2 If someone in the workplace does test positive do you have procedures in place as to what this means for their colleagues and others within the workplace? (e.g. obligations under Test and Protect, who else might need to isolate, when to report under RIDDOR, deep cleaning etc) | Covid Declaration Checklist for Managers 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 22.2, 22.3 Covid Documentation Checklist 3.2 |
| 3.3 Have you employed clear signage throughout the workplace to remind people of their obligations with regard to Covid? (e.g. one way systems, handwashing/hand sanitiser reminders, social distancing signs etc) | Covid Signage Checklist 3.3, 6.1, 6.2, 10.1, 11.4, 11.6 |
| 3.4 Do you have updated advice for first aiders and additional equipment because of Covid-19 and have all first aiders been briefed/trained on the changes? (e.g. only carrying out chest compressions and not mouth to mouth, additional items of PPE in first aid boxes etc) | www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/first-aid-and-medicals/first-aid-certificate-coronavirus.htm Weblink |
| 3.5 Have you updated and communicated your guidance and procedures around fire and emergency evacuation? | Fire Risk Assessment 3.5 |
4. Mental Health & Wellbeing
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 4.1 There is a risk of increased stress and anxiety in the workplace due to Covid-19. Have you incorporated Health and Wellbeing into your risk assessments? | Mental Health & Wellbeing Checklist 4.1, 4.5, 15.2 |
| 4.2 Have staff/freelancers been briefed on who they can talk to if they are struggling with stress or their mental health? (e.g. asking staff to look out for colleagues, who they can talk to, pointing them to mental health first aider in the organisation, signage pointing them to external helplines/resources) | www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-support-mental-health-work Weblink 1 https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus Weblink 2 |
| 4.3 Has additional consideration been given to staff coming back from long periods off work? (e.g. staggered start, temporary reduced hours etc, additional training/induction) | Time Considerations Checklist 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 19.7, 20.4 |
| 4.4 Have shorter hours and more regular breaks been considered/arranged to compensate for the additional stress/fatigue associated with working under Covid restrictions? | Time Considerations Checklist 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 19.7, 20.4 |
| 4.5 Are line managers having regular check-ins with staff to check how they are doing, if they are OK, and if there is anything they can do to help alleviate stress/anxiety? | Mental Health & Wellbeing Checklist 4.1, 4.5, 15.2 |
5. Travel to work/ Arriving at the workplace
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 5.1 Have only the staff that are required to be on-site been identified and alternative working arrangements made for those that are able to work from home/remotely etc? | Time Considerations Checklist 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 19.7, 20.4 |
| 5.2 Is it possible to stagger arrival and departure times to avoid congestion at peak times? | Time Considerations Checklist 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 19.7, 20.4 |
| 5.3 Have staff been made aware of and encouraged to use less risky methods of transport and given clear guidance on how to keep themselves safe? (e.g. car sharing policy, use of masks and hand sanitiser on public transport, encouraging walking and cycling etc) | Travel Risk Assessment 5.3, 21.4 |
| 5.4 Wherever possible have all visitors including contractors been briefed on your Covid-19 procedures before they arrive at the venue? (e.g. do they know not to turn up if they have symptoms, what they will be asked to declare, to have done a lateral flow test/health declaration, bring a face-covering etc) | Advanced Information Sheet 2.3, 5.4, 5.5, 11.2 |
| 5.5 Are people arriving at the workplace being screened or asked to make a declaration regarding Covid-19? (e.g. confirm no Covid symptoms, any recent travel abroad, results of lateral flows tests etc) | Advanced Information Sheet 2.3, 5.4, 5.5, 11.2 |
| 5.6 Do you have a system in place to monitor who has been in the workplace, when they were in and out, and which areas they have been working in as well as capturing details required for test and trace? (e.g. signing in and out, giving contact details, using QR code for check-in, making a note of who has been in which work areas etc) |
6. Getting around the workplace
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 6.1 Have you considered and/or implemented one-way systems to avoid bottlenecks and to assist social distancing? (e.g. keep left in wide corridors, one way only, different doors for in and out etc) | Signage Checklist 3.3, 6.1, 6.2, 10.1, 11.4, 11.6 |
| 6.2 Have you limited the number of people that can access each area? (e.g. backstage staff stay backstage, only workshop staff in workshop, limit rehearsal room visitors, shared meeting points rather than visiting other workspaces) | Signage Checklist 3.3, 6.1, 6.2, 10.1, 11.4, 11.6 |
