[SML] Teaching technical theater and OSHA

[Dougherty, Jim]

From a colleague, Kate Caffrey, working at Framingham State University in MA:

"We are trying to grow our Theatre concentration at Framingham State.  A new director of facilities has been hired and she refuses to let students and faculty use lifts, tools, etc. to build sets, hang lights, etc.  She also refuses to let any professionals we hire from the outside use any of Framingham State's equipment/tools do these duties. She claims they must bring their own tools, lifts, etc.  She says that she is abiding by OSHA's rules.
 
I have worked in theatre professionally and in Higher Ed for a number of years and have never run into anything like this.  I am now in a position where I need to find "proof" that other schools teach skills to students - allowing them to hang/focus lights, build sets, etc.
 
I am wondering if you could send me something brief that explains how Colleges/Universities/Community Colleges across the country (the world?) are allowed to teach students these hands on skills and remain OSHA compliant?"

If anyone has supporting experience or evidence to help out, please contact Kate directly at mcaffrey1 at framingham.edu.

Thanks,

Jim Dougherty
Middlebury College Theatre Dept