#bulletin

Helicopters

Safety Bulletin

Guidelines

Helicopter flying accuracy may be adversely affected by changing natural conditions such as wind, air density, humidity, and time of day. Manmade conditions such as weight, weight distribution, center of gravity and/or the discharge of pyrotechnics in close proximity disturbing airflow around the tail rotor, can also affect the ability of the helicopter to fly. Special precautions should be taken to ensure safety when working in any extreme temperatures or terrain, e.g., mountains and deserts.

All Aerial Coordinators and/or Pilots in Command should possess a current FAA approved Motion Picture and Television Operations Manual and accompanying Waiver. The Waiver is specific to those Federal Aviation Regulations specified in the approved manual. Additionally, a copy of the FAA required Plan of Activity and approved Motion Picture and Television Operations Manual will be available to the Production Company prior to all aerial operations.
The Pilot in Command is at all times the final authority over his/her helicopter and should be in command of his/her flight operations and/or related activities. The Pilot in Command and/or Aerial Coordinator should have the authority to abort any flight operation in the interest of safety. Abort signals should be specified ahead of time.
Communications: The Aerial Coordinator and/or the Pilot in Command will coordinate with the designated production representative and implement a plan for communications between the participants in the air and on the ground. The plan will incorporate the following:
1. Designated ground contact personnel
2. Air to ground radios, VHF or FM
3. Assignment of discreet frequencies (channels)
4. Visual signals (flags, specified hand signals, light or flare) should be used to halt filming in the event of lost communications or inability to utilize radios
5. Abort signals, audible and visual to halt filming in the event of unforeseen circumstances or safety hazards
At the start of each day’s filming the Aerial Coordinator and/or Pilot in Command and the designated production representative will conduct a briefing/safety meeting for the production staff and those persons necessary for filming, including emergency, safety and security personnel. A subsequent briefing/safety meeting should be required as necessary for intended action sequences and/or scenes. All safety meetings should include the following:
1. Pertinent items and the special provisions of the Aerial Coordinator and/or Pilot(s) in Command, Motion Picture and Television Operations Manual and accompanying Waiver, along with any additional provisions issued by the local FAA Flight Standards District Office
2. Possible risk to personnel who are involved
3. Safeguards to personnel and equipment
4. Communications
5. Emergency procedures
6. Location of boundaries
7. Local governmental limitations or restrictions (if any)
A preplanned stunt and/or special effect sequence will not be changed in any way without the authorization of the Aerial Coordinator and/or Pilot in Command. No changes should be made once the helicopter(s) is/are airborne.
The Aerial Coordinator and/or Pilot in Command should designate one person as the Ground safety contact with no other responsibilities. The helicopter support truck Operator may be designated as the ground safety contact around the helicopter, if qualified.
If there is a question as to safety of any aerial filming sequence involving low, over-the-camera shots, a briefing/safety meeting should be held between the Aerial Coordinator and/or Pilot in Command and concerned persons as to whether the use of a locked-off camera is necessary.
No smoking within 100 feet of the helicopter or support fuel truck.
Remain at least 50 feet away from the helicopter unless directed by the Aerial Coordinator and/or Pilot in Command or ground safety contact. Under no circumstances should you approach the helicopter without permission from the ground safety contact or the Pilot in Command.
Whether the rotors are turning or not, always approach and leave the helicopter from the front. Prior to your approach of the helicopter you should:
1. Make acknowledged eye contact with the pilot;
2. Proceed to the helicopter only after the pilot has acknowledged your presence and waves you forward;
3. Never run;
4. Walk, looking forward at all times;
5. Never walk downhill towards a helicopter;
6. Never walk uphill away from a helicopter.
Never walk near or around the rear and tail sections of the helicopter, whether it is running or not.
Never walk under the tail section of the helicopter, whether it is running or not.
Carry all equipment parallel to the ground when within 50 feet of a helicopter. Do not vertically extend any equipment, (i.e., cameras, lights, or sound boom) into rotor blades, whether it is running or not.
Necessary Crew and Persons Authorized: Flight operations closer than 500 feet of persons will include only those persons consenting to be in close proximity to the aircraft and who are directly involved and necessary for filming. The Aerial Coordinator and/or Pilot in Command and the designated production and security personnel will maintain an area perimeter to insure that no unauthorized persons are allowed within 500 feet of the flight operations.
Personal Protective Equipment should be utilized as required.
Never under any circumstance throw anything such as grip tape, clothing, paper, etc. around the helicopter, whether it is running or not.
The landing area should be cleared of debris and, where necessary, wet down. Ensure all equipment is tied down or stored away from the area.
Do not wear any loose clothing that may blow off, such as hats, when operating near a running helicopter. Protect your eyes, as well as your equipment, when helicopter is landing or taking off.
Rotor blades and fuselage can be easily damaged while on the ground. Never push, handle, sit on or in, or lay any objects of any kind on an aircraft without the pilot’s permission.
If a foreign object falls into or against an aircraft, report it immediately to the pilot or aerial coordinator.
Never allow cast or crew to occupy an aircraft while engines are running or rotors are turning, unless authorized by the Pilot in Command.
When working on location or when utilizing Department of Defense aircraft, local agencies, regional police, fire, park department regulations, or military guidelines may vary from this bulletin. The more stringent guidelines will always be in effect. Additional permits may be required for landing or refueling operations.
The production company must notify all cast and crew members and the front of the studio call sheet should contain a statement to the effect that: ”An aircraft is being used and will be flown in close proximity to crew and equipment. Anyone objecting will notify the production manager or 1st AD prior to any filming.”