| 6.3 Have you considered rearranging your spaces to avoid bottlenecks and reduce the number of touchpoints? (e.g. propping non-fire doors open, clearing furniture, spacing out desks etc) | www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/roadmap-further-guidance.htm Weblink |
7. Hand Hygiene
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 7.1 Are people being made aware and reminded of the importance to regularly wash their hands and apply hand sanitiser? (e.g. safety briefings, signage, hand-washing reminders in breaks etc) | Hand Hygiene Checklist 7.1, 7.2, 18.2 |
| 7.2 Have adequate facilities been put in place to allow staff to maintain good hand hygiene? (e.g. sinks with running water and soap, hand sanitiser at touchpoints, wipes available for handles/switches etc) | Hand Hygiene Checklist 7.1, 7.2, 18.2 |
| 7.3 As part of your risk assessment have key hand contact points been identified and managed? (e.g. regular cleaning of touchpoints, hand sanitising before and after using tools/photocopiers etc) | Cleaning Checklist 7.3, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 10.3, 19.9ii |
8. Cleaning
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 8.1 Has consideration been given to additional cleaning to help limit the risk of infection transmission? (e.g. additional cleaning shifts, staff cleaning things/areas as they use them) | Cleaning Checklist 7.3, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 10.3, 19.9ii |
| 8.2 Has particular attention been given to additional cleaning in communal, food preparation, high traffic or toilet areas? | Cleaning Checklist 7.3, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 10.3, 19.9ii |
| 8.3 If you have cleaning contractors have you examined their Covid-19 protocols and agreed your enhanced cleaning requirements? | |
| 8.4 Has consideration been given to leaving areas for 72 hours between being used by different people to limit the dependence on cleaning to reduce infection transmission? | Cleaning Checklist 7.3, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 10.3, 19.9ii |
| 8.5 Do you have adequate amounts of cleaning materials distributed on-site for everyone to be able to use and are people aware of how they should use them effectively? (e.g. wipes by touchpoints, some sprays might need to be left on for a set period of time before they are effective, what the most appropriate cleaning method is in different situations etc) | Cleaning Checklist 7.3, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 10.3, 19.9ii |
9. Waste Disposal
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 9.1 Are staff being asked to keep the workplace clean and tidy to aid effective cleaning (e.g. clear desk policy) | Cleaning Checklist 7.3, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 10.3, 19.9ii |
| 9.2 Are additional bins required throughout the workplace to more effectively allow staff to dispose of litter? (e.g. separate bins for PPE, wipes etc, additional bins by touchpoints where people might dispose of wipes/paper towels etc) | Cleaning Checklist 7.3, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 10.3, 19.9ii |
| 9.3 Do you have a plan in place and risk assessments for the safe collection of rubbish, sanitary bins, waste etc with your staff and sub-contractors? | Cleaning Checklist 7.3, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 10.3, 19.9ii |
10. Face coverings & PPE
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 10.1 Have staff/visitors been asked to wear a face-covering to the workplace and is it clear in the briefings/ documentation where and when they are expected to wear it? | Signage Checklist 3.3, 6.1, 6.2, 10.1, 11.4, 11.6 |
| 10.2 Has each operational task been risk assessed to identify any additional PPE that may be required for particular activities? (e.g. mask, visor and apron for wardrobe staff, additional items in first aid kits for first aiders – facemask, gloves, apron etc) | Wardrobe, Workroom, and Fitting Rooms Risk Assessment 10.2 |
| 10.3 Are there adequate stocks of face coverings and PPE that staff may require in the workplace should they need it? | Cleaning Checklist 7.3, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 10.3, 19.9ii |
| 10.4 Where staff might not be able to wear a face-covering what additional measures have been put in place to help ensure their safety? (e.g. actors rehearsing – additional social distancing, limiting people in the room, compulsory masks for others, lateral flow tests etc) | Signage Checklist 3.3, 6.1, 6.2, 10.1, 11.4, 11.6 Social Distancing Checklist 10.4, 11.1, 11.5 |
11. Social Distancing
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 11.1 Have you identified through the government guidelines and your own risk assessments what level of social distancing is required in each work area and for each activity? (Note: distancing might be different depending on risk/size of space, ventilation, activity etc) | Social Distancing Checklist 10.4, 11.1, 11.5 |
| 11.2 How have you communicated your social distancing policies? (e.g.induction, toolbox talk, signage etc) | Advanced Information Sheet 2.3, 5.4, 5.5, 11.2 |
