General Information for Groups

Health & Safety Policy

It is the policy of The Chipping Norton Theatre Ltd to comply with the terms of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and subsequent legislation and to provide a healthy and safe working environment. All employees will be provided with such equipment, information, training and supervision as needed for this purpose. The Chipping Norton Theatre Ltd also accepts responsibility for the Health & Safety of other people who may be affected by its activities, including temporary workers and members of the public.

Overall and final responsibility for health and safety at The Theatre is that of the Artistic Director.

Please Note: this is not a risk assessment. It is each group’s individual responsibility to complete a risk assessment specific to their requirements and visit, but we hope that this information will aid you in that process. Please cut and paste any appropriate parts of this information onto your own risk assessment form and add any additional items that are specific to your group. The provision of this information does not render The Theatre liable for the accuracy of your risk assessment.

First Aid

The House Manager, Assistant House Manager, Duty Managers, Projectionist, Stage Manager and Deputy Stage Manager have all been trained in First Aid. During performances at least one of the above is on standby as the Duty First Aider. First aid boxes are located behind the Bar, in the Green Room and on the first floor of Goddards Lane and are clearly marked and easily accessible by all employees. The Theatre has a serious illness procedure for incidents occurring during performances, which is implemented where required.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

The theatre has its own risk assessments for all our public spaces. All risks are mitigated as much as possible. If any issues occur please contact the Duty Manager that evening via any of the theatre staff and ushers. Please do report near misses to the theatre so that we can avoid it happening again.

Accident Investigation & Reporting

It is the policy of The Chipping Norton Theatre Ltd to comply with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR 95). The General Manager is responsible for reporting cases of accident and disease to the enforcing authority: West Oxfordshire District Council, Environmental Services, The Gables, 2 Yatt Road, Witney, OX8 6PB: under the RIDDOR 95 Regulations.

Fire Safety

The Chipping Norton Theatre Ltd has an extensive fire/evacuation procedures document and fire procedure sessions for all staff are carried out at least twice a year and for FOH and Bar staff at least four times a year. The Theatre is legally compliant in terms of fire detection equipment, fire fighting equipment, fire doors, fire exits and emergency lighting etc.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in all public areas of the theatre

Special Effects

The use on stage of any special effects such as smoke, dry ice, pyrotechnics or strobe during a performance will be clearly indicated by warning signs at entrances to the auditorium.

Pantomime – sweets thrown into audience

During the pantomime, actors on stage throw small wrapped sweets into the audience; this is preceded by a warning from the actors that this is imminent.

Low Balcony Rail

Due to the low level of the safety rail care should be taken when accessing the front rows of the Balcony. Appropriate supervision should be provided by carers/teachers when children are seated in this area.

Impact of groups on other visitors

School groups must have a responsible adult present at all times to monitor and calm behaviour, particularly during the performance.

Before arriving at the theatre

Please consider the risks to your group before arriving at the theatre. The theatre is located on a residential road not suitable for direct coach assess. We advise that coaches drop off and pick up from the Over Norton Road or West Street and groups then walk onto Spring Street. Please do not drop off or pick up on the main A44 through Chipping Norton; this road has heavy usage from trucks and cars, and is double yellow lined.

The Theatre welcomes prior risk assessment visits by arrangement at a time convenient to both parties. Please contact the Operations Manager on 01608 649101.