Safety Procedures for the Experimental Theatre in the Theatre II

Safe operation of the Experimental Theatre is governed by the following regulations:

1. The existing emergency exits limit the maximum occupancy load to 150 persons.
   
   
2. A 44" aisle clearance must be maintained from the stage area to double-door emergency exit.
   
   
3. A 22" aisle clearance must be maintained from the center of the room to the single door exit.
   
   
4. The exit sign must be illuminated and visible to the audience at all times.
   
   
5. No toxic substances may be used or stored in the space without prior approval by the technical director. This includes, but is not limited to, oil based paints, lacquers, and solvents.
   
   
6. All other safety regulations as required by law or by the JMU Theatre technical director must be followed.(see Experimental Theatre Safety Policy & JMU Theatre Safety Handbook)
   
   

The technical director for the JMU Theatre will enforce these regulations and close any production that is not in compliance.

SOLVENT

1. There is no appropriate place to store solvent based material in Theatre II.
   
   
2. There are no safe solvents. All are toxic. They are hazardous in their liquid and vapor states.
   
   
3. Solvents bear specific warnings which are to be followed:
   
   
   1. Keep away from heat.
      
      
   2. Vapors may ignite explosively.
      
      
   3. Rubbing friction may cause electric sparks.
      
      
   4. DO NOT SMOKE.
      
      
   5. Provide plenty of fresh ventilation.
      
      
   6. Extinguish all flames and pilot lights. Turn off stoves, heaters, electric motors, and other sources of ignition during use and until all vapors are gone.
      
      
   7. Avoid contact with eyes or skin.
      
      
   8. Avoid breathing vapors or spray mists.
      
      
   9. Reports have associated solvent exposure with permanent brain damage and nervous system damage.
      
      
4. Except in small amounts of spray paint, all solvent-based materials are restricted from the Experimental Theatre without prior discussion with the Director of Technical Production. Solvent-based spray paints must be used outside the building and cannot be stored anywhere in the building. Care should be taken to avoid spraying paint in inappropriate places on pavements and building surfaces. Stratford funds will not be allotted for the purchase of such materials without clearance.
   
   
5. All solvent materials deemed inappropriate will be removed from the building.

The Director of Technical Production for the JMU Theatre will enforce these regulations and close any production that is not in compliance.