| 11.3 Where social distancing is likely to drop off or be poorer do you have plans to make sure there is ongoing compliance? (e.g. spot checks, use of Covid monitor, repeated briefings etc) | Covid Officer Training Checklist 11.3, 12.6, 16.6, 18.8, 21.7, 22.1 |
| 11.4 Have you identified maximum occupancies for each space for different types of activity and clearly communicated this with users? (e.g. working out maximum safe occupancy for size/ ventilation/ activity, briefing staff, signs on doors and in rooms etc) | Signage Checklist 3.3, 6.1, 6.2, 10.1, 11.4, 11.6 |
| 11.5 Where social distancing is more difficult has consideration been given to additional mitigation? (e.g. screens, barriers, additional ventilation, PPE inc mask/visor etc) | Social Distancing Checklist 10.4, 11.1, 11.5 |
| 11.6 What have you added to be able to help people to maintain social distancing? (e.g. 1m grid on the floor, social distancing markers, signs showing social distance required etc) | Signage Checklist 3.3, 6.1, 6.2, 10.1, 11.4, 11.6 |
12. Ventilation/ Air Quality
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 12.1 Have you investigated moving work outside, moving work activity into better-ventilated areas, or adding additional fresh air/ventilation to spaces? | www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-ventilation-guidance/ Weblink |
| 12.2 Have you identified through the government guidelines and your own risk assessments how spaces are going to be ventilated and that the level of ventilation is adequate for the occupancy of each room and the activity within it? | www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/equipment-and-machinery/air-conditioning-and-ventilation/assesssment-of-fresh-air Weblink |
| 12.3 Where ventilation is not as satisfactory, have you added other mitigations and limited the occupancy/activity within the space, and where ventilation is not achievable considered not having activity there at all? | www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-ventilation-guidance/ Weblink |
| 12.4 Where people might be less willing to adhere to ventilation requirements what measures do you have in place to encourage compliance? (e.g. doors and windows having to be open in winter, ensuring adequate heating, appropriate clothing, reducing amount/duration of activity when it is cold etc) | Scot Gov/ NHS Ventilation advice 12.4 |
| 12.5 If you have ventilation systems has your maintenance contractor evaluated its suitability for use in relation to Covid, and are they carrying out the regular maintenance/testing that is required? (e.g. is it 100% air, does it use a mix box or any air recirculation, etc?) | Buildings Management Checklist 12.5 |
| 12.6 Do you have any way of checking that spaces are being adequately ventilated, particularly in winter? (e.g. spot checks on doors and windows that should be open, air quality monitoring for CO2/VOC etc) | Covid Officer Training Checklist 11.3, 12.6, 16.6, 18.8, 21.7, 22.1 |
13. Working in cohorts/ Separating groups
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 13.1 Where practicable have you divided up working areas to prevent use by multiple groups of people? (e.g. limiting the use of certain spaces to a single cohort/department, limiting the number of shared spaces) | Work Patterns Risk Assessment 13.1, 13.3, 19.5, 20.2 |
| 13.2 Where different cohorts/departments have to work within the same space are additional protocols in place to prevent crossover contamination (e.g. designating work areas to each cohort within the space, staggered times for work, additional cleaning as things passed from one cohort to another, additional breaks/ ventilation etc) | Time Considerations Checklist 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 13.2, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 19.7, 20.4 |
| 13.3 Where work may have to be done within 1m social distancing have you identified cohort pairs that will always try to work together to reduce the risk of spreading Covid to others? (e.g. same two crew on a fit-up always used for heavy lifts that cannot be done at 2m or more etc) | Work Patterns Risk Assessment 13.1, 13.3, 19.5, 20.2 |
| 13.4 Have you considered the impact when organising your cohorts of one of them testing positive leading to the others all having to self isolate? (e.g. don’t have the two people that can operate the lighting desk in the same cohort pair, split teams into two groups/pairs where possible, have a backup plan etc) | Work Patterns Risk Assessment 13.1, 13.3, 19.5, 20.2 |
14. Handling Equipment/ Props/ Costume
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 14.1 Have you reduced as much as practicable the sharing of tools/personals etc? (e.g. buying additional hand tools, PPE, using prop doubles etc to avoid sharing) | Work Equipment Risk Assessment 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 17.3, 17.4, 19.3 |
| 14.2 Where items may have to be shared, have you planned as much as possible for items to only be handled by the same pair/cohort? | Work Equipment Risk Assessment 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 17.3, 17.4, 19.3 |
