What are the most important safety considerations when designing a set for a live performance?

When designing a set for a live performance, safety should be considered from the first design sketches through construction, rehearsals, performances, and strike. A visually impressive set must also allow performers, crew, and audiences to interact with it safely.

Key safety considerations

• Structural stability

• Ensure platforms, stairs, walls, flats, towers, and other scenic elements can support their intended loads.

• Secure all scenery against tipping, collapsing, or shifting during movement.

• Have complex structures, elevated platforms, or load-bearing elements reviewed by qualified personnel when appropriate.

• Fall prevention

• Design safe access to raised areas with appropriate stairs, rails, or other protections.

• Clearly identify edges, steps, traps, and changes in height, especially during low-light conditions.

• Consider performer movement, not just how the set looks when stationary.

• Safe movement and choreography

• Make sure actors can enter, exit, run, dance, fight, or move props without obstruction.

• Rehearse scene changes and movement sequences at performance speed only after they have been tested safely.

• Avoid placing hazards in pathways used during blackouts or quick changes.

• Rigging and suspended scenery

• Use appropriate hardware and safety backups for flown scenery, lighting elements, or overhead pieces.

• Inspect rigging regularly and control movement of suspended or automated scenery.

• Establish clear communication procedures before moving overhead or motorized elements.

• Fire safety

• Choose fire-resistant materials where required, especially for curtains, fabrics, decorations, and scenic finishes.

• Consider the placement of heat sources, lighting instruments, pyrotechnics, and other special effects.

• Keep exits, fire equipment, and emergency routes clear.

• Slips, trips, and backstage hazards

• Manage cables, tools, props, and spare materials so they do not create trip hazards.

• Keep backstage areas organized and adequately lit.

• Use appropriate flooring and mark hazards that cannot be removed.

• Materials and construction safety

• Avoid sharp edges, unstable furniture, splinters, toxic finishes, and unsafe construction methods.

• Ensure crew members are trained to use tools and equipment safely.

• Plan safe methods for building, transporting, installing, and dismantling scenery.

• Audience safety

• Ensure scenery does not block exits, sightlines needed for safety, or emergency access.

• Secure any scenic elements near audience areas.

• Consider crowd flow and evacuation routes, especially for large productions or temporary venues.

• Risk assessment and communication

• Identify hazards early and decide how each will be controlled.

• Share safety procedures with performers, technicians, stage management, and crew.

• Update assessments whenever the set, blocking, equipment, or effects change.

A good rule of thumb: design the set around how people will actually use it under performance conditions—not just how it appears to the audience. A safe set supports creativity by allowing performers and crew to work confidently and consistently.

Designing a set for a live performance requires balancing creative vision with rigorous engineering and stagecraft safety. Here are the most critical safety considerations to keep in mind:

• Structural Integrity and Load-Bearing: All scenery, platforms, and flying pieces must be engineered to support dead loads (the weight of the set itself) and live loads (performers, movement, equipment, and dynamic forces like jumping). Safe working loads must be calculated and never exceeded, with all weight-bearing elements securely anchored, braced, or counterweighted.
• Fire Safety and Flame Retardancy: Materials used in set construction—including lumber, fabrics, plastics, and foams—must comply with local fire codes and standards (such as NFPA 701 for fabrics). Scenic elements should be treated with approved flame-retardant sprays or paints, and clear, unobstructed egress routes and fire exits must be maintained at all times.
• Ergonomics and Performer Safety: Sets must be designed with the performers' physical safety in mind. This includes integrating secure handrails on elevated platforms, anti-slip surfaces on stairs and ramps, and eliminating hidden trip hazards, sharp edges, or protruding hardware in areas with fast-paced or low-visibility movement.
• Fall Protection and Working at Height: For multi-level sets or flying scenery, robust fall protection systems must be implemented during both the build and the performance. Toe boards must be installed on elevated platforms to prevent tools or props from sliding off onto people below.
• Sightlines and Traffic Flow: Scenic pieces must be evaluated from all audience angles to ensure that structural supports, backstage movement, and safety gear do not create blind spots or dangerous bottlenecks for crew and cast moving in the dark or during rapid scene changes.
• Electrical and Special Effects Safety: Any integrated lighting, moving mechanisms, or practical electronics must be installed by qualified technicians, properly grounded, and kept clear of moisture or flammable materials. Special effects (such as pyrotechnics, fog, or hazers) require dedicated safety clearances, ventilation, and local permits.

