The Calder Theatre Bookshop Ltd
Use of Weapons for Theatrical, Rehearsal
and Workshop Purposes - November 2024
1. Introduction
The danger associated with weapons and the use of weapons can culminate in serious injury and at times death. The criminal law makes it an offence to possesses guns, knives and other offensive weapons that come under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 and Offensive Weapons Act 1996.
Current legislation also places a duty of care upon employers to take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of their employees and those affected by their activities. As a result, weapons of any kind are not normally permitted on The Calder Theatre Bookshop Limited property unless there is a justified and a lawful explanation.
Such circumstances where weapons may be required are for example; theatre production, filming, rehearsals and workshops. Under these circumstances the following procedures should be followed in order to ensure the safety of all involved (including third parties) and in order to comply with the law.
2. Scope
This guidance applies to staff, production teams, actors, rehearsing theatre groups, workshop organisers, participants and any other member of the community using the bookshop, theatre and rehearsal space at 51 The Cut, London, SE1 8LF.
3. Principles
and Definitions
3.1. Principles
The presence, possession, ownership or keeping of any firearms and/or offensive weapons is strictly prohibited at 51 The Cut, London, SE1 8LF unless a lawful and justified explanation can be provided.
3.2. Firearms
The legislation relating to firearms is complex. The term “firearm” means “a lethal barrelled weapon of any description from which any shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged” includes any item such a CS or Pepper spray or any item that propels a noxious substance. Key policy relating to firearms is contained within the Firearms Act 1968.
3.3. Offensive weapons
Offensive weapons are defined by the Offensive Weapons Act 1996 as a “knife, knife blade, razor blade or axe or any other article, which has a blade or is sharply pointed, made or adapted for causing injury.” The Knives Act 1997 uses the term “suitable for combat” and defines this as anything that can be used as a weapon to cause injury. These Acts, together with others, make it an offence to sell such implements to young people under 18, for any person to take such items into school premises and for people to carry items concealed upon their persons that could be used to cause injury.
4. Responsibilities and Arrangements
4.1. Weapons and Firearms Awareness Team (WFAT)
Luis Gayol and Mark Newman, both Directors will monitor the content of all Weapons and Firearms Awareness Forms submitted.
This is to ensure compliance with legislation and the Health and Safety Policy.
The Procedural flow chart (Appendix 1) should be followed to ensure that health and safety controls are put in place. The Weapons and Firearms Awareness Form must be completed and submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the project / event taking place.
4.2. Use of Firearms and/or Offensive Weapons in Teaching and Research
Anyone participating in work or study involving firearms must comply with the legal requirements under The Firearms Act 1968; in particular Regulation 19 concerning carrying a firearm in a public place:
4.3. Manufacturing
Regulation 37 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 allows for the production of imitation firearms for the purpose of theatre and film production. However it is an offence under Regulation 4 of the Firearms Act 1968 to convert an imitation weapon into a live firing weapon.
5. Control measures
5.1. Risk assessment
This must show that the risks to health and safety have been assessed for all involved including others who may be affected by the activities. The risk assessment must detail the control measures necessary to avoid the risk or reduce it to acceptable levels. The risk assessment should consider all aspects of the project including how third parties may be affected by the activity.
Risk assessments shall only be complete when:
· Assessments have been made regarding the direction of staged/ filmed sequences and action sequences;
· Information has been exchanged with all parties;
· A Weapons and Firearms Awareness From has been completed and approved;
· The risk assessment is signed off by either Luis Gayol or Mark Newman;
· The Calder Theatre Bookshop Ltd reserves the right to confiscate items that can cause harm and have not been adequately risk assessed
5.2. Transport and Storage
The transportation and storage of any weapons must be conducted in accordance with the following criteria:
· Weapons and ammunition to be transported in a suitable, secure case. Ammunition must be transported separately in adequate storage. Consider the potential alarm that could be caused to others should the weapon or ammunition become visible in a public place
· The weapon and any ammunition should be stored on site in a suitable locked and secure storage cabinet separately.
· A responsible person nominated to be in control of the storage of all weapons and ammunition
· All weapons and ammunition are to be signed for when issuing and retuning
· A procedure to notify the nominated person for any lost or unaccounted for weapons and ammunition
5.3. Record Keeping
The WFAT shall maintain a record of all data gathered.
5.4. Guidance Used
Health and Safety Executive: Entertainment Information Sheet 20 (Revision 1) the Management of Firearms and Weapons in Film and TV Productions.
5.5. Weapons and Firearms Awareness Procedural Flow Chart