Camera Cars – Power Line Distance Requirements

Safety Bulletin

SB08C-Power-Line-Distance-Requirements Download

Camera Boom Vehicles

Safety Bulletin

SB08B-Camera-Boom-Vehicles Download

Guidelines

The speed of the camera boom vehicle shall never exceed the safe operating speed set forth by the individual manufacturer or which may endanger the safe handling of the vehicle or safe operation of the boom arm as determined by the driver/operator.

Any person riding the boom arm shall wear an approved seat belt at all times.

Always rehearse shots under controlled conditions to ascertain safety in movement not only of the vehicle but the boom arm as well.

Camera personnel shall only mount and dismount when given permission by the operator in control of the camera arm. Arm balance must always be maintained.

Always use wheel chocks to prevent crane movement on a sloped surface. Ratchet lock brakes for added temporary security. Never trust hydraulic brakes for permanent hold.

Maximum payload on boom arm nose should never be more than can be balanced by the counter weight system supplied with the crane.

Payloads must be decreased in proportion to length of extensions.

On any extension configuration, check with the manufacturer or qualified operator for allowable load.

The camera boom vehicle and boom arm shall be checked before and after use by a qualified experienced driver/operator, and that operator must be present during any use of the vehicle or boom arm. The driver/operator shall have the authority to make any adjustments that may affect the safe operation of the vehicle and/or boom arm.

Process Trailers and Towed Vehicles

Safety Bulletin

SB08A-Process-Trailers-Towed-Vehicles Download

Guidelines

These guidelines apply to any towed vehicle or trailer specifically designed to carry personnel, equipment or other vehicles.

Process trailers are towed by a camera car or heavier equipment designed to carry or pull a load of the size required for the shot.

Any vehicle or camera platform towed by a camera car shall be considered to be part of the camera car and subject to all requirements outlined under Safety Bulletin: Camera Cars.

Only essential persons required for the shot shall be on the towed vehicle, all other persons shall be on the camera car. Towing combinations does not increase the allowable persons outlined in item 6 and note (1) of Safety Bulletin: Camera Cars.

All equipment, including but not limited to specialized equipment such as camera dollies, boom arms, lighting fixtures, grip equipment or special effects equipment shall be secured to the vehicle or have a safety strap.

Camera Cars

Safety Bulletin

SB08-Camera-Cars Download

Guidelines

A Traditional Camera Car (“camera car”) includes any self propelled vehicle specifically engineered for the mounting and manning of cameras and other equipment for the primary purpose of filming from a stationary or moving vehicle. Excluded from these guidelines are specialty tracking vehicles, including but not limited to, motorized process vehicles, and powered camera vehicles (such as ATV, golf carts, snowmobiles, rally cars, camera bikes, side cars and other like vehicles). The addition of a process trailer/towed vehicle to a camera car shall make that vehicle also subject to the provisions of Safety Bulletin: Process Trailers and Towed Vehicles. The addition of any manned or unmanned camera boom/crane or arm to a camera car shall make that vehicle also subject to the provisions of Safety Bulletin: Camera Boom Vehicles. The addition of anything extending beyond the camera car shall make that vehicle also subject to the provisions of Safety Bulletin: Camera Car – Power Line Distance Requirements.

Note: The driver/operator has the authority to suspend operation of the vehicle for any reason that he or she deems to be unsafe.

