Identification of potential contaminants or hazards

Know as much as you can about the body of water you’re working on or in, including its natural hazards and animal life. The Production Company, Location Manager or the Safety Coordinator should have all relevant information.

The Producer should identify and make known prior to actual filming, all available knowledge regarding currents and natural or man-made hazards, including sub-surface objects, underwater life, and contamination. Upstream activities, such as dams, waste disposal sites, agriculture, chemical plant dumping sites, flash flood dangers, etc. should also be evaluated. If a potential safety hazard is found to exist, the Producer should take appropriate steps to mitigate the hazard.

Prior to personnel entering a body of water, a determination should be made that the water quality meets the applicable regulatory standards for recreational full body contact. Samples of the water should be taken and analyzed for any potential environmental concerns and/or health hazards. If it is determined that a body of water is contaminated or hazardous, the contamination or hazard should be neutralized or the site shall be avoided. 

Extreme care should be taken regarding dangerous marine life, including reptiles.

All personnel should be advised to keep all potential contaminants away from the water, including paints, thinners, repellents, gasoline, oils, etc.

Notifying and protecting personnel

All personnel scheduled for water work shall be notified in advance via the Call Sheet. Personnel who are uncomfortable working in or around water should notify their supervisor prior to that day’s call.

All personnel working in or around water shall be provided with the appropriate water safety devices, such as life vests or other water safety gear when appropriate. (See Safety Bulletin: Recommendations for Diving Operations.)

When necessary, the Producer should implement a plan to account for personnel in the water, such as a “buddy” or a check in/check out system.

The Producer should take steps to prevent hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) and hypothermia (reduced body temperature).

Provisions for post-immersion washing should be available.

Lighting and electricity

Special care must be used whether AC or DC electricity is used in or around water. All electrical cables and lights in close proximity to water shall be properly secured to prevent tipping and falling. All wiring, electrical equipment and devices that will, or may be, subject to a submerged condition should be approved for underwater use, be watertight, have no exposed live connections and be constructed such that there is no shock hazard under any likely conditions of use. All applicable provisions of the National Electric Code should be followed. Local regulations may be more restrictive and should be consulted.

When lighting, electrical distribution, or any electrically powered equipment is used in close proximity to water or can make contact with water, the use of GFCI should be evaluated by a qualified person. This includes all areas where water hazards exist. When persons, wardrobe, props, or equipment are wet, the need for GFCI protection should be evaluated.GFCIs should not be used on circuits where removal of power may create a greater hazard, such as airbags, decelerators, emergency egress lighting, etc.

All electrical connections should be made by, or under the supervision of, a qualified person.

Other considerations

Safety lines, nets, watch safety personnel and/or divers should be used when filming in rivers or other bodies of water where potentially hazardous conditions could exist (e.g., swift currents, thick underwater plant life, or rocks).

When necessary for personnel to work in fast-moving rivers, downstream safety pickup personnel and safety equipment should be stationed for downstream emergency rescue.

When using watercraft, be aware of load and rider capacity limits. Only required personnel should be on watercraft; all others should remain on land. (See Safety Bulletin: Guidelines for Boating/Watercraft Safety.)

Safety bulletins

Boating and Watercraft

Diving Operations

Water Hazards

Overview

All stunts and special effects must be reviewed by all participants and must be approved by faculty prior to execution to help ensure that they are performed in the safest manner possible. It is the Producer’s responsibility to make sure that the faculty has fully approved any such activities prior to the start of shooting, and any production plans that involve stunts or special effects must be described in detail at the show’s Director’s Prep. This includes, but is not limited to:

• any form of running, jumping, climbing, balancing, or falling actions that are required of actors or stunt personnel;
• any fight scenes;
• any use of real or prop weapons;
• any use of edged or piercing props;
• any scenes involving the driving of vehicles;
• any operation of potentially dangerous equipment;
• any scenes involving animals;
• any use of pyrotechnics, explosives, squibs, or fire;
• any scenes involving potential water hazards;
• any scenes involving potentially hazardous materials.

