Technician Level 1 Access for Theatre Training
Theatre environments present unique working at height challenges from climbing rigging structures and selecting anchor points to performing rescues in confined overhead spaces with limited access. This course gives theatre technicians the knowledge and practical skills to work safely using personal suspension, fall arrest and restraint techniques, rig temporary safety systems and carry out casualty lifting and lowering using a rescue kit. On successful completion, delegates receive a certificate of competency valid for three years.
• Legislation and regulations
The legal framework for working at height in theatre environments, including the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the duties they place on employers and employees when planning and carrying out work at height.
• Risk assessment
How to identify hazards associated with working at height in theatre environments and apply appropriate control measures before starting work, including consideration of the specific access and rescue constraints of theatre rigging structures.
• PPE inspection and fitting
How to carry out pre-use checks and correctly fit harnesses, helmets, fall arrest lanyards and positioning lanyards in line with manufacturer requirements before each use.
• Anchor point selection
How to identify and assess suitable anchor points for fall arrest and restraint systems within a theatre setting, including the load requirements and connection methods for different structure types.
• Fall arrest lanyard climbing
How to use fall arrest lanyards safely when climbing, including clip sequencing and maintaining continuous connection throughout the ascent and descent.
• Temporary horizontal systems
How to rig and use temporary horizontal safety lines for fall arrest and restraint across a work area, including anchor selection, tensioning and load path considerations.
• Retractable blocks
How to select, inspect and use retractable fall arrest blocks correctly, and when they are appropriate compared to fixed-length lanyards in a theatre environment.
• Rigging safety lines
How to rig safety lines for both fall arrest and restraint applications, including the precautions required when working in shared overhead spaces with other personnel below.
• Rescue kit and casualty care
The contents of a rescue kit, how to carry out casualty lifting and lowering safely, how to manage a suspended casualty and the recognition and initial management of suspension syncope.
• Assessment
Continuous theory and practical assessments throughout the course, evaluated by the course instructor.
Course combining classroom theory with practical exercises in a theatre environment. Delegates apply PPE inspection, anchor selection, fall arrest system rigging, safety line installation and casualty rescue techniques through instructor-supervised practical sessions.
Theatre technicians and associated technical staff who work at height or are required to perform rescues within theatre environments.
No prerequisites required.