Occupational Health and Safety

A. G. Maisey · 22nd January 2008, 06:38 AM

Emailed to me today by a friend.

Interesting?

Put away your arms, drama group is told

By Richard Savill

A village amateur dramatic group performing Robinson Crusoe has had to tell police about the use of plastic swords because of health and safety fears.

The Carnon Downs Drama Group, at Perranwell, Cornwall, must lock up its two plastic cutlasses, six wooden swords and a toy gun when they are not in use and appoint a "responsible guardian" for them.

The group said it informed police about the use of replica weapons after studying new health and safety guidelines and new legislation to crack down on violent crime. Later this month, about 700 people are due to attend six performances of the group's pantomime, featuring several swashbuckling sword fights.

A co-director, Linda Barker, said: "In some scenes pirates hit each other with frying pans and saucepan lids but there's no problem with them.

"We have got several wooden and plastic swords, two plastic spears and a gun that cost £2 from a joke shop. But now we need to keep them locked away."

The National Operatic and Drama Association said it supported the new policy because "it enables weapons to be used safely and legally in theatrical performances".

source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main...nswords118.xml

22nd January 2008, 06:38 AM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,857	Occupational Health and Safety Emailed to me today by a friend. Interesting? Put away your arms, drama group is told By Richard Savill A village amateur dramatic group performing Robinson Crusoe has had to tell police about the use of plastic swords because of health and safety fears. The Carnon Downs Drama Group, at Perranwell, Cornwall, must lock up its two plastic cutlasses, six wooden swords and a toy gun when they are not in use and appoint a "responsible guardian" for them. The group said it informed police about the use of replica weapons after studying new health and safety guidelines and new legislation to crack down on violent crime. Later this month, about 700 people are due to attend six performances of the group's pantomime, featuring several swashbuckling sword fights. A co-director, Linda Barker, said: "In some scenes pirates hit each other with frying pans and saucepan lids but there's no problem with them. "We have got several wooden and plastic swords, two plastic spears and a gun that cost £2 from a joke shop. But now we need to keep them locked away." The National Operatic and Drama Association said it supported the new policy because "it enables weapons to be used safely and legally in theatrical performances". source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main...nswords118.xml