Stunt coordination

A qualified stunt coordinator must be in charge of all aspects of a physical stunt, including script review, planning, site selection, preparation, testing, rehearsal, modification, and recommendation of the qualified personnel and equipment to be utilized to perform the stunt.

When a Producer requires a performer to perform a stunt or stunt-related activity, an individual qualified by training and/or experience in planning, setting up, and/or performance of the type of stunt involved must be engaged and present on the set. No performer without the requisite training and/or experience shall be required to perform a stunt or stunt-related activity without an opportunity for prior consultation by the performer with such qualified individual. A performer must consent to participation in the stunt prior to its performance.

Advance notice is to be given to stunt personnel in order to plan a safe stunt. If changes are made to these plans, the Producer is to provide sufficient time to safely accommodate the changes and obtain faculty approval for the changes.

An on-site safety meeting, including all participants and others involved, must precede the performance of all stunts. This meeting must be documented and must include a “walk-through” or “dry-run” with the stunt coordinator and/or effects people. An understanding of the intended action, possible deviations, and authority to abort should be made clear. Before rolling cameras, should any substantive change become necessary, the First Assistant Director will again call all persons involved in the stunt to another meeting to confirm everyone’s understanding and agreement to said change(s), and faculty approval must again be obtained.

Under no circumstances should a stunt or special effect be improvised on set without prior faculty approval. Failing to adhere to this policy may result in immediate dismissal from the College of the Producer and any other students deemed responsible for the violation.

Appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and/or other safety equipment must be provided to the cast and crew as needed. Wardrobe, hair, and make-up should be presented in sufficient time to determine if such items will impact the execution of the stunt. Final safety approval rests with the stunt coordinator and/or qualified individual.

The stunt coordinator and/or qualified individual shall determine whether safety requires the exclusion of non-essential crew from the stunt area. Perimeter control should be established and maintained. Traffic control procedures shall be reviewed, and special attention should be paid to driving sequences where unauthorized personnel could enter the area. The stunt coordinator and/or qualified individual should be involved in safe placement of cameras, camera operators and all essential crew. There must be a planned escape route and each person involved should personally check all escape routes.

Pyrotechnics, explosives, and fire

Special effects involving pyrotechnics, explosives and/or fire must be noted in advance on the call sheet. Properly licensed individuals must perform all such effects. The necessary permits must be obtained and the appropriate regulatory agencies notified. Explosives must be stored and disposed of properly.

Radios, cell phones, personal electronic devices, transmitting equipment, and remote control equipment should not be used around pyrotechnic or other explosive devices.

Safety bulletins

Open Flame

Parachuting and Skydiving

Pyrotechnic Special Effects

Stunt Air Bags and Freefall Catch Systems

Stunts

General safeguards

1. Properly maintain all electrical equipment and wiring. Visually inspect the condition of the plug, cable, and equipment for any signs of excess wear, frayed cables or exposed current-carrying parts. DO NOT USE any equipment that is damaged.
2. Verify all equipment is in the OFF position prior to plugging or unplugging to avoid creating an arc at the receptacle. Wear protective gloves to avoid injury from a possible flash created by a short-circuit in the equipment.
3. Do not pull on the cord when unplugging equipment. This can cause one or more of the wires to pull out of its termination in the plug. Always grasp the plug firmly to unplug.
4. All persons working on or near energized electrical equipment shall wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for the level of electrical hazard to which they are exposed. This PPE may include non-melting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, or other Arc Rated (AR) clothing, and closed-toed, nonconductive-soled shoes and Safety Glasses. Garments made from synthetic materials not manufactured specifically for electrical work, such as polyester and nylon, are not suitable to protect from electrical hazards.