Considerations for Using a Traditional Camera Car/Process Trailer

When the action of the performer interferes with their ability to drive.
When the driver’s vision will be substantially impaired by:
1. Dust
2. Spray (when driving through water, mud, etc.)
3. Blinding lights
4. Restrictive covering over the windshield
5. Smoke
6. Any other conditions which will substantially restrict the driver’s normal vision.
When the speed of the vehicle varies from what is normally safe for the conditions of the driving surface.
When other conditions such as obstacles or difficulty of terrain will exist or off-road driving will occur.
When any aircraft, fixed-wing or helicopter is flown in close proximity to the vehicle creating a hazardous driving condition for the performer(s).
Whenever speed or close proximity of two or more vehicles create conditions dangerous to the drivers, performers, passengers, film crew, or vehicles.

The foregoing shall not apply to an on-camera driver qualified as a stunt performer under the Screen Actors Guild Codified Basic Agreement or when a performer has the special expertise to perform the sequence in a safe manner. (See Safety Bulletin: Stunts)

Guidelines Prior to Operation

A copy of this bulletin should be kept with the camera car at all times.
A camera car must be inspected before and after use, or at a minimum, on a daily basis. Inspection items include, but are not limited to: brakes, tires, steering, engine, drive train, vehicle’s electrical system, towing equipment, and all safety equipment. Any items not fully functioning must be repaired by a qualified person before use.
All rigging of equipment, including any changes, is to be performed by qualified personnel in an area secured for the purpose of rigging, which is free of known hazards, including other vehicular traffic. The rigging must be discussed with the camera car driver prior to the use of the vehicle. The driver must inspect the vehicle after any rigging changes are made to ensure that they will not adversely affect the safe operation of the vehicle.
All personnel riding on the camera car must be provided a safe and secure place to ride to avoid the possibility of a fall hazard. Such safety precautions include, but are not limited to: railings, harnesses, helmets, etc. This may be accomplished either by a safety railing placed at the appropriate height for the layout of the camera car or by a properly secured safety harness.
Malfunctioning or broken equipment must be reported immediately, taken out of service, and replaced or repaired prior to use.
No more passengers shall be transported than the number whose weight, in addition to the weight of any property transported, can be carried without exceeding the manufacturer’s maximum gross vehicle weight rating or the combined maximum rating of the tires supporting each axle. Only those persons absolutely required to perform work during the rehearsals and the actual shot sequences shall be allowed on the camera car as determined by the driver/operator in consultation with the 1st A.D. and the Key Grip (if on set or location). The total weight shall never exceed the manufacturer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (G.V.W.R.). Generally, the maximum number of personnel allowed on camera cars should not exceed nine (9), including the driver. However, as vehicles may differ, the manufacturer’s guidelines must be followed at all times and in all cases. To determine the number of on board personnel, the following factors must be considered:
1. Weather at the time of the intended shot
2. Surface to be used: concrete, asphalt, decomposed granite, compacted dirt, etc.
3. Surface condition: wet, oily, broken, icy, loose debris, washboard, etc.
4. Route configuration: straight, slightly curved, moderately curved, “S” curved; level or inclined, crown, etc.
5. Topography: flat, hilly, urban, countryside, mountainous, etc.
6. Speed of the vehicle
7. Visibility: trees, fog, smoke, lighting, structures, rigging, overhead obstruction, etc.
8. All overhead and side obstructions: power lines, tree limbs, overpasses, traffic signals, etc.
9. Shot sequence: following lone vehicle, stunt action with cross- overs/head-on or near misses, high speed chase, proximity of other vehicles, background performers and/or property, etc.
10. Equipment rigging: multiple cameras, camera lights, etc.
11. Escape routes and contingency plans

Note: The performance, operation and capacity of the camera car will vary when all factors are taken into consideration. The camera car driver has the authority to make the final determination regarding the operation of the camera car.

