Safety Training and Induction
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in Safety in Film and Television Industry course at London School of International Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Asbestos #
A group of naturally occurring minerals that were commonly used in construction materials due to their fire-resistant and insulating properties. Asbestos can cause serious respiratory diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, if inhaled. In the film and television industry, it is essential to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials to ensure a safe working environment.
Confined spaces #
Small, enclosed, or restricted spaces that present potential hazards due to limited access, poor ventilation, or the presence of harmful substances. Examples of confined spaces in the film and television industry include tanks, pits, silos, and sewers. Working in confined spaces requires specialized training, equipment, and monitoring to minimize risks and ensure safety.
Electrical safety #
A set of practices and procedures designed to prevent electrical accidents and injuries on set. Electrical safety includes proper grounding, using insulated tools, wearing protective equipment, and maintaining electrical equipment and installations. It is crucial to adhere to electrical safety standards and guidelines during filming to prevent electrical shocks, burns, and fires.
Fall protection #
Measures and systems designed to prevent falls and minimize the risk of injury from falling objects during film and television production. Fall protection includes using personal protective equipment (PPE), installing safety nets, securing scaffolding, and implementing work positioning systems. It is essential to assess the risk of falls and implement appropriate fall protection measures for each production.
Fire safety #
A set of practices and procedures designed to prevent, detect, and respond to fires on set. Fire safety includes using fire-resistant materials, maintaining fire alarms and extinguishers, implementing fire evacuation plans, and providing fire safety training to the cast and crew. It is crucial to adhere to fire safety standards and guidelines during filming to prevent property damage and personal injuries.
Hazardous materials #
Substances that can cause harm to people, animals, or the environment if not handled or disposed of properly. Hazardous materials in the film and television industry can include chemicals, solvents, paints, batteries, and medical waste. It is essential to identify, label, store, and dispose of hazardous materials according to regulations and best practices to ensure safety on set.
Manual handling #
The transportation or support of loads by hand or bodily force. Manual handling can cause musculoskeletal injuries, including sprains, strains, and back pain. Proper manual handling techniques, equipment, and training can help prevent these injuries and ensure a safe working environment on set.
Noise exposure #
The prolonged or repeated exposure to loud sounds that can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, or other auditory damage. Noise exposure is a significant hazard in the film and television industry due to the use of loud equipment, explosions, and special effects. It is essential to assess noise levels and implement hearing protection measures to minimize the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) #
Equipment designed to protect the user from specific hazards, including head, eye, ear, hand, foot, and respiratory protection. PPE is an essential component of safety in the film and television industry, and it is crucial to provide appropriate PPE, train the cast and crew on its use, and enforce its use on set.
Risk assessment #
A systematic process of identifying, evaluating, and controlling hazards and risks in the workplace. Risk assessments are essential in the film and television industry to ensure a safe working environment and comply with legal requirements. Risk assessments should be conducted regularly, and the results should be used to develop safety policies, procedures, and training programs.
Slips, trips, and falls #
Accidents that can result from uneven or slippery surfaces, cluttered workspaces, or inadequate lighting. Slips, trips, and falls are common hazards in the film and television industry, and they can cause injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe fractures and head injuries. It is essential to identify and control slip, trip, and fall hazards to ensure a safe working environment on set.
Work at height #
Any work activity that involves working above ground level, including using ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms. Work at height poses significant risks, including falls from height, falling objects, and structural collapse. It is essential to assess the risk of work at height, implement appropriate safety measures, and provide training to the cast and crew.
Young persons #
Individuals under the age of 18 who are employed or engaged in work in the film and television industry. Young persons are particularly vulnerable to workplace hazards due to their lack of experience, knowledge, and physical development. It is essential to provide additional protection, supervision, and training to young persons to ensure their safety on set.
Chemical safety #
The proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals used in the film and television industry. Chemical safety includes identifying hazardous chemicals, implementing safety measures, and providing training to the cast and crew. It is crucial to adhere to chemical safety standards and guidelines during filming to prevent chemical exposure, fires, and explosions.
Construction safety #
The proper design, construction, and maintenance of sets, stages, and other structures used in the film and television industry. Construction safety includes using safe materials, tools, and equipment, implementing safety measures, and providing training to the cast and crew. It is essential to adhere to construction safety standards and guidelines during filming to prevent accidents, injuries, and property damage.
Emergency preparedness and response #
The development and implementation of plans, procedures, and training programs to prepare for and respond to emergencies on set. Emergency preparedness and response includes identifying potential emergencies, developing evacuation plans, providing first aid and medical response, and coordinating with emergency services. It is crucial to have a comprehensive emergency preparedness and response plan to ensure the safety of the cast and crew in the event of an emergency.
Environmental safety #
The protection of the environment and natural resources during film and television production. Environmental safety includes minimizing waste, reducing energy consumption, protecting wildlife and habitats, and complying with environmental regulations and standards. It is essential to implement sustainable practices and minimize the environmental impact of film and television production.
First aid #
The immediate care and treatment of injuries or illnesses before professional medical help arrives. First aid includes providing basic life support, controlling bleeding, treating burns, and managing other common injuries and medical emergencies. It is essential to have trained first aid responders and appropriate first aid equipment on set to ensure the safety of the cast and crew.
Health and hygiene #
The maintenance of good health and hygiene practices during film and television production. Health and hygiene include providing clean and safe drinking water, sanitary facilities, and hygiene products, promoting good personal hygiene, and implementing infection control measures. It is essential to maintain good health and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and ensure the safety and well-being of the cast and crew.
Lighting safety #
The proper use, maintenance, and inspection of lighting equipment and installations during film and television production. Lighting safety includes using safe lighting fixtures, cables, and connectors, providing adequate lighting levels, and implementing electrical safety measures. It is essential to adhere to lighting safety standards and guidelines during filming to prevent electrical accidents, fires, and other hazards.
Machinery and equipment safety #
The proper use, maintenance, and inspection of machinery and equipment used in the film and television industry. Machinery and equipment safety includes using safe tools, machines, and vehicles, implementing lockout/tagout procedures, and providing training to the cast and crew. It is essential to adhere to machinery and equipment safety standards and guidelines during filming to prevent accidents, injuries, and property damage.
Mental health and well #
being: The promotion of positive mental health and well-being during film and television production. Mental health and well-being include providing support and resources for stress management, work-life balance, and emotional resilience, and addressing issues such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination. It is essential to promote positive mental health and well-being to ensure the safety and well-being of the cast and crew.
Radiation safety #
The proper use, handling, and disposal of radioactive materials and equipment used in the film and television industry. Radiation safety includes identifying radiation sources, implementing safety measures, and providing training to the cast and crew. It is crucial to adhere to radiation safety standards and guidelines during filming to prevent radiation exposure, contamination, and other hazards.
Rigging safety #
The proper use, maintenance