Important notice.

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

Steadicam
Joemac LTD takes as its benchmark the BBC guidelines for safe operating of Steadicam
Steadicam Guidelines
 
Risk Assessment Operational Factors The Operator
Operator Responsibilities The Steadicam Safety Equipment
Training Physical Assessment Routine Health Surveillance
Introduction
After wide consultation throughout, the BBC has produced the following document as a Guideline for use in Steadicam operations.
The Steadicam system consists of a Stabilizer Support Arm attached to a Camera Operator’s Vest at one end, and at the other end to a "floating" Camera Mounting Assembly (also known as the ‘sled’) which accepts a film or video camera.
The use of Steadicams is a developing field and makes things possible that previously were not. However, as with all new technology, they bring with them certain problems that need addressing, such as the duration and location of operation and the fitness and long term health of the operator.
 
Risk Assessment
The activities involved in the use of Steadicams must be subject to a RISK ASSESSMENT before any shoot can occur. This assessment must take account of these Operational Factors:-
the location,
the organisation and the requirements of the task,
the Steadicam camera
the ground conditions
There should be an initial walk through, without rig on, to assess the feasibility of Steadicam use, and to identify any hazards that may be encountered during the shoot. In particular, the ground conditions should be evaluated.
The Risk Assessment Form will be a record identifying the Hazards and Risks and the control measures to reduce the risks to an acceptable level.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR RISK ASSESSMENT
This is the responsibility of the person in charge (e.g. Engineering Manager (EM), Producer, Production Unit Manger) the operator should be consulted and involved in this assessment, if possible.
 
Operational Factors
Where practical the, operator should use an assistant whose responsibilities are to keep the operator safe and act as the gopher, i.e. make sure that the stand is close by and to fetch the batteries.
It is important to bear in mind that the operator is carrying 29 kg and should be given adequate rest periods  and wherever possible, provision should be made for the Steadicam to be taken off or, if not, the weight supported when not actually in use. The duration of wearing should be as short as practical.
When used to cover sporting events ideally there should be 2 operators for sports like football, rugby league, etc. If not then the distance covered should be limited, i.e. corner flag to half way to centre line. It should be possible to rest the rig at such times as the play is at the other end.
Steadicams should not be used to cover people running fast because, however fit the operator is, he will still be carrying 29 kg and therefore cannot be as fast as the subject. The shot should be carried out differently, e.g. on a mobile mount.
Remember a good Steadicam operator likes to make the kit look light and easy, it isn’t.
 
The Operator
All applicants for steadicam operations must be assessed for physical capability & medical factors by Occupational Health. See Appendix A
All operators must be adequately trained in the safe use of the Steadicam & how to inspect the rig.
There is an increased risk to new Steadicam operators due to the lack of operational experience.
There is an increased risk to health if the operator is pregnant, breastfeeding or has recently given birth. They should be referred to the BBC Medical Officer on the suitability to continue / return to steadicam operations.
Staff who have been off on long term sick will be referred to the Medical Officer prior to return to steadicam operations.
 
Operator Responsibilities
The ultimate decision on the safety of the shoot rests with the operator.
The operator must:
make sure that the rig is in good order and that (s)he is happy with what they are being asked to do.
if s(he) is unhappy with the conditions or the shoot inform the Producer, Unit Manager, EM of his / her concerns and talk them through.
have care for other workers involved in the shoot.
report any faults with the equipment to the relevant department for rectification as soon as practically possible.

Client responsibility
We will insist an oral announcement is made at  appropriate time to the whole crew, talent and public as to possible dangers of the Steadicam. This responsibility we may insist to be taken on by the Producer/ 1st AD/ Floor Manager.
Announcement to include references to
d.    Crew and public to be hyper aware of the Steadicam ability to be anywhere, often unexpected, in space.
e.    Only the Steadicam crew members to put on or take off anything from the Steadicam. Including batteries, microphones, lights, tape cassettes, film mags
f.    Crew and talent ( not public ) must take steps to ensure their own Health and safety when working with the Steadicam.
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 Steadicam and operator.
Client may need to supply fencing or structure to enable the above.
Client to agree that the on site Steadicam operators decision is final as regards Health and Safety matters concerning the Steadicam.
Client to allow adequate time for rigging and de rigging and not to put pressure on our Steadicam 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 Steadicam 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 of the Steadicam.
Where the Steadicam operator feels it is necessary client should provide one or more competent spotters or cable bashers or others to ensure safe operation of Steadicam and operator

  
The Steadicam
The Vest
The vest should be in good order and correctly adjusted to fit the operator. This is most important as the whole weight of the rig is distributed about the body via the vest.
The quick release mechanism should not be obstructed and should be easy to operate with the rig on.
The Arm
Once the arm is on the vest it should be controlled by the operator holding the sled locating pin at all times - the arm is able to swing very freely. This ensures protection for the operator and the general public.
The Sled
The camera should be securely mounted to the sled and balanced in all directions.
The balancing must be carried out on a stand of the correct size and height for the operator to engage the sled onto the arm easily and without undue bending of the back.
The sled should be checked for any signs of damage especially around the monitor and the gimbal.
The Shoot
Reference should be made to the  Risk Assessment before proceeding.
 
