health and safety

Important notice.

These note are purely for Joemacs own use and are suggestions to help our camerawork go safely. The notes are not all encompassing. Please refer to HSE website for more comprehensive information.

1 Film and Television camerawork
                a.    Mission Statement
                b.    Method of implementation
                c.    Client responsibility
                d.    Rigging checklist
                e.    De rigging checklist
                f.    Operating checklist
                g.    Some pointers for a safe shoot

2 Public Liability
3 Employee Liability

1a
Mission Statement for Joemac LTD

Joemac LTD ( NVQ Health and Safety level 2 ) and all persons working with and for Joemac LTD, will endeavour to protect ourselves, colleagues and members of the public from all possible dangers associated with the operation of film and television cameras and their associated epuipment.

1b
Method Statement

We will use checklists See operator and client checklists below 1c,1d,1e,1f.
We will use hazard and risk assessment forms. See example below.
We will follow the guidelines set out by the HSE Five steps to Risk Assessment see link below for more information
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg163.pdf
We will ensure persons working with us are informed of and adhere to these guidelines.
We will encourage training to NVQ standards for our operatives and assistants
We will insist an oral announcement is made at appropriate time to the whole crew, talent and public as to possible dangers when working with cameras . This responsibility we may insist to be taken on by the Producer/ 1st AD/ Floor Manager.
We will try to do a reconnaissance of the site before commencement of work to look for possible hazards and try to eliminate or reduce those hazards.

1c
Clients responsibility

We insist our client makes an oral announcement at an appropriate time to the whole crew, talent and public as to possible dangers. This responsibility we insist to be taken on by the Producer/ 1st AD/ Floor Manager.
Announcement to include references to
a.    Crew and public to be hyper aware of the cameras ability to be anywhere, often unexpected, in space.
b.    Only the camera crew members to handle camera eqipment. Including batteries, microphones, lights, tape cassettes, film magazines.
c.    Crew and talent ( not public ) must take steps to ensure their own Health and safety when working with the cameras. Example might be to insist on provision of hard hat.

Client must not encourage our operators to perform anything dangerous.
Client must not assume Joemac will take care of Clients Health and safety and must assume some responsibility for their own workforce.
Where needed Client should provide adequate security to ensure Public and other dangers cannot access the camera and operator.
Client may need to supply fencing or structure to enable the above.
Client to agree that the on site camera operators decision is final as regards Health and Safety matters concerning the camerawork.
Client may need to provide hard hats for crew and talent and public.
Client may need to provide Hi visibility jackets. Client may need to supply work boots
Client to allow adequate time for rigging and de rigging and not to put pressure on our camera operators to work quicker than is deemed safe by our operators
Client should try to ensure a reconnaissance of the site is made with the camera operator or representative prior to work day to pre empt any Health and Safety problems.
Client will not ask our operators to work in environments that may have adverse effects on their Health and Safety. Examples of this may by excessive noise, polluted air,
If this cannot be avoided Client must ensure adequate steps are taken to lessen the risks. Ear defenders. Clothing. Masks
Client to ensure adequate lighting for rigging and de rigging.

1d
Rigging checklist ( items we expect our operators to do and be aware of on site )

Always read and be familiar with the manufacturers instruction manual before rigging and operating camera equipment.
The equipment must only be operated by trained and experienced users.
Report and note any mechanical or electrical defects to the owner, Joemac LTD.
Cameras, prompters etc. Must be securely attached and safety bonded to tripods etc at all times.
Ensure wherever possible to cover and sharp extremities of the camera with foam rubber or equivalent.
Also where possible cover with yellow and black warning tape.

1e
De rigging checklist
Be sure no crew of public or talent can walk into or trip on Jimmyjib parts.
Make sure there is adequate lighting for the task. See client responsibility too.

1f
Operating checklist
In studio or on location make sure camera is not blocking fire lanes or exits.
Never leave the camera unattended unless satisfied that the camera is safe and not causing an obstruction.
Exceptions to the above are the responsibility of the on site operators judgement.
Where possible erect a safety fence around the operating area
In studio or on location make sure camera is not blocking fire lanes.
Absolutely no drugs or alcohol to be consumed during the working day of camera operation

1g
Some pointers to help ensure a safe and successful shoot.

Use at least a two person crew. Safer and more productive.
Make time for a recce of the location with the camera op or representative prior to the shoot day.
Check weather forecasts for exterior work. Pay particular attention to wind speeds.
Allow adequate time for travelling, getting into location and for safe rigging.