Minimizing risk in theater props storage

March 2, 2026
Student and Visitor Risk

Key takeaways:

Some of the biggest risks in theater prop storage areas include fire, falls and falling objects.
Staff and students should work to minimize clutter that can cause both a trip-and-fall hazard and a risk of fire.
To prevent objects from falling off high shelves, departments should use guardrails and safe stacking techniques.

While some school theater departments keep their props and costumes neatly stored, many more find themselves unable to keep everything organized. This creates multiple risks, including fire, chemical exposure, falls (both from ladders and trips) and object hazards.

It’s imperative that staff members take the lead on restoring proper housekeeping to the prop room. The following are some of the most important risks they need to manage.

Fire

To prevent fires, theater departments should:

Store flammable and combustible liquids in an approved flammable storage cabinet. When students and staff are finished using these chemicals, they should always replace them immediately in the cabinet. Additionally, they should keep an SDS (safety data sheet) on each liquid being stored.
Avoid obstructing access. In particular, fire code dictates there should be a clear area in front of any breaker panels. Individuals need to be able to access the shutoff should there be an electrical emergency.
Keep fire safety devices clear. Do not obstruct, in any way, emergency fire pull stations, fire extinguishers, emergency exits and emergency fire hoses.
De-activate all electronic appliances before storing them. If the department has a 1950s-era TV in the storage area, for example, high-voltage electricity stored in the tube should be discharged. Additionally, all batteries should be removed from electronic items before storage.

Falls from a height

Both students and staff members are at risk of injury if they are trying to reach items on higher shelves. To lessen this risk, departments should:

Require that everyone use only fully certified ladders and stepstools to access high items. It’s especially dangerous if they try to climb on shelves or use other items, such as chairs, in lieu of a ladder.
Conduct regular inspections of ladders and stepstools. Students and staff should never be using defective equipment, and the only way to know it’s defective is to establish a regular inspection schedule.

Trips and falls

A props and/or costume storage area can quickly become overloaded, which can lead to a risk of tripping. To prevent this:

Create a clear walkway around the area. Students and staff should not have to shove aside items on the floor to reach their destination in the storage area.
Ensure there is adequate, functional lighting. Replace burnt-out bulbs immediately; accidents are more likely to happen when students and staff members can’t see where they’re going.
Keep food and drinks away from the area. This can lead to spills, which create an even greater risk for trips and slips.

Falling object hazards

Items that are stored in a hurry could lead to improper storage practices. That, in turn, could cause a danger of falling objects. Keep students and staff safe by:

Installing guardrails, such as small wooden trim, to keep items from slipping off shelves. Tension curtain rods could also help keep objects in place. Also toe boards and guardrails should be installed for storage lofts, which should be made of substantial construction like 2×4’s.
Use storage bins to hold loose or small items. These bins, in turn, should be clearly labeled so people can see them from the floor. Ideally, students and staff would know exactly what they’re getting – and where to find it – when they use a ladder or stepstool to access something off a high shelf.
Use proper stacking techniques. For boxes, use block stacking (straight up) or brick stacking (alternating layers) to make sure items are stable.
Load heavy items on the bottom shelves. Lighter objects can be stored on the higher shelves to lessen the risk of injury.

Without taking proper precautions, a props storage area can quickly devolve into a free-for-all – especially when students are permitted to store items without any supervision. There should be at least one adult who takes responsibility for managing risk in this area.

For more information on risk management in school theater programs, check out these articles on curtain safety inspections and theater performance hazards.

How to keep students and staff safe in props storage areas

Q: Why is proper housekeeping important in school theater prop rooms?
A: Poor organization can lead to fire hazards, chemical exposure, trips and falls, and injuries from falling objects.

Q: How can theater departments reduce the risk of fire in storage areas?
A: Store flammable liquids in approved cabinets, avoid blocking sprinklers and breaker panels, and unplug or deactivate electronics before storage.

Q: What steps help prevent falls from heights?
A: Use only certified ladders or stepstools and inspect them regularly to ensure they are not defective.

Q: How can falling object hazards be minimized?
A: Install guardrails, use labeled storage bins, stack boxes properly and place heavier items on lower shelves.