Alternating Current and Direct Current

1. When using both AC and DC systems in the same location, each system must be clearly identified as AC or DC. Always verify that you are not plugging AC equipment into DC systems or DC equipment into AC systems.
2. All AC electrical systems shall be grounded. All grounded equipment should be tested for continuity between the ground pin on the plug and the metal parts of the equipment before it is put into service. In addition, all cables should be tested for continuity of the ground, neutral and phase conductor

Connecting to house power (tie-in)

1. Connecting to a premises/house electrical power source, such as a panel board or switchboard, can create the risk of a serious or fatal accident. Such connections shall only be made by a qualified person.
2. Connecting to an energized system is strongly discouraged. Always consider exposed electrical parts to be energized until you have verified they have been de-energized and locked out/tagged out.
3. Keep electric panels accessible at all times. There should be no obstructions or storage within three feet (3’) of a panel. Fuses should only be replaced by qualified personnel. When replacing a blown fuse, be sure to select a fuse of proper voltage, interrupting capacity, and amperage for the application.
4. Prior to a qualified person connecting to a premises/house electrical power system, the following requirements, among others, must be adhered to:
   • Determine if the electrical system voltage is compatible with the equipment to which it will be connected.
   • Calculate the electrical panel’s existing maximum ampere load to determine if the remaining capacity is sufficient for the additional equipment being connected.
   • Use a properly sized circuit breaker or fusible disconnect switch to connect a distribution system to the premises/house electrical power system.
   • The rated interrupting capacity of the circuit breaker or fuses must meet the available interrupting capacity at the point of connection to the premises/house electrical power system.
   • Use only approved lugs or devices to connect to the panel bus.
   • Never use “Alligator” type clamps.
   • Never connect ahead of the main circuit breaker, fuse box, or meter.
   • If required, obtain a permit to remove a panel cover.
   • Use suitable barriers, partitions, or other means to limit access to the connection to protect against accidental contact with energized parts and unauthorized entry into the arc-flash boundary by unauthorized persons or objects.
   • Replacement of all panels, covers and screws must be done by a qualified person immediately after disconnecting from the premises/house electrical power system.

Generators

1. Only a qualified operator shall operate a generator. Approach to exposed connections on portable and vehicle mounted generators should be physically restricted or barricaded to non-qualified persons. 
2. The generator should have as much open space as possible on all sides to allow maximum ventilation and minimum interference. Make sure exhaust fumes are ventilated away from enclosed areas, personnel, and air intake ducts, such as trailers and buildings. Be aware of hot surfaces when working around a generator. It is important that all generating sets be protected from the elements and from unauthorized access.
3. A fire extinguisher specific for the generator unit must be present and readily accessible outside the generator enclosure. 

Location and environmental considerations

1. Cables and devices should be protected from water and from foot and vehicle traffic damage. Electrical distribution systems should be elevated in such a manner that they will not come in contact with running or standing water. When it is necessary to have electrical distribution systems and devices which come into contact with water, such systems shall be designed and listed for use in water.
2. Remember that lights placed too closely to props, sets and other materials may pose a fire risk and, therefore, make sure that lights are placed far enough away to alleviate risk.
3. Overhead clearances must be observed and maintained at all times. This applies to ladders, scaffolds, booms, forklifts, aerial lifts, scissor lifts, cranes, rigging, sets, truss work, backdrops and other equipment that could come in contact with power lines.
4. To prevent electrocutions and injury resulting from contact between overhead power lines and conductive tools, materials, or scaffolds, OSHA recommends that employees be informed that most overhead, high voltage power lines are not insulated and, when in doubt, employees should assume that power lines are not insulated.
5. Employers should notify the utility company when work must be performed under and/or near overhead power lines where clearances cannot be maintained. In such situations, utility companies should de-energize the power lines or temporarily move or cover them with insulating hoses or blankets before any work is initiated.

