top of page

HEALTH AND SAFETY

DANCE CENTRAL

IS COMMITTED TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY

OF OUR COMMUNITY

20231215-NZ-CHCH-1526.JPG

Safety Commitment Statement 

At Dance Central Studios, we are dedicated to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants and attendees at our dance show. We recognise the importance of ensuring the safety of children, parents, contractors, teachers, volunteers, and audience members alike. This Health and Safety Manual is designed for the Dance Central Studios operating within the Papa Hou theatre, adhering to the New Zealand Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 Act and the Safeguarding Young Children Act. It aims to provide a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors.

 

Health and Safety Policy

Dance Central is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all participants. This policy includes the following key points:

  • Compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

  • Ongoing assessment and management of risks.

  • Training staff, volunteers and students in safety procedures.

 

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Dance Central Director: Oversee implementation of health and safety policies and procedures.

  • Staff, Contractors and Volunteers: Maintain a safe environment, report hazards, and participate in training.

  • Students: Follow safety practices and report any potential risks.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Flow Chart for

Emergency Evacuation 

Procedures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emergency Procedures Incase Of Fire or Earthquake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Emergency Procedures 

In the event of an incident resulting in Serious Injury call 111 Immediately and request an ambulance  and then report the incident to Dance Central and Papa Hou members as soon as is practically possible.

 

DESIGNATED OFFICERS

First Aid Officers: Dr. 021 024 0022

Fire Warden: Sharon Tite - 021 183 2868

Evacuation Leader (Head Counter): ???

Theatre Manager: Damon Lockwood - 021 306 6068

 

FIRST AID KIT 

Papa Hou Green Room - Next to Fridge

 

INCIDENT REPORTING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Aid Procedures

Dance Central has First Aid kits available in the Green Room of Papa Hou. These will be identified during your H&S induction. Any injury that requires more than one plaster to treat needs to have an Incident Report filed.  The incident reporting forms can be found on the Dance Central Website Health and Safety page or you can scan the QR Code found backstage at the Papa Hou Theatre.  If any of the members of your production have significant existing conditions or allergies, these should be included in your Risk Assessment.

Christchurch Hospital is the closest 24/7 emergency medical facility. It is located on 2 Riccarton Ave and is 1 minutes by car, and about 5 minutes on foot. Serious medical events should prompt the calling of an ambulance by dialling 111.

The nearest emergency defibrillator is located ____________

Key members of Papa Hou staff are trained workplace first aiders and Dance Central Studios have Dr. Anna Richies and Dr. Emma Trowbridge on hand to help.

 

Emergency Procedures

 The following general emergency procedures apply:

 

    • All Dance Central students, parents, contractors, teachers, volunteers and audience members are expected to familiarise themselves with the location of all emergency procedures, exit pathways, assembly points and alarm call point positions.

    • A fire alarm activation means there is an emergency situation and all persons should evacuate immediately.

    • In the event of such an emergency all Dance Central Members must follow all reasonable directions given by Papa Hou Theatre staff, fire wardens, security personnel or emergency services.

    • Assist mobility impaired persons where possible.

    • Proceed immediately to the designated assembly areas.

    • The building is not to be re-entered until the all clear is given by the fire warden or emergency

    • service personnel.

 

A full emergency briefing will be given to cast and crew during the compulsory Heath and Safety Briefing. It is a key requirement that the Dance Central members work with Papa Hou staff to ensure the exit doors and passageways are clear at all times and during all performances of the Event. Please note, in the event of a fire service call out which has been caused by the Dance Central or a member of their production team, Dance Central may be liable for any fees charged by the fire service for the call out.

 

Production Fire Warden

Each production or event must provide a Fire Warden to be on duty until the end of the show. This person must be in the performance space for the entirety of the production, therefore its best it is the  Director or Stage Manager. The Fire Warden cannot be a performer. The Fire Warden will be responsible for ensuring all performers and crew members are safely evacuated in case of an emergency, as well as assisting the Usher with the evacuation of the audience. The Fire Warden must not use or be under the influence of any drugs or alcohol before or during the Production.

 

Ushers

All publicly attended events must have an allocated usher in place for the duration of the event. This person cannot be a performer, stage manager, operator or anyone participating in the performance itself - they must remain inside the theatre as a seated audience member for the duration of the event, and not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The usher’s key responsibilities are to monitor the behaviour of the audience, to act as the Fire Warden responsible for the audience, and to assist in the instance of any emergencies. Dance Central will be tasked with filling this role for all of the performances and it is critical we have adequate help for this. 

 

Smoke Free Policy

Dance Central recognises that smoking is hazardous to health and that non-smokers should be protected from involuntary inhalation of tobacco smoke. Papa Hou is designated as non-smoking within the building. Failure to comply with this policy is a serious offence. The use of vapes and other particle-emitting devices in the building is also prohibited.

 

Alcohol and Drugs

All Dance Central Members, including audience,  affected by the consumption of alcohol or drugs (this includes prescription drugs) which may endanger their own safety or the safety of others at Papa Hou . Nobody using or under the influence of alcohol or drugs is allowed in a performance space while pack-ins and performances are taking place. The same goes for pack-outs, until all ladder use, tool use, scaffolding and heavy lifting has finished. All alcohol consumed in the theatre spaces, bar, foyer and outdoor area must be purchased from the bar. Where Papa Hou and Dance Central management considers any person to be intoxicated or under the influence of any drug to the extent that that person poses a risk to safety or health of themselves or others, then they will be asked to leave the venue or the authorities will be called.

 

Housekeeping and Waste

All Dance Central members. are responsible for keeping the work areas clean, tidy, free and clear of hazards at all times. This is of utmost importance in public access areas, thoroughfares and fire exits which must be kept clear at all times. Prior to vacating the site all rubbish and debris must be removed. No waste chemicals, cement or sediment should be disposed of by tipping down storm water drains.

 

Damage to Venue, Equipment or Property

All Members of Dance Central will ensure that they take such steps as necessary that the premises, including all floor coverings, furniture and fittings, are not stained, marked or otherwise damaged during any work undertaken. Any damage caused to the Papa Hou venue, equipment or property should be reported immediately and the party responsible may be liable for the cost of repairs.

 

Training and Education

All staff and students should familiarise themselves with health and safety procedures, including: Emergency evacuation drills. First aid training. Safeguarding practices for child safety.  All Health and Safety briefings scheduled at Papa Hou for Performers, Backstage Help, Ushers, Contractors and Dance Central Staff.

 

Review and Monitoring

This manual will be reviewed annually or as needed following incidents or changes in legislation to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

 

Risk Identification and Management

To be completed before first rehearsal and reviewed before each show

1. Emergency Alarm is Activated

   ↓

2. Staff and Students Immediately Stop All Activities

   ↓

3. Parent Helpers Conduct Headcount

   ↓

4. Evacuate via the Nearest Safe Exit 

   ↓

5. Assemble at Designated Meeting Point

   ↓

6. Conduct Final Headcount 

   ↓

7. Await Further Instructions from Emergency Services

bottom of page