Guidelines When Operating the Camera Car

All items placed on the camera car are to be properly secured. Extra equipment, which is not used for the shot in progress, should be placed in a follow vehicle.
A shot-specific safety meeting should be held involving all personnel riding on the camera car or in close proximity (e.g., stunt personnel or background performers, etc.). This meeting should include a “walk-through” or “dry-run.” An understanding of the intended action, possible changes due to hazards, and authority to abort, including signals to be used, should be made clear. If for any reason there is a change in the choreography of the camera car, other picture vehicle(s) in the shot, or personnel involved in the shot, a safety meeting must be held with all personnel involved to ensure everyone understands the changes and is in agreement with those changes.
The driver of the camera car must alert personnel of the car’s impending movement by making two (2) short “taps” of the car’s horn or by using an on-board P.A. system.
Personnel are not allowed to walk between the camera car and any vehicle that it is towing while the camera car’s engine is running.
No personnel are allowed on the tow bar while the camera car is in motion.
Personnel are not allowed to get on or off the camera car while it is in motion. If the engine of the camera car is running and the vehicle is stopped, personnel should not enter or exit the vehicle unless instructed to do so by the driver or 1st AD.
Personnel riding on the camera car should protect themselves from changes in speed or direction by:
1. Remaining seated at all times while the car is moving
2. Placing both feet on the floor, or on a foot rest
3. Firmly gripping the grab rail (safety railing)
4. Riding only in a protected, safe and secure area on the camera car
5. Staying alert, expecting the unexpected.

Poisonous Plants

Safety Bulletin

SB27-Poisonous-Plants Download (PDF)

Guidelines

This bulletin addresses special safety considerations when working outdoors and exposed to nasty plants. Although the types of nasty plants may vary from region to region, basic safeguards should be taken to prevent serious injury or illness to crew members working at locations where these plants grow.

These plants (e.g., Poison Oak, Poison Ivy and Poison Sumac) cause an allergic reaction in about 90% of all adults. The oleoresin in the juice of these plants causes dermatitis in allergic people from contact from their clothes, tools, equipment, pet fur, or smoke of burning plants. The fluid from the resulting blisters does not contain oleoresin, and cannot cause dermatitis.

These irritating plants normally grow along fence rows, waste areas, open and cut over forest lands, stream banks, swamps, ponds and rocky canyons. In the fall, their leaves turn to brilliant red.

NOTE: People who have allergic reaction to these types of plants should notify production company and/or set medic prior to entering an area that is known to have these types of plants.

Protect Yourself

Clothing Guidelines – in areas where nasty plants are likely:

Wear long pants with your pant legs tucked into your socks or boots. A good boot above your ankle can help protect you better.
Wear long sleeves and a loose fitting shirt, and a ventilated hat.
Cover as much skin as you can.
All contaminated clothing should be washed separately with detergent.
Wear protective gloves when handling.
Wear practical change clothes and shoes before leaving the location. Work clothes should be placed in a bag and taken home for laundering.

General Safety Precautions

Wash often. Wash hands before eating, smoking or applying cosmetics.
Identify the areas that may contain the plants and use the proper safeguards to avoid them.

Identification

Both Poison Oak and Poison Ivy are readily identified by their trademarked three- leaf pattern.
Poison Ivy has its three leaflets with pointed tips, while Poison Oak has its three leaflets with rounded tips.
Leaflets range from a half-inch (1/2”) to two (2”) inches long.
Flowers are greenish white, about one-quarter (1/4”) inch across and are borne in clusters on a slender stem.
The fruits are white, berry-like, glossy and dry when ripe; about one-sixth (1/6”) of an inch in diameter in Poison Ivy and slightly larger in Poison Oak.
All parts of Poison Oak and Ivy are poisonous year round, except the pollen.
Burning is not recommended; as inhaling dust and ash from the smoke can result in poisoning of the lungs that can require hospitalization.

Poisoning

The poisonous sap is carried in the roots, stem, leaves and fruit.
The plant is bruised, the sap is released.
It is easier to contract the dermatitis in the spring and summer due to the tender nature of the leaves.
Sap may be deposited on the skin by direct contact with the plant or by contact with contaminated objects such as shoes, clothing, tools, equipment and animals.

Symptoms

The interval between contact and the appearance of dermatitis will vary considerably.
Most people will develop dermatitis 24 to 48 hours after contact.
Blistering will follow moderate itching or burning sensation.
Blisters usually rupture and are followed by oozing of serum and subsequent crusting.
Healed areas often remain hypersensitive to further contact for several months.
Although extremely irritating, most cases disappear in a week to 10 days.

Treatment

Thoroughly wash the skin with soap and water (brown soap is best)
Apply anti-itch lotion, such as Calamine or Caladryl.
In severe dermatitis, cool wet dressings or compresses will be required. Heat releases histamines, which cause the intense itching.
A physician should examine severe rashes, especially those covering large areas or accompanied by abnormal body temperatures.
Medical treatment is most effective if applied before the oozing sores appear.
All exposures should be reported to the set medic.