Would you like to explore flame-retardant compliance standards , or do you need guidance on calculating load limits for multi-level platforms?

When designing a set for a live performance, safety should be built into the design from the beginning—not added after construction. The most important considerations are:

• Structural stability: Platforms, walls, stairs, ramps, balconies, and other scenic elements need to withstand their expected loads and remain stable during performance. Consider performer movement, impacts, vibration, and crowd interaction. Complex or load-bearing designs may require review by a qualified engineer.
• Rigging and overhead scenery: Anything suspended overhead needs appropriate load ratings, secure attachment, secondary safety measures where required, inspection, and controlled operation. Never exceed the rated capacity of rigging equipment, and establish procedures for warning people before anything moves overhead.
• Safe access and egress: Set pieces should never block fire exits, aisles, emergency equipment, backstage escape routes, or access to critical controls. Performers and crew should be able to get on and off the stage safely, including during a blackout or emergency.
• Fire safety: Scenery, curtains, fabrics, foam, and decorative materials can introduce significant fire hazards. Use appropriately fire-resistant materials or treatments and check the requirements of the local fire authority and applicable fire/building codes.
• Electrical safety: Integrate safe routes for cables and power supplies into the scenic design. Avoid creating trip hazards, protect cables from damage, and ensure electrical installations are performed and inspected appropriately.
• Trips, falls, and performer movement: Avoid unexpected level changes, sharp edges, unstable props, exposed fasteners, and narrow passageways. If performers must move in darkness, incorporate practical ways to identify stage edges and obstacles.
• Moving scenery and automation: If scenery rotates, rolls, flies, lifts, or otherwise moves, identify the entire potential hazard zone. Provide safeguards, communication procedures, adequate clearance, and rehearsals so performers and crew know exactly when and where movement occurs.
• Working at height: Ladders, scaffolds, elevated platforms, catwalks, and similar features introduce fall hazards. They should be designed and operated according to applicable requirements, with appropriate fall protection and trained personnel where necessary.
• Materials and construction: Choose materials not only for appearance but also for strength, weight, toxicity, combustibility, and how safely they can be assembled, transported, changed over, and dismantled.
• Special effects: Fog, haze, flames, pyrotechnics, lasers, and other effects require additional risk assessment and may require permits or specialist approval. They should never compromise visibility, fire safety, or evacuation.
• Risk assessment and rehearsal: Before construction, identify hazards and design them out wherever possible. Then test the finished set under realistic performance conditions, including scene changes, blackouts, movement, emergency evacuation, and unusual performer actions.

A useful principle is “design out the hazard first.” For example, rather than relying on performers to remember that a low platform has an exposed edge, redesign or guard it so the dangerous condition is eliminated or substantially reduced.

Finally, the exact requirements depend on the venue, jurisdiction, audience capacity, type of performance, and whether the set is temporary or permanent. Applicable building/fire codes and venue rules should be checked alongside production-specific safety standards. The Event Safety Alliance, for example, maintains standards covering event rigging and temporary structures.

Designing a set for a live performance requires balancing artistic vision with rigorous structural and operational safety. Because the environment is dynamic—involving moving parts, live performers, and shifting lighting—oversights can lead to serious injury.