| 14.3 Do you have a plan for who can handle equipment/tools/props etc? Is it possible for people to only handle their own equipment? If this cannot be achieved is there a cleaning/safety protocol in place between use by different people? (e.g. all handtools and PPE designated and personal, props only handled by one actor or strict cleaning/hand sanitising before and after a transfer, labelling flight cases, colour coding props, glasses etc so only handled by the right people etc) | Work Equipment Risk Assessment 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 17.3, 17.4, 19.3 |
| 14.4 Where items have been handled by others do you have a cleaning or quarantine protocol in place to avoid passing the virus on via objects? (e.g. wiping down of props on stage as they are set up by stage management, 48-hour quarantine period for costumes between being handled by wardrobe before fittings, quarantine at end of tour before unpacking of flight cases, strict safety protocols for laundry etc) | Work Equipment Risk Assessment 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 17.3, 17.4, 19.3 |
| 14.5 Have you identified areas where you would normally do close work within 1m and what the alternative methods of best practice might be? (e.g. instructing cast at a distance on how to put on their own radio mic or how to put on costume/ apply make up, for wardrobe where not possible additional PPE inc mask, visor and apron etc) | Costume Fitting Risk Assessment 14.5, 17.2 |
15. Design/ Planning
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 15.1 Have Creative Teams/managers been briefed on any additional considerations they might need to take into account? (e.g. designing scenic items to be able to be lifted in a socially distanced way, minimising heavy lifts that need more than one person, costume design to take into account the difficulties with quick changes, laundry maintenance etc) | Quick Change Risk Assessment 15.1, 19.9 Transporting Equipment Risk Assessment 15.1, 18.5, 18.6, 18.7, 21.7 |
| 15.2 Do your plans of work and schedules have adequate time for people to be able to follow all of your Covid protocols and ensure sufficient breaks that will be required when working under such tight restrictions? (e.g. ventilation breaks, staggered times for different departments, longer rigging times to allow people to be more careful to avoid cross-contamination etc) | Time Considerations Checklist 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 19.7, 20.4 |
| 15.3 Where it is not possible to allow for extra time has the extent/scale of the work been reduced proportionally to ensure that following your Covid protocols is still possible? | Time Considerations Checklist 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 19.7, 20.4 |
| 15.4 Do you have a strategy in place to share plans, schedules, protocols, risk assessments and method statements at all levels of the production/event? (e.g. planning meetings, emailing out schedules, consultation, safety briefings, toolbox talks etc) | Time Considerations Checklist 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 19.7, 20.4 |
| 15.5 Where you are working in other people’s spaces, or they are working in yours, has it been clarified ahead of time who is responsible for what and what the agreed Covid protocols will be for both parties (e.g. working with a subcontractor, visiting company touring to a venue etc) | Get out/in, Fit-up, Rehearsal, Performance & Tour – Risk Assessment 15.5, 18.1, 18.3, 18.4 |
16. Rehearsals
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 16.1 Do you have a cleaning regime in place for the rehearsal room? (e.g. deep cleaned/quarantined between groups or before first use, do you have additional cleaning arrangements in place, regular wipe down of touchpoints, regular sanitisation of props/desks/equipment etc) | Rehearsals Risk Assessment 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.7, 17.1, 19.9iii |
| 16.2 Have you checked that the space is large enough to socially distance as required with adequate ventilation? (e.g. how much space do you need once people start moving around, is the ventilation adequate for the number of people in the room and the type of activity etc) | Rehearsals Risk Assessment 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.7, 17.1, 19.9iii |
| 16.3 Is the rehearsal room being prepared and arranged to help enable distancing and cross-contamination? (e.g. grid marked on the floor re social distancing requirement, different areas for creative team and cast, labelled chairs for each person in the room to set themselves up, wipes and hand sanitiser in locations as required etc) | Rehearsals Risk Assessment 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.7, 17.1, 19.9iii |
| 16.4 Have you restricted the people in the rehearsal room to only those that absolutely have to be there? If you do have people in and out from different departments/ cohorts can you sequence it so they are not in at the same time? | Rehearsals Risk Assessment 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.7, 17.1, 19.9iii |