Safety Equipment
Knee and Elbow pads should be worn at all times.
Footwear - should be appropriate to the ground conditions.
These will be provided by the operator’s management, under the requirements of Health and Safety Legislation.
 
Training
Operators will be given appropriate training in the use and operation of Steadicam including shooting on stairs. It is particularly important that they learn to balance the rig properly so as to give maximum possible comfort during operation of the equipment. Operators will be shown the Risk Assessment Form and will be informed of the significant findings and controls which are to be implemented. They will be instructed in the identification of any potential hazards and particularly those that might arise from production changes. The training will be reviewed to take into account any previously recorded incidents.
 
Physical Assessment
New operators should perform a 50 metre brisk walk while wearing the rig and general capability will be assessed by the trainer – who is an experienced Steadicam operator.
 
Routine Health Surveillance
Existing staff who operate Steadicams can be referred to the Occupational Health Department for the treatment of work related problems, or for general advice
Health surveillance will be carried out in the first two years of an individual’s operation of steadicam equipment. Any operator who believes they are suffering ill effects from operating the equipment will be referred to Occupational Health Department.
 
Appendix A
Pre Placement Health Assessment For Steadicam Operators
The Steadicam harness and associated equipment weighs in total some 29 kg. The equipment is strapped to the body for support and, by nature, the operator will be walking or running in the harness whilst filming. There are therefore greater physical demands on the operator for Steadicam work than for most other camera work. The following health check is designed to check that operators are in good health before undertaking this work.
The nurse will ask questions about your past and current health and perform a simple examination. If the results are outside those in the guidance then you will be referred to the BBC doctor for an assessment and decision on your fitness to undertake the work.
Name: M/F
Date of Birth:
BBC No:
Department:
Job Title:
MEDICAL HISTORY - Is there a history of the following?
 
 
1. Back or spine surgery e.g. laminectomy Yes q No q
2. Significant sickness absence related to spine problems Yes q No q
3. Significant hip problems e.g. arthritis congenital deformity Yes q No q
4. Knee surgery or ligament/cartilage problems Yes q No q
5. Upper limb problems e.g. tenosynovitis, ULD, Tennis elbow Yes q No q
6. Hypertension Yes q No q
7. Myocardial infarction Yes q No q
8. Diabetes Yes q No q
9. Epilepsy/fits or unexplained loss of consciousness Yes q No q
Notes:
 
 
EXAMINATION
Height Weight
(Height in metres)1
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 BMI    Refer if BMI >31
(Weight in Kg)
Pulse Refer if irregular or >95bpm after resting
Blood Pressure Refer if diastolic > 95 after resting
Urine  Glucose
 Protein
 Blood  Refer if abnormal
Lumbar spine movements: Refer if abnormal
Cervical spine movements Refer if abnormal
Notes:
OUTCOME
Health Assessment Passed  q     Refer to M.O.  q
Signed (nurse) Print Name
Date:
1 To be assessed by 2 current operators and Dr. Colin Thomas
One copy of sheet to medical notes, one to originator
 
 
Reply slip
Name:  Date:
The above has been seen today for a steadicam health check with the following result:
Health Assessment Passed  q Refer to M.O.  q
Signed
 
Appendix B
Pre Placement Physical Assessment For
Steadicam Operators
Introduction:
This assessment is applied to new entrants for Steadicam, in order to comply with the Health and Safety Policy of the BBC. This is compulsory.
Medical Test:-
This test is a requirement prior to the physical test.
The Nursing Officer has the responsibility in the Occupational Health Department for blood, urine and checking the appropriate medical questionnaire.
Physical Test:-
This is a simple test taking no more than 5 minutes with minimal requirements to establish the endurance of the musculo-skeletal system.
Standing
The participant will be asked to stand for 3 minutes with the full Steadicam rig on.
No appreciable distress/discomfort should be experienced during this time.
Walking
The participant will be asked to walk 50 metres briskly. During the walk the participant will be requested to look into monitor on the rig.
The participant should be able to communicate immediately after the walk without being breathless.
Responsibilities:-
The test will be the responsibility of management and two people must accompany the participant during the walk one of whom must be a fully competent Steadicam operator.
The responsibility for further Steadicam training will be at the discretion of the assessors.
Risk Assessment Form
Name:- Date of Assessment:-
Job Designation:-
Programme:-
Location:-