• Structural Integrity and Load-Bearing : The set must safely support its own weight, the weight of multiple performers, and dynamic loads (actors jumping, running, or dancing). All platforms, stairs, and rigging points must be engineered with a proper safety factor, securely anchored, and inspected regularly.
• Fire Safety and Flame Retardancy : All materials used—including lumber, fabrics, drapery, plastics, and faux foliage—must be treated with approved flame-retardant chemicals or be inherently non-flammable. Sets must comply with local fire codes and maintain clear, unobstructed access to all fire exits, backstage extinguishers, and sprinkler systems.
• Ergonomics and Performer Traffic Flow : Performers often move in low light, in heavy costumes, or at high speeds. Steps, ramps, and platforms must have consistent rise-and-run dimensions, secure handrails where required by code, and slip-resistant surfaces. Hidden hazards, sharp edges, and blind corners should be eliminated or cushioned.
• Rigging and Flying Safety : Any element flown or suspended above the stage introduces severe risk. Counterweight systems, winches, and trusses must use rated hardware (shackles, steel cable, aircraft wire) that exceeds the maximum load limit. Secondary safety cables (safety bonds) are mandatory for all hung fixtures and scenery.
• Egress and Visibility : Emergency egress routes must remain crystal clear at all times, both onstage and backstage. Designers should integrate glow-in-the-dark tape, low-level step lighting, or spike marks to help actors and crew navigate dark wings and complex set pieces safely during quick changes.
• Toxicity and Air Quality : Paints, adhesives, smoke/fog effects, and synthetic materials can off-gas toxic fumes or irritate performers' respiratory tracts, which is especially hazardous during heavy exertion like singing or dancing. Opt for low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and non-toxic theatrical effects.
• Electrical Safety : Integrated practical lighting, motorized practicals, or power distribution on the set must be installed by qualified electricians or technicians. Cords must be securely taped down, protected from foot traffic, and kept clear of moisture or flammable materials.

Would you like to focus on:

• Specific compliance codes (like OSHA or local fire regulations)
• Managing safety for automated/moving scenery
• A checklist for pre-production safety inspections

Designing a set for a live performance requires balancing artistic vision with rigorous safety standards to protect actors, crew, and the audience. Here are the most critical safety considerations:

• Structural Integrity and Load-Bearing Calculations , ensuring all platforms, stairs, and flying elements can safely support dynamic loads (moving actors, jumping, heavy equipment) well beyond the static weight, adhering strictly to proper weight limits and structural engineering principles.
• Fire Safety and Flame Retardancy , using inherently fire-retardant or treated materials (fabrics, lumber, plastics) that comply with local building and fire codes, and maintaining completely unobstructed fire exits, pathways, and sprinkler clearance zones.
• Fall Protection and Edge Visibility , installing secure railings, toe-boards, and safety nets on elevated platforms, and utilizing subtle glow tape, low-voltage LED step-lighting, or contrasting paint to mark dangerous drop-offs in low-visibility environments.
• Ergonomics and Safe Traffic Flow , designing backstage and on-stage pathways free of sharp protruding hardware, trip hazards, and tight bottlenecks, allowing crew and actors to navigate quickly and safely during fast-paced blackouts or scene changes.
• Rigging and Overhead Safety , implementing secondary safety cables (safety chains/bonds) on all suspended lighting, scenery, and flown objects, paired with regular inspections of winches, ropes, and counterweight systems by certified riggers.
• Material Toxicity and Air Quality , avoiding hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints, glues, and smoke/fog machines, ensuring proper ventilation during the build process and selecting non-toxic alternatives whenever possible.
• Electrical Safety , properly grounding all practical set-pieces, routing cables away from high-traffic and wet areas to prevent tripping or shock hazards, and ensuring all integrated power sources comply with theatrical electrical codes.

Would you like me to dive deeper into fire safety regulations or provide guidance on rigging and overhead safety best practices for your specific production?

