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Theme and Amusement Park Fall Protection

Theaters, amphitheaters, and performing arts centers all require stage hands to work at heights while tending to rigging, theatrical drapes, curtains, scenery, and lighting.   Although performance arts may seem far removed from many of the traditional market sectors subject to routine OSHA safety inspections, theaters and amphitheaters must provide fall protection for stage crew members and these venues are held to the same fall protection standards as general industry.  Ensuring the safety of your stage hands requires the implementation of a comprehensive fall prevention strategy, which includes the proper mix of fall protection equipment, personnel training, and partnering with a fall protection company that appreciates the unique nature of your facility’s access points and potential fall hazards.

We are a complete turnkey provider of OSHA compliant fall protection systems and have years of design and installation experience in the performance arts market sector.  Contact us for expert assistance with your fall arrest, fall restraint and fall protection safety requirements.

Fall Protection Solutions

Design Considerations

Theater and Amphitheater Fall Protection Fall Protection Design Considerations
Although concealed from the audience, theaters typically utilize catwalks to provide stage hand access to the rigging equipment used to lift, lower, and maintain theatrical equipment on or above stage level.  All theater and amphitheater catwalks should make use of guardrail to ensure crew safety.  In addition, there must be a ladder equipped with a vertical lifeline or stairway system to provide safe access to the catwalk network suspended above the stage floor.

Horizontal lifelines are also common in theater applications to span long sections that are not covered with catwalks.  A continuous pass through horizontal lifeline system provides excellent coverage in terms of length and changes in direction.

DFP has years of experience designing and installing fall protection systems specifically tailored for theater and amphitheater applications.  Our understanding of your unique access points and fall hazards, combined with our turnkey approach to OSHA compliant fall protection will keep your stage hands and crew safe while working at heights.

OSHA Regulations

  • Guardrail
    • 1926.502(b)(1)
      Top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, shall be 42 inches (1.1 m) plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm) above the walking/working level. When conditions warrant, the height of the top edge may exceed the 45-inch height, provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of this paragraph.
    • 1926.502(b)(2)(i)
      Midrails, when used, shall be installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working level.
    • 1926.502(b)(3)
      Guardrail systems shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied within 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the top edge, in any outward or downward direction, at any point along the top edge.
    • 1926.502(b)(5)
      Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and equivalent structural members shall be capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150 pounds (666 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the midrail or other member.

Talk to a fall protection specialist

Tell us about your fall protection needs, and we’ll configure a system that rises to your challenges.