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 Lighting
                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 lighting and their associated epuipment. Joemac LTD will follow the guidelines set out by the BBC for location and studio lighting
Location Lighting
Guidance
NB. These activities are subject to suitable and sufficient Risk Assessment by law.

There are three basic location lighting options for productions:
1) A Location Lighting Contractor from the Pre-vetted List is the default option. This contractor can provide and be responsible for equipment, transport, and qualified personnel as part of their Terms of Trade with the BBC. This option is mandatory for all lighting over 6kW and for any productions that do not fulfil the requirements for options 2 and 3, below.

2) Up to 2kW of power. This option is intended to help facilitate small scale interviews or "fly on the wall" actuality type of shooting where a minimal crew is needed. It is designed primarily for BBC staff who have successfully passed the DV Camera & Lights course (not the safety passport course) and have been issued a certificate of competence from the trainer. The limitations listed on the certificate must be complied with unless a specific risk assessed activity is agreed with the safety department in advance. For details see: http://learn.gateway.bbc.co.uk/details.asp?tID=3787

3) Up to 6kW of power. This option is only applicable to established and experienced Lighting Cameramen. Subject to the conditions listed below, they can use lights up to this limit with or without the assistance of an electrician and without having to resort to the Pre-vetted List of Lighting Contractors. However, it should be a consideration that the expertise of an experienced lighting contractor, even on small setups, may save the time and stress of organising equipment, cables, gels, transport and handling. An increase in this limit may be agreed with the safety department subject to a specific risk assessment.

The Conditions for Option 3 listed below must be strictly observed.
1. The total wattage of lights does not exceed 6kW (approx. 26 amps @ 230V) as an absolute maximum.

For a given location, a safe power limit may be considerably lower than this maximum.

Although a domestic premises - with modern wiring in good condition - will normally be supported by a 30 amp mains supply, if other appliances (eg. fridge, fire, kettle etc) are connected to the same supply the power available for lighting will of course be proportionately reduced. The BBC Electrical Safety Working Group recommends that no more than 5kW is used in domestic premises.

2. No individual lighting unit exceeds 2kW and must be of quartz, standard tungsten or fluorescent type unless any variance from this is cleared with the Safety Dept. in advance. (eg. for use of MSR or HMI lights)
3. All electrical equipment is in good working order and has been Portable Appliance Tested (P.A.T) by a qualified electrician. An electrical test label showing the next retest date should be attached as evidence of this. (A safety inspection may require details of who carried out this test)

4. The Lighting Cameraman has sufficient experience in the use of the chosen lights - both in operation and spread of current drawn. It is the Producers responsibility to establish this competence in advance.
5. The intended electricity supply is checked for correct polarity. (ie. with a Martindale Tester or similar proprietary device).

6. All electrical equipment is connected to the electricity supply via a 30mA RCD unit (as recommended by BBC Electrical Guidance Note 7)

If option 3 is taken, the Lighting Cameraman and the Producer assume responsibility for risk assessment of the lighting and other electrical equipment used, its operation, safety requirements and the safety of the people / property in its vicinity - whether an electrician accompanies it or not. If they have any doubts as to the ability to fulfil these requirements, this option should not be taken.

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.
Where appropiate we will use qualifies industry electicians to carry out our work.
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

b. Only the electician and camera crew members to handle lighting equipment.
c. Crew and talent ( not public ) must take steps to ensure their own Health and safety when working with lighting. 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 lighting rig.
Client may need to supply fencing or structure to enable the above.
Client to agree that the on site lighting crew decision is final as regards Health and Safety matters concerning lighting.
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 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 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 and guidelines before rigging and operating lighting 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.
Tape down or rubber matt for any cables that present a trip hazard.
Sandbags where appropiate
Tie off where appropiate
Use RCDs where appropiate.
Secure rigging area where possible

1e
De rigging checklist
Allow adequate ime for lamp heads to cool down before touching.
Use riggers gloves
Be sure no crew of public or talent can walk into or trip on lighting parts.
Make sure there is adequate lighting for the task. See client responsibility too.

1f
Operating checklist
In studio or on location make sure lighting is not blocking fire lanes or exits.
Never leave the lighting unattended unless satisfied that the lighting 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
Absolutely no drugs or alcohol to be consumed during the working day of lighting operation

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

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