| 16.5 Are people in the rehearsal room wearing masks where it is practicable to do so? (e.g. cast wearing masks when not acting or not too disruptive, everyone else in the room wearing masks when the cast aren’t able to etc) | Rehearsals Risk Assessment 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.7, 17.1, 19.9iii |
| 16.6 What measures do you have in place during rehearsals to monitor good practice, social distancing etc? (e.g. difficult for a director/DSM etc to do their job and keep an eye on things, particularly with larger casts, do you need extra support, Covid monitor etc) | Covid Officer Training Checklist 11.3, 12.6, 16.6, 18.8, 21.7, 22.1 |
| 16.7 Plot and plan in advance, journeys in the performance for cast, props and costume. (e.g. how the cast are moving around on stage/backstage to avoid clashes, bottlenecks etc, track who is using what props/costume when and how things are sanitised between people, use of doubles etc, clear identification labels/marks on props to avoid actors mixing up props etc, walkthrough complex sequences beforehand etc) | Rehearsals Risk Assessment 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.7, 17.1, 19.9iii |
| 16.8 Where production food/ drink is requested as part of the show have you reduced this where possible and put in additional safety measures where it remains? (e.g. separate and safe storage for show food/drink, clean hand/masks etc for food preparation, not sharing food/drink between cast etc) |
17. Construction/ Production prep
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 17.1 Do you have a plan for safely sourcing props/materials etc? (e.g. consider deliveries instead of in-person shopping, if shopping in-person having clear guidelines for staff, procedures in place for picking up/dropping off borrows, wiping things down or quarantining where appropriate etc) | Rehearsals Risk Assessment 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.7, 17.1, 19.9iii Wardrobe Shopping Risk Assessment 17.1 |
| 17.2 Have you got safe procedures for wardrobe making and fittings? (e.g. limiting who works on each costume, quarantine of costume for 48 hours after they’ve been worked on before fittings with cast, PPE inc mask, visor and apron for fittings etc) | Costume Fitting Risk Assessment 14.5, 17.2 |
| 17.3 Have you assessed workshop/construction/scenic activity in relation to Covid? (e.g. max occupancy in making spaces, making personal PPE or tools available where previously they might have been shared, handwashing/ sanitising safety gloves to prevent transmission, safe disinfection of shared equipment between users, working on shared scenic pieces in small cohorts to avoid crossover etc) | Work Equipment Risk Assessment 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 17.3, 17.4, 19.3 |
| 17.4 Can you arrange to use materials that are either light enough to be carried by one person and where that is not possible, long enough to be carried by two people but socially distanced? | Work Equipment Risk Assessment 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 17.3, 17.4, 19.3 |
18. Fit up/ Load in/ Get out
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 18.1 Have you planned your fit-up/load-in or out so that staff know beforehand who is working together and wherein pairs – toolbox talks briefing info etc? | Get out/in, Fit-up, Rehearsal, Performance & Tour – Risk Assessment 15.5, 18.1, 18.3, 18.4 |
| 18.2 Sequencing of departments in different areas at different times with procedures for handing over between them? Clean hand policy. | Hand Hygiene Checklist 7.1, 7.2, 18.2 |
| 18.3 Ensure adequate time, cleaning down kit or areas as required after fitting up | Get out/in, Fit-up, Rehearsal, Performance & Tour – Risk Assessment 15.5, 18.1, 18.3, 18.4 |
| 18.4 Avoiding heavy lifts needing more than one person | Get out/in, Fit-up, Rehearsal, Performance & Tour – Risk Assessment 15.5, 18.1, 18.3, 18.4 |
| 18.5 Additional vans, not tipping flight cases if too heavy to be tipped by one person, not stacking stuff high that needs two people | Transporting Equipment Risk Assessment 15.1, 18.5, 18.6, 18.7, 21.7 |
| 18.6 Working in back of the truck, packing etc Try to only have one person in the back and/or open side door on vans, wear masks in the back of the truck, have clear policies if multiple people are working in the back of the truck, limit the time working in the back of the truck to a minimum | Transporting Equipment Risk Assessment 15.1, 18.5, 18.6, 18.7, 21.7 |
| 18.7 Have designated people that can keep an eye on Covid procedures being adhered to. (e.g. use of Covid monitor or key people tasked with making sure people are doing what they should etc) | Transporting Equipment Risk Assessment 15.1, 18.5, 18.6, 18.7, 21.7 |
19. Tech Rehearsals
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 19.1 Where the creative team are set up in the auditorium are they arranged in a way that they can still effectively communicate whilst being socially distant? (e.g. set up at a distance, use God mic, use of comms so people don’t have to shout etc) | Tech Rehearsals Risk Assessment 19.1, 19.2, 19.6 |
