rallylass Posted October 16, 2006 Share Posted October 16, 2006 I am trying to find out the answers to a few questions and I am hoping that someone can help me. I currently have a balcony area walkway either side of the stage which leads to the stage from the auditorium, this is open and so the audience can still see the performers should they need to go into the audience. A local company have now told me that I have to (legally) provide steps up on to the stage from the auditorium. As far as I was aware I though there had to be a way of accessing the auditorium from the stage but it didn't have to be steps! I am quite happy to be wrong but thought I would ask first. If I do have to provide steps does anybody know what the minimum width they can be if they are only going to be used by staff and performers. (I know I need to risk assess the width depending on what they are wearing etc but any info would be a great help) Thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted October 16, 2006 Share Posted October 16, 2006 A local company have now told me that I have to (legally) provide steps up on to the stage from the auditorium.Ask them what bit of legislation covers this. I await their reply with some interest :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew C Posted October 16, 2006 Share Posted October 16, 2006 Me too. Especially as under the DDA, a ramp would be required as well... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rallylass Posted October 16, 2006 Author Share Posted October 16, 2006 The walkway is flat and it leads to the fire exit and is on ground level. Then there are steps down into the stalls from the main entrance, the entrance is in the middle of the stalls so you either go up or down steps. The stage is at ground level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Gordon Posted October 16, 2006 Share Posted October 16, 2006 It's a little difficult to envisage without looking at the computer simulation on the school website. This seems to show steps such as you describe. Were they not installed when the building was completed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rallylass Posted October 16, 2006 Author Share Posted October 16, 2006 There are steps but I am wondering whether I have to use them, they are removeable and I don't always have shows demanding the use of them. The way that they appear on the computer simulation isn't quite as the theatre looks, In order to get the required number of seats in as the plans show I cannot put the steps, that were provided, in place. This isn't normally a problem but the seats have been booked without consulting me first about any problems. (teething problems of a new theatre) I don't mind having to provide steps but there is another means of access that do comply with DDA, but if I do have to provide some I was just wondering about the minimum width that they could be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy_s Posted October 16, 2006 Share Posted October 16, 2006 I can't see why you would need to provide steps unless there was a performance requirement for performers to get to the audience or audience to get on the stage. the only legal or licensing requirement I can think of (this is of course speculation as I don't know the full story) would be if the steps into the auditorium formed an escape route from the stage or vice versa in case of emergency. In this case I don't think you would have to have a ramp or lift, but you would have to have a plan in place to enable wheelchair users or people with other mobility impairments to escape. (and you would of course have to have the steps in place. The fact that they can be removed might be a clue that they aren't in fact legally required, but don't take that as gospel!) if this was the case (steps = escape route) then the recommended dimensions for escape corridors and escape routes would perhaps apply; you would need to refer to Building Regulations to get an answer, but perhaps you could look at the Yellow Book ("Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment") for guidance. It might be considered a gangway: "gangways should be at least 1100mm wide (unless for use by less than 60 people, then minimum of 900mm is OK). If stepped, the height (riser) of each stepping should be not less than 100mm, nor exceed 190mm. The going (tread) of each stepping should be no less than 250mm" (I paraphrase slightly). The Yellow Book is available from the ABTT, or from Entertainment Technology Press. If you still have contact with the architects of the building, perhaps you should consult them, as the design of safe evacuation routes is their responsibility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rallylass Posted October 17, 2006 Author Share Posted October 17, 2006 Thanks for your help and suggestions, I have already looked at the yellow book but wanted to back up my thoughts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulears Posted October 17, 2006 Share Posted October 17, 2006 perhaps I'm being cynical - but I don't suppose the people who told you that you HAVE to have them, also happen to supply them, do they? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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