Emergency Response

1. If an electrical accident occurs, notify emergency medical personnel and activate the Emergency Action Plan.
2. An Emergency Action Plan should include the following items:
   • Location, method and any necessary tools required for emergency power disconnection
   • Emergency Medical Services on hand or readily available with working means of contact
   • Exact location of where the work is being performed
   • Identification of CPR Trained Personnel
   • Location of available AEDs
3. Do not approach any electrical accident until you have been notified by qualified personnel that it is safe to approach.
4. Properly secure the accident area while maintaining a safe distance to prevent the possibility of additional victims.
5. DO NOT touch or approach a victim of electric shock while he or she is being shocked. If safe to do so, turn off the power.
6. Trained personnel should follow proper procedures for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (“CPR”) and Automated External Defibrillator (“AED”) use.
7. Since the possible effects of electrical shock can manifest hours after the event, any victim of electric shock must be evaluated by a qualified medical professional.

Safety bulletins

Basic Electrical Safety Precautions

Portable Power Distribution Systems

Portable Power Distribution Systems – 480 Volt Systems

Portable Power Distribution Systems – Common Tasks and PPE

Portable Power Distribution Systems – Portable Generators

Portable Power Distribution Systems – Power Line Distance Requirements

Important Guidelines

All filming equipment and vehicles are potentially hazardous. Therefore, they should only be used for their intended purpose and only qualified personnel — who have obtained sufficient training from a qualified instructor — are permitted to operate filming equipment or filming vehicles. Operators and passengers of all vehicles should always use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Be aware of load and rider capacities. Ratchet straps and/or ropes are the preferred method of securing loads and/or equipment. If using bungees, rubber snubbers, or other elastic devices, ensure they are not frayed, worn, damaged, or cracked, or have damaged hooking devices. Uncontrolled release can cause severe injuries to unprotected body parts, particularly to the face or eyes.

Be particularly cautious when driving, walking or traveling; proceed slowly and watch for sudden movements of objects or individuals. Be especially careful when working around helicopters or on runways. Remain at least 50 feet away from helicopters or other aircraft unless directed by the Aerial Coordinator and/or Pilot in Command or ground safety contact. Under no circumstances should you approach the helicopter or aircraft 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; never walk near or around the tail rotor.

The use of aircraft, boats, trains or cars may require special permits and/or operator certifications. All vehicles, including their peripheral safety equipment (i.e., harnesses, belts, roll-cage, fuel cells, etc.), must undergo thorough safety inspection and testing on a daily basis by qualified experienced personnel.

Safety bulletins

Alternative Driving Systems

Boating and Watercraft

Camera Boom Vehicles

Camera Cars

Camera Cars – Power Line Distance Requirements

Fixed-Wing Aircraft

Fixed-Wing Aircraft – External Loads

Free Driving

Gasoline Operated Equipment

Helicopters

Helicopters – External Loads

Hot Air Balloons

Hot Air Balloons – External Loads

Motorcycles

Non-Camera Utility Vehicles

Process Trailers and Towed Vehicles

Railroads

Vehicle Restraint Systems

Important Guidelines

Use the right tool for the job. Do not use tools or equipment for which you have not been properly trained and qualified.

Ensure that all equipment is in proper working order and that all protective guards are in place and used. Tag (“Do Not Use”) and report any damaged or malfunctioning equipment.

Do not attempt to alter, modify, displace, or remove any existing safety equipment. Saw guards, safety switches, and other safety mechanisms are installed for your protection. 

Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and be aware of flying debris.

Handling & Storage

Store all flammable liquids in approved safety containers or cabinets. Paint, chemicals, and other materials should not accumulate on stage floors, under platforms or in other work areas. You should know and follow proper handling and storage procedures for all combustible or flammable materials.

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) shall be obtained from the manufacturer or distributor and a copy of the MSDS must be kept on file for all chemicals and substances being used and/or stored.

Be aware that the use of atmosphere smoke has become highly regulated and limited by a variety of regulatory agencies. Contact the Head of Production if you need assistance with guidelines and regulations.

Ensure that there is proper ventilation and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Environment Concerns

All hazardous waste generated by the company, including paint, must be disposed of properly. Proper documentation and permits for the transportation and disposal of such waste is required by law.

Be aware of hazards associated with lead paint and asbestos. If encountered, do not disturb and immediately report to your supervisor or safety representative.

