Video Production
6.6 What Practical Steps Should You Take?
Who is liable/responsible
The producer, and each person in charge of something, will have some responsibility to those involved, especially those less aware of the risks. It is a good idea to make someone specifically responsible for Health and Safety and make everyone aware of any risks, however small. This person could be in charge of keeping hold of emergency contact numbers, lists of equipment and checking risk precautions remain in place. Where relevant, you may want to familiarise yourself with the UK legislation on Health and Safety - Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This requires provision of a safe and healthy working environment, and those involved to observe safety rules and carry out work in such a way that they do not endanger themselves or others.
The main concept to bear in mind is that ‘careful consideration’ of health and safety issues for all has to be taken and proven. It is important that all group members are made aware of their personal responsibilities as well as actions deemed to be the group’s responsibility.
First Aid
It is always a good idea to have someone around who is capable or qualified to carry out first aid, or to be able to contact them at short notice if needed. A basic first-aid kit will be handy to have around containing plasters, bandages, scissors etc., in the case of minor accidents. Knowledge of care in handling lights may be especially useful as minor burns on hot lights can be a fairly common accident for people not used to using them. It will also be useful for everyone to establish where the nearest toilet facilities are.
Fire
A crew is a mobile work force. Establish the fire exits and the meeting places in the event of an emergency. Make sure everyone knows what the plan is in case of an emergency and have a list of all those who may need to be accounted for (all cast, crew, volunteers) to make sure no-one goes missing.
Figure 6.9 Pay attention to fire precautions
Notifying the authorities
As mentioned in 6.1, best practice is to tell the local police what you are doing. You do not generally need permission when filming in public, but they may move you on for causing an obstruction if you don’t notify them. Don’t attempt anything involving weapons or violence on public streets without talking to the Police. They may not write this down so take a name and a number! Adequate notice should be given in writing to the local police force about any filming activity in its jurisdiction. Again, the Screen Agencies can advise you of the relevant contact.
Basic safety tips - Dos
- Carry out a risk assessment! Identify potential safety risks in advance so action can be taken before accidents happen!
- Put someone in the group in charge or First Aid and Health and Safety.
- Have emergency contact phone numbers to hand so they are easy to find.
- Be careful if you're using additional lighting: stands can fall over, bulbs can burst, things can get very hot directly above or close to lights. If you are using lights, make sure you know how to use them safely.
- Use 'gaffer tape' (duct tape) to hold cables down safely.
- Make sure that when using lights, any safety glass or guards are in place and they are handled with gloves.
Basic safety tips - Don’ts
- Don't touch or move hot lights - wait until they've cooled down, and use gloves when handling them.
- Don't run mains cables through doorways or windows where they might get crushed.
- Don't run mains cables out of doors or where they might get wet.
- Don't concentrate so hard on filming that you're not aware of what's going on around you. Be careful of traffic and tripping over if you're walking with the camera.
- Don't walk backwards with your eye to the camera viewfinder unless you have somebody guiding you.