| 19.2 If you are using cans or comms have people been assigned personal headsets? Do you have a system in place to clean/sanitise them or quarantine them between different people using them? | Tech Rehearsals Risk Assessment 19.1, 19.2, 19.6 |
| 19.3 If you are using microphones/radio mics etc do you have a plan to prevent any cross-contamination? (e.g. mics only used by one person, personal lapel mics for cast with no swaps, cast trained to do own mics with check at a distance by sound technician, covers on microphones till used, robust cleaning/sanitisation procedures etc) | Work Equipment Risk Assessment 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 17.3, 17.4, 19.3 |
| 19.4 Have dressing rooms been set up to enable social distancing, adequate ventilation and minimise cross-contamination as required? (e.g. windows/ventilation, lower occupancy, wearing masks where practicable or taking it in turns to change when not, use of screens to separate dressing tables, additional cleaning, personal areas for each cast members clothing/laundry, laundry/radio mics etc placed somewhere safe outside to prevent others having to enter etc) | Dressing Room Risk Assessment 19.4 |
| 19.5 Have you minimised the risks to operators in control rooms? (e.g don’t have operators sharing spaces unless they are well ventilated and they can adequately socially distance, consider making adjacent areas for additional operators, don’t share desks/equipment between people where practicable and where you do have robust cleaning procedures in place between different operators etc) | Work Patterns Risk Assessment 13.1, 13.3, 19.5, 20.2 |
| 19.6 Does everyone know what cleaning is required and how to handle props, furniture, scenic elements and costume etc when setting back mid-tech? | Tech Rehearsals Risk Assessment 19.1, 19.2, 19.6 |
| 19.7 Have you worked into your tech schedule, time and allocated responsibilities for wiping down touchpoints, hand sanitising and ventilation breaks? | Time Considerations Checklist 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 19.7, 20.4 |
| 19.8 Where the action is more complex and people might accidentally come into contact with each other, share props, or end up closer than they should, have you got additional measures in place? (e.g. treat these bits like fight sequences: Sequence them carefully in rehearsals, walk them through on stage first, do them in real-time, then add the rest of the technical elements etc) | |
| 19.9 Do you have strict protocols in place for quick changes to protect the cast and wardrobe staff? (e.g. cast to wear masks, dresser to wear a mask, visor and apron but try to assist as much as possible at a distance, dressers being able to wash/hand sanitise between changes with different cast members, procedures to safely deal with used garments to avoid onward contamination, easily cleanable quick-change areas, ideally used by single cast members or a small cohort where this is not possible etc) | Quick Change Risk Assessment 15.1, 19.9 |
| 19.9i Have you considered how to manage laundry? (e.g. mask, visor and apron for wardrobe maintenance staff, use of doubles/underdressing etc to reduce the number of maintenance sessions etc) | Laundry Risk Assessment 19.9i |
| 19.9ii Are you able to place adequate numbers of wipes and hand sanitising stations around the set and in the wings and backstage areas for people to be able to use them whenever they need to? | Cleaning Checklist 7.3, 8.1, 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 10.3, 19.9ii |
| 19.9iii Have you considered who might practicably be able to wear masks throughout the tech? (e.g. cast when not on stage, creative team in the auditorium, crew/SM in the wings etc) | Rehearsals Risk Assessment 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 16.4, 16.5, 16.7, 17.1, 19.9iii |
20. Performances
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 20.1 Are the measures you have been using and developing to keep people safe throughout rehearsals and technical sessions being carried through to the performances? | |
| 20.2 Do you have arrangements in place to limit the crossover between people working in different areas of the building? (e.g. between back-of-house/ front-of-house/ admin etc) | Work Patterns Risk Assessment 13.1, 13.3, 19.5, 20.2 |
| 20.3 Are the audience suitably distanced or separated from performers and operators? (e.g. do the audience need to be further back if there is loud singing/shouting or if the stage is higher, avoiding actors going through the auditorium etc) | www.scottishtheatre.org/sector-support/see-it-safely/ Weblink |
| 20.4 Is there sufficient time to be able to set up properly and safely before and between shows? | Time Considerations Checklist 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 19.7, 20.4 |
| 20.5 Do you have arrangements in place to ensure no one is able to interfere with or contaminate the set, properties, costume, control rooms, dressing rooms etc between shows? | |
21. Touring
All previous sections are still relevant for touring, below are some additional factors to consider.