When designing a set for a live performance, safety should be treated as a design requirement from the beginning, not something checked after construction. The most important considerations are:

1. Structural stability

   • Make sure walls, platforms, stairs, balconies, towers, and overhead scenery are properly engineered and securely anchored.
   • Design for the forces created by performers moving, leaning, climbing, or pushing against the set.
   • Avoid unstable freestanding pieces and provide adequate bracing.
   • Anything suspended overhead needs appropriately rated rigging and qualified personnel. USITT specifically highlights flying scenery and changing stage conditions as significant theatre hazards.

2. Safe movement and access

   • Provide clear paths for performers and crew.
   • Eliminate sharp edges, protrusions, unexpected level changes, and trip hazards.
   • Stairs, ramps, platforms, and handrails should be appropriate for the intended use.
   • Consider what happens when performers move quickly, in darkness, or while wearing costumes that restrict visibility or movement.

3. Emergency exits and evacuation

   • Never let scenery, props, cables, or audience-facing set pieces obstruct required exits.
   • Exit routes should remain continuous and unobstructed, with appropriate lighting and signage.
   • Make sure performers and crew know the evacuation routes and emergency procedures before the show.

4. Fire safety

   • Consider the flammability of scenic materials, fabrics, paints, foams, plastics, and decorations.
   • Keep combustible materials away from heat sources and ignition hazards.
   • If the production involves flame, pyrotechnics, smoke effects, or unusual heat sources, involve the appropriate fire-safety professionals and authorities early. OSHA identifies fire prevention and electrical installation as closely connected safety issues.

5. Electrical safety

   • Conceal or protect electrical wiring so performers and crew cannot accidentally contact it or trip over it.
   • Electrical equipment should be suitable for its intended use and installed securely; OSHA requires electrical equipment to be free of recognized hazards and properly installed.
   • Plan access to electrical equipment so technicians can safely inspect and maintain it.

6. Rigging and falling objects

   • Anything overhead—scenery, lighting accessories, signs, decorative elements, etc.—needs appropriate attachment, load capacity, inspection, and secondary protection where applicable.
   • Keep tools and loose objects from becoming falling hazards during construction and performances.
   • Work at height requires appropriate fall protection and qualified practices.

7. Performer interaction

   • Test every element performers will climb, sit on, swing from, open, close, or move.
   • Moving scenery should have controlled travel paths and safeguards against crushing, trapping, or collision.
   • Consider failure modes: What happens if an actor misses a step, a door jams, scenery doesn't move, or a performer falls against the set?

8. Materials and construction

   • Select materials appropriate for their structural and fire characteristics.
   • Avoid toxic finishes, hazardous dusts, unstable adhesives, and materials that can splinter or create dangerous edges.
   • Construction and maintenance should follow applicable workplace-safety requirements.

9. Lighting and visibility

   • A set can be physically safe but become dangerous when the stage goes dark.
   • Provide appropriate backstage/work lighting and make hazards such as stairs and level changes identifiable to performers.
   • USITT recommends proper onboarding when entering a new theatre, including reviewing safety procedures and emergency exits.

10. Inspection and rehearsal

• Inspect the set after construction, after installation, and whenever it is modified or moved.
• Rehearse choreography involving scenery under conditions that approximate the actual performance.
• Have performers and crew report defects immediately rather than improvising around them.

The key principle: design for the actual performance conditions, not merely for the set to stand still. A set must remain safe while people are moving rapidly, scenery is changing, lighting is reduced, equipment is operating, and an audience is present.

For a real production, local building/fire codes, venue requirements, and applicable OSHA rules should also be checked with the venue's technical director or qualified safety professional; the applicable requirements can vary substantially depending on the venue and production.

OSHA — Exit Routes and Emergency Planning
USITT — Backstage, Shop, and Stage Safety

Designing a set for a live performance requires balancing artistic vision with rigorous structural and operational safety. Because the environment involves live performers, crew, and an audience under tight time constraints and dynamic conditions, safety must be integrated from the very first sketch.