Be aware of biological hazards such as human or animal waste, mold, fungus, bacteria, body fluids, blood borne pathogens, used needles (sharps), vermin, insects and other potentially infectious materials.

Employees shall not enter confined spaces (manholes, underground vaults, chambers, silos, etc.) until the oxygen and gas levels have been checked and confirmed to be within acceptable levels.

Certain situations may require permits and/or licenses, for example, when the production will be using artificial smoke, large dust effects, creating excessive noise or when working around endangered plant or animal life. Please be sure to comply with all applicable statutes and/or regulations.

Safety bulletins

Artificial Fog and Haze

Artificial Fog and Haze – Technical Awareness

Blood and Other Potentially Infectious Materials

Foamed Plastics

General safeguards

1. Use appropriate fall protection equipment whenever you are working greater than 30 inches (general use) or 6 feet (during construction) above the floor, ground, or other working area, when standard guardrails or other equivalent protection are not available.
2. Unprotected work areas such as platforms, sets, walkways, cliffs, floor openings, shafts and rooftops (when approaching within 6 feet of the roof’s edge) require the use of approved fall protection measures. These measures include but are not limited to guardrails, barriers, safety net systems, a written Fall Protection Plan, and/or the use of personal fall arrest, fall restraint, or work positioning systems.
3. Fall arrest equipment is always required when working in the permanent grid and truss system (perms) outside the catwalks and handrails.
4. Do not use fall protection equipment without proper training and instruction. Only use appropriate anchorage points.
5. Temporary stair railings and guardrails are required around elevated surfaces, pits, holes or other unprotected openings.
6. Ensure proper lighting in such areas and post signs as necessary.

Scaffolds

1. Only use scaffolds with the appropriate guardrails, mid rails and toe boards.
2. Do not remove guardrails; contact a qualified person if they need to be removed to perform special work. Report any missing guardrails at once.
3. Do not climb across braces.

Ladders

1. Inspect all ladders before each use for broken or missing rungs, steps, split side rails or other defects.
2. Never place ladders in doorways unless protected by barricades or guards.
3. Never stand on the top two rungs of a ladder.
4. Use only approved ladders or steps. Check the labels for compliance.
5. Always use both hands while climbing.

Safety bulletins

Camera Boom Vehicles

Camera Cranes

Scissor and Aerial Boom Lifts

When to Call Safety Meetings

Safety meetings should be held:

1. as part of the morning meeting;
2. when production moves to a new location;
3. when there is a significant change in cast and/or crew;
4. when stunts or special effects are scheduled or have changed;
5. when fatigue may be of concern;
6. when there are significant changes to the original plan for the day.

Protocol for Safety Meetings

Observe the following procedures for all safety meetings:

1. Schedule safety meetings at the earliest time in which the majority of cast and/or crew can be assembled. Convey pertinent information to all personnel unable to attend.
2. Document all safety meetings with a Safety Meeting Report.
3. Identify potential hazards. Department Heads should discuss hazards and establish safe working zones.
4. Discuss emergency procedures, including identifying the location of fire alarms, fire extinguishers, emergency exits, first aid kits and telephones for 911 emergency calls. Identify medical or special emergency protocols and personnel (e.g., paramedics, police, and fire personnel).
5. Present an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency. Remind all departments to keep fire lanes, electrical panels and exits clear at all times.
6. Advise the cast and/or crew to notify the First Assistant Director and/or Department Head of any safety concerns or hazards.
7. Inform cast and/or crew that, in the event of an injury, the First Assistant Director and/or Department Head must be notified immediately. The First Assistant Director and/or Department Head will assess the situation and will notify the Producer, the Shop Steward, and the school’s Head of Production.

Off-Production Safety Meetings

In “off-production” situations, the Department Head should conduct safety meetings (toolbox talks, tailgate meetings, etc.) to address pertinent safety issues, use of specialized equipment, or unusual construction activities and/or rigging. The Construction Department is required to have a safety meeting at least once every ten days, or when new equipment is introduced, and/or when special situations require additional meetings.