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 21.1 Are you aware of any additional local restrictions of limitations that might have an impact on your Covid protocols? (e.g. liaise with local venue staff, check relevant local authority/government guidelines etc) | Touring Risk Assessment 21.1, 21.2, 21.5, 21.6 Production Department Risk Assessment (Citz Example) 21.1, 21.3, 21.5, 21.6 |
| 21.2 Are there any additional considerations you need to make for where people stay when they are on tour? (e.g. digs might not be available/desirable, quality of accommodation re Covid management, flexibility if things change etc) | Touring Risk Assessment 21.1, 21.2, 21.5, 21.6 |
| 21.3 Do you have a plan for what to do with people that test positive or have to self isolate whilst you are on tour? (e.g. can you extend hotel/accommodation stays, use of private ambulance to get them home if need be etc) | Production Department Risk Assessment Citz Example 21.1, 21.3, 21.5, 21.6 |
| 21.4 Have you considered the movement of people between venues? (e.g. can you take safer modes of transport, hire your own transport, give advice re travelling safely on public transport if it is required etc) | Travel Risk Assessment 5.3, 21.4 |
| 21.5 Do you have all the information you need about the tour venues Covid policies and risk assessments, and where they differ from your own have you agreed how things will work between the two companies? (e.g. work to the most stringent policy, agree any additional measures, establish who is responsible for what etc) | Touring Risk Assessment 21.1, 21.2, 21.5, 21.6 Production Department Risk Assessment Citz Example 21.1, 21.3, 21.5, 21.6 |
| 21.6 Have you liaised with the venues and looked over their plans and layouts to ensure that your Covid precautions for all areas including the stage, wings, control rooms, dressing rooms, quick-change areas etc are all still workable? | Touring Risk Assessment 21.1, 21.2, 21.5, 21.6 Production Department Risk Assessment Citz Example 21.1, 21.3, 21.5, 21.6 |
| 21.7 Have you effectively communicated with the venue, subcontractors, trucking companies etc what your Covid protocols are, what you require from them, and checked their own procedures and protocols are adequate? Where you are working to different protocols have you agreed with each party how that will work and if there are any additional measures that will need to be put in place? (e.g. you might ask a contractor to wear masks where they don’t normally, ask the venue if they might instigate lateral flow tests for people working the show or vice versa etc) | Transporting Equipment Risk Assessment 15.1, 18.5, 18.6, 18.7, 21.7 Covid Officer Training Checklist 11.3, 12.6, 16.6, 18.8, 21.7, 22.1 |
22. Monitoring & Feedback
Some downloadable example documents apply to multiple areas below and are linked to more than once.
| Links | |
|---|---|
| 22.1 Do you have methods in place to monitor if protocols are being adhered to? (e.g. designating a Covid monitor, spot checks, monitoring consumables like hand sanitiser and soap etc) | Covid Officer Training Checklist 11.3, 12.6, 16.6, 18.8, 21.7, 22.1 |
| 22.2 Have you set up clear lines of communication if people want to raise concerns or ask questions about any elements of your Covid protocols and how they are being implemented? (e.g. how to report breaches of protocol, how to suggest improvements, access to support/mental health services etc) | Covid Declaration Checklist for Managers 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 22.2, 22.3 |
| 22.3 Do you have a system in place to regularly review your protocols and update them on a regular basis or as new advice becomes available? (e.g. quarterly review, after training, after government guidelines published etc) | Covid Declaration Checklist for Managers 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 22.2, 22.3 Covid-19 Management Checklist 22.3 |
| 22.4 Do you have a review system in place to talk to people about what is working/not working within your Covid protocols and what improvements might need to be made? (e.g. post-project team debriefs, feedback forms to casts/crew etc) | COVID Declaration Form 2.4, 22.4 |
23. TAGSS Resources Index
Click the button below to download the full resources index complete with links to download each document.