The most critical safety considerations are organized below:

• Structural Integrity and Load-Bearing Calculations : Every platform, stair, and flying piece must be engineered to handle designated dead loads (the weight of the scenery itself) and live loads (performers moving, running, or dancing). All calculations must factor in dynamic loads—which increase rapidly when multiple people move or jump in unison—ensuring a generous safety margin.
• Fire Safety and Flame Retardancy : Materials used for drapery, soft goods, wood, and plastics must comply with local fire codes and NFPA 701 standards. Scenic elements must be treated with certified flame-retardant sprays where applicable, and clear, unobstructed egress paths and emergency exits must be maintained at all times backstage and onstage.
• Ergonomics and Performer Safety : Edges of elevated platforms must have hidden or visible safety measures (like toe-boards or subtle handholds if appropriate), and stairs must feature uniform rise-and-run dimensions to prevent missteps in low-visibility theatrical lighting. Traps, pits, and deck level changes should be clearly marked with glow-in-the-dark or LED safety tape during blackouts.
• Rigging and Flying Safety : Any element suspended above the stage (fly systems, lighting trusses, or hanging set pieces) introduces overhead hazard risks. Every flown piece requires a secondary safety cable (rated steel aircraft cable) independent of the primary rigging line, and all rigging hardware must be regularly inspected and load-rated by certified riggers.
• Material Toxicity and Off-Gassing : Paints, adhesives, foams, and plastics can release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially under hot stage lighting. Use low-VOC or water-based finishes, ensure adequate ventilation during the build phase, and avoid toxic materials that could affect performers during heavy exertion or close contact.
• Electrical and Mechanical Safety : Moving scenery (wagons, lifts, or automated elements) must include fail-safe braking systems, emergency stop ("E-stop") buttons accessible to stage management, and pinch-point mitigation. Integrated lighting or practical electronics must be properly grounded and protected from foot traffic or liquid spills.

If you'd like, let me know:

• What type of venue you are designing for (black box, proscenium, outdoor)
• Whether your design involves moving elements or flying pieces

I can give you more specific safety codes or practical tips for your project.

When designing a set for a live performance, the key principle is design safety in from the beginning, rather than trying to make an unsafe design safe after construction. A proper risk assessment should consider performers, crew, audience, and emergency responders.

The most important considerations

1. Structural stability

   • Make sure platforms, walls, stairs, balconies, towers, and other scenic elements can safely support their intended loads.
   • Account for performers moving, climbing, leaning, or jumping on scenery—not just the scenery's own weight.
   • Prevent tipping, racking, collapse, and unintended movement.
   • For complex or load-bearing structures, involve a qualified engineer or other competent professional.

2. Rigging and overhead scenery

   • Treat anything flown overhead as a potentially serious falling-object hazard.
   • Use appropriately rated hardware and attachment points, stay within load limits, inspect equipment, and provide secondary safety measures where appropriate.
   • Only trained personnel should operate rigging systems, and people should be warned before scenery is moved overhead.

3. Fire safety

   • Choose noncombustible or properly flame-retardant scenic materials, particularly fabrics, plastics, foam, and materials near lighting or other heat sources.
   • Don't assume that a material is fire-safe simply because it is marketed as such; requirements depend on the venue and jurisdiction.
   • Open flame, pyrotechnics, and similar effects require additional controls and coordination with the appropriate fire-safety authority.

4. Clear emergency exits and egress

   • Set pieces should never block stage exits, aisles, fire equipment, emergency equipment, or escape routes.
   • Performers and crew need usable routes offstage even during scene changes or when lighting is poor.
   • Check egress in the actual performance configuration, not just on the scenic plan.

5. Performer movement and fall hazards

   • Stairs, ramps, platforms, traps, balconies, ladders, and changes in floor level need appropriate protection and clear visual cues.
   • Consider what performers will be able to see during blackouts, rapid transitions, and choreography.
   • Avoid sharp projections, unstable surfaces, pinch points, and unexpected obstacles.

