Emergency Management and Evacuation Plan

Purpose. This plan sets out how Studio Aurora responds to fire, medical emergency, structural or rigging failure, threat, power failure and severe weather in the Collingwood building and how it evacuates staff, artists, crew and audiences safely.

1.Scope and wardens

This plan applies to the Collingwood studio, gallery and theatre and is adapted for external venues through the production risk assessment. The Chief Warden is the Operations and Finance Manager during business hours and the stage manager or duty manager during performances and exhibitions. Area wardens are appointed for the studio, gallery, theatre and workshop.

2.Emergency types

The plan covers fire and smoke, medical emergency, rigging or structural failure, aggressive person or threat, power failure during a performance, gas leak and severe weather. Each has a response card held at the box office, the stage management desk and the studio reception.

• Fire and smoke
• Medical emergency
• Rigging or structural failure
• Threat or aggressive person
• Power failure during a show
• Severe weather

3.Evacuation

On the evacuation tone or the Chief Warden's instruction, wardens will direct people to the nearest safe exit and to the assembly point in the car park across the laneway. The stage manager will bring up house lights, stop the performance and make the evacuation announcement from the script on the response card. Front of house staff will assist patrons with mobility needs using the evacuation chairs at each exit.

4.Roll call and all clear

Wardens will report their areas clear to the Chief Warden at the assembly point. Ticketing counts will be used to reconcile audience numbers. No one will re-enter until emergency services or the Chief Warden gives the all clear.

5.Medical emergency

First aid officers are rostered for every performance and exhibition day and their names displayed at the box office. A defibrillator is located in the foyer. Ambulance will be called for any injury beyond first aid and the incident reported on the Incident and Hazard Report Form.

6.Training and drills

All staff must complete emergency procedures training at induction and annually. Wardens must complete warden training. An evacuation drill will be conducted at least twice a year, including one during a rehearsal with a seated audience of staff, and the outcomes recorded and the plan updated within 30 days.