Overview

The College follows guidelines developed by the AMPTP Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee for use by the motion picture and television industry. This Safety Committee is composed of guild, union, and management representatives active in industry safety and health programs. The safety bulletins they provide are guidelines recommended by the Safety Committee. They are not binding laws or regulations. State, federal, and/or local regulations, where applicable, override these guidelines.

Unsafe behavior may result in immediate dismissal from the program.

Every student must strive for the highest safety standards. Cast and crew must work diligently to maintain a safe and healthy work environment. Pranks and other types of horseplay are unacceptable. Safety takes precedence over expediency. Never sacrifice safety considerations in the rush to get a shot.

Communication of safety information

Good communication of information is one of the most effective measures to ensure a safe set. This begins in pre-preproduction. Any production activities that require special attention from a safety perspective must be addressed at the show’s Director’s Prep. It is the Producer’s responsibility to make sure that the faculty has fully approved any such activities prior to the start of shooting.

Call sheets must contain important safety information for the next day’s shoot. Safety bulletins must be attached to call sheets for any production day where the crew needs to be alerted to specific safety concerns.

It is the Producer’s responsibility to make sure that safety meetings are conducted to brief all cast and crew members about potentially hazardous set conditions. Department heads are also responsible for conducting safety meetings for any safety issues specific to their department.

Personal safety

All crew must wear appropriate clothing and any required Personal Protective Equipment. A shirt and proper footwear should be worn at all times. Safety glasses or hearing protection must be worn when operating equipment or performing work where eye or ear damage could potentially occur.

Make sure you get the appropriate assistance when lifting or moving heavy or awkward objects. Avoid lifting such objects whenever possible by using carts, dollies, and other mechanical devices or get adequate help. Before lifting any load, check for slivers, jagged edges, burrs, rough or slippery surfaces, and protruding nails. Check your intended path for obstructions.

Medication which might interfere with your alertness or ability to perform your work should be used only under a doctor’s direction. If you feel that any medication is impairing your work, please discuss this with your supervisor. Do not work while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages. 

Keeping work areas safe

Good housekeeping should be maintained at all times. Walkways and work areas are to be kept clear of materials, trash, equipment and debris.

All cables should be neatly routed. Cables in walkways and traffic areas should be covered with mats and/or cable crossovers.

At a minimum, a four-foot perimeter should be kept clear around the interior of the stage walls. Make sure all exit doors are unobstructed, unlocked, and capable of being opened from the inside.

Always be aware of personnel working above and below you. All overhead equipment fixtures and props should be properly secured.

Safety on location

Working conditions may change from day to day, particularly on location. To prevent accidents, you need to be aware of your work environment and the equipment being used.

Be aware of general location safety concerns, including extreme temperature conditions, physical surroundings, indigenous critters, and nasty plants.

Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures for each location. You are responsible for knowing how to react in an emergency situation. Contact your supervisor if you do not know emergency procedures.

Fire and other hazards

Fire equipment (hydrants, extinguishers, sprinklers, hoses, etc.) must be accessible at all times.

All decorative set materials should be flame retardant or made of non-combustible materials if such materials will be exposed to hot lamps, fire effects, or other ignition sources.

Obey all “No Smoking” signs. Observe designated smoking areas and always extinguish cigarettes in the appropriate containers (butt cans).

If involved in any stunt, special effect, aviation sequence, water sequence or other potentially hazardous or unusual activities, attend any additional safety meetings held for that activity.

Reporting safety concerns and accidents

If you have any questions or concerns, or notice anything you believe could be hazardous and/or unsafe to the cast and crew, please talk to the Producer, Unit Production Manager, Shop Steward, or the school’s Head of Production. You will not be penalized in any way for bringing attention to safety concerns.

Report accidents immediately to your supervisor, the school’s Head of Production, and/or medical personnel. Follow instructions given to you when referred for medical treatment for any injury and retain documentation. All injuries must be reported to the school’s Head of Production on the date of occurrence.