6. Electrical and lighting integration

   • Coordinate scenery with lighting, sound, video, and power systems so cables don't become trip hazards or get crushed, pinched, overheated, or exposed to damage.
   • Make sure scenic elements don't interfere with lighting fixtures or their safety attachments.

7. Scene changes and moving scenery

   • Analyze every movement: who operates it, where people stand, what can go wrong, and what happens if it stops halfway.
   • Moving scenery should have appropriate stops, guards, locking mechanisms, and communication procedures.
   • Rehearse scene changes at performance speed, including emergency stops.

8. Materials and construction

   • Avoid materials that create unacceptable toxicity, splintering, sharp edges, excessive dust, or other hazards.
   • Design pieces so they can be safely transported, assembled, dismantled, and struck by the available crew.

9. Audience safety

   • Consider whether scenery could fall, shed material, obstruct sightlines, create excessive heat, or otherwise reach the audience.
   • Special attention is needed for sets incorporating suspended objects, elevated platforms, projectiles, flame, smoke, or other effects.

10. Inspection, training, and rehearsal

• Inspect scenery and rigging after construction, after alterations, and before use.
• Make sure crew members are trained for the equipment and tasks they're performing.
• Rehearse safety-critical movements with the actual set, props, costumes, lighting, and performers.

A useful design rule

For every scenic element, ask:

“If this fails, moves unexpectedly, catches fire, or becomes an obstacle during a blackout, who could be hurt and how do we prevent that?”

Then design out the hazard where possible and add physical safeguards, procedures, training, and emergency measures for the remaining risks. This approach is consistent with live-performance safety guidance that prioritizes eliminating hazards during design and controlling those that cannot be eliminated.

Finally, local building, fire, electrical, and occupational-safety requirements take precedence over general theatrical guidance; the venue's authority having jurisdiction may impose additional requirements.

When designing a set for a live performance, the most important safety consideration is structural integrity and load-bearing capacity to prevent the collapse of platforms, walls, or rigged elements under the dynamic weight of performers and equipment.

Beyond structural stability, a safe set design must seamlessly balance architectural engineering, material chemistry, and backstage human traffic management.

Structural Stability & Fall Prevention

• Weight load capacity : Heavy-duty platforms, levels, and stairs must be engineered to withstand rigorous choreography, jumps, and dense groupings of performers.
• Fall protection : Install secure guardrails, handrails, and safety netting around high platforms or orchestra pits.
• Secure bracing : Anchor vertical flats, walls, and heavy scenic pieces using weighted stage braces, sandbags, or stage jacks to prevent tipping.
• Safety factors : Use specialized structural materials and apply standard structural engineering principles to calculate necessary safety overhead factors.

Fire Safety & Material Compliance

• Flame-retardant materials : Treat all scenic lumber, fabrics, curtains, and props with certified commercial fire retardants.
• Thermal clearance : Maintain specific air gaps between set pieces and hot stage lighting fixtures to eliminate combustion risks.
• Clear egress : Ensure the physical layout never blocks the path of fire curtains, exit doors, sprinkler heads, or fire extinguishers.

Traffic, Visibility, & Navigation

• Edge indicators : Line the edges of stages, stairs, and drop-offs with high-visibility glow tape to guide performers during blackouts.
• Backstage lighting : Integrate low-intensity blue running lights behind the scenes so the crew can navigate safely without spilling light onto the stage.
• Trip mitigation : Flatten and tape down rug edges, secure cables under rubber ramps, and avoid placing furniture too close to the stage lip.
• Backstage storage : Design dedicated, clear tracking lanes for large scenic elements moving on wheels (trucks) to prevent crushing hazards.

Rigging & Overhead Elements

• Load limits : Never exceed the certified maximum weight capacities of overhead pipes, batten lines, or the fly gallery system.
• Secondary attachments : Secure all hanging fixtures, speakers, and scenery pieces with backup steel safety cables.
• Fail-safe automation : Equip motorized scenery, moving LED walls, or revolving stages with instantly accessible emergency stop (E-stop) systems.

Special Effects & Health Hazards

• Non-toxic finishes : Avoid solvents or paints that release toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during closed-door tech rehearsals.
• Atmospheric controls : Ensure proper ventilation and clear lines of sight if using oil-based fog machines, hazers, or pyrotechnics.
• Safe alternatives : Substitute dangerous real-world elements with safer materials, such as using breakable sugar glass instead of standard window panes.

To help tailor this advice, could you tell me a bit more about the venue (e.g., indoor theatre, outdoor stage), the scale of the build (multi-level vs. single level), and whether the production utilizes automation or fly systems?

When designing a set for a live performance, safety should be treated as a design requirement from the beginning, not something checked after construction. The most important considerations are:

1. Structural stability

   • Make sure platforms, walls, stairs, balconies, and other scenic elements can support expected loads.
   • Prevent tipping, collapsing, or unintended movement.
   • Have elevated or unusual structures reviewed by a qualified professional when appropriate. Temporary-event guidance emphasizes sound design, suitable materials, proper foundations/ground conditions, and ongoing inspection.

2. Rigging and overhead hazards

   • Any scenery, lighting, or equipment suspended above performers or audiences needs appropriate rigging, attachment points, load calculations, and secondary safety measures.
   • Only appropriately trained personnel should perform specialized rigging work. Live-event operations can include scenery and rigging as significant safety activities.

3. Safe movement and access

   • Stairs, ramps, doors, backstage paths, and entrances should be easy to navigate, including in low light.
   • Eliminate trip and fall hazards such as loose flooring, unexpected level changes, exposed cables, and poorly secured props.
   • Keep emergency routes unobstructed and adequately wide and illuminated.

4. Fire safety

   • Choose materials and finishes with appropriate fire characteristics.
   • Don't block fire equipment, exits, sprinklers, or other emergency systems.
   • Treat flames, pyrotechnics, smoke effects, and other special effects as specialized hazards requiring appropriate controls and approvals. OSHA specifically recommends coordination with fire/EMS and appropriate crowd controls for pyrotechnic displays.

5. Electrical safety

   • Plan cable routes so electrical equipment doesn't create trip, crush, or overheating hazards.
   • Use properly rated equipment and connections, with electrical work performed by qualified personnel where required.
   • Temporary electrical installations should comply with applicable electrical codes and inspection requirements.

6. Performer safety

   • Design with the actors' actual movements in mind: entrances, exits, choreography, fights, running, climbing, and interaction with scenery.
   • Avoid sharp edges, pinch points, unstable props, and surfaces that become slippery under stage lighting or effects.
   • If performers work at height, provide appropriate fall protection and safe access.

7. Audience and crowd safety

   • Don't allow scenery or set pieces to interfere with audience aisles, exits, or evacuation routes.
   • Consider crowd movement, particularly at concerts or performances where people may surge toward the stage. Crowd-safety guidance recommends assessing the venue's ability to let people enter, move through, assemble, and exit safely.

8. Emergency planning

   • Know how the set affects evacuation, firefighting, medical access, and emergency communication.
   • Make exits clearly visible and keep them accessible throughout the performance.
   • Include emergency procedures in the event plan and make sure relevant crew members know them.

9. Inspection and maintenance

   • Inspect the set before performances, after major changes, and periodically during a run.
   • Check joints, fasteners, casters, platforms, stairs, rigging, electrical connections, and anything subject to repeated movement.
   • Don't assume something is safe merely because it passed an initial inspection; temporary structures can change with use.

A useful rule: if a scenic idea depends on someone not falling, not getting trapped, not being struck, or not touching something dangerous by accident, redesign it so that the safety doesn't depend on perfect behavior. Local building, fire, electrical, occupational-safety, and venue requirements may also impose additional rules.