1. SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR GENERAL PRODUCTION
(Ontario)
Production Name:
Before you start your job:
1. Read these Safety Guidelines for General Production.
2. Familiarize yourself with the nearest fire exits and fire extinguishers at your worksite.
3. Read the Safety Information Poster on your stage or location.
Clothing and Equipment:
1. Always wear any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) your supervisor issues you, such
as: safety glasses, whenever you are exposed to flying particles, hardhats, when
exposed to falling objects, or earplugs, for excessive noise. You may also request PPE
whenever you feel its use will help you work more safely.
2. Your supervisor will determine appropriate work clothing and footwear for specific
locations.
Required Training:
1. Industrial Health and Safety Program (IH&SP): Read and understand the IH&SP for
General Production below.
2. Any of the following equipment or activities requires specialized training: aerial platforms,
respirators, fall protection, trenching.
3. Hazard Communications training is required whenever employees are exposed to
potentially hazardous chemical based products. (see below)
General Safety Duties of the: Director, UPM, 1st AD/Stage Manager, Construction
Coordinator, Transportation Captain, Special Effects Coordinator, 2nd AD, Stunt
Coordinator, Department Heads, Location Manager, Production Office Coordinator:
1. Each employee under your supervision is to receive, read, and abide by all safety rules
in this brochure.
2. You should inspect for and correct any safety deviations
3. It is your responsibility to arrange for any Safety Training as described above which your
subordinates may need. If they are not appropriately trained, they may not do the work.
General Safety Duties of the: Cast and Crew Members
1. Obey the rules as outlined in this brochure.
2. Bring to the attention of your supervisor anyone breaking these rules or any safety
hazard of which you are aware.
3. Attend all pertinent Safety Meetings.
Industrial Health and Safety Program for General Production
The following is a brief summary of the contents of the Industrial Health and Safety
Program (IH&SP) for Television Production. It is not intended as legal interpretation
of any federal, state, or local standards.
Responsible Persons
The Producers, Director, Assistant Directors and the Unit Manager all have direct
responsibilities for achieving a safe production. They may delegate safety-related tasks to
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2. other positions, but retain ultimate responsibility. Each supervisor is responsible for
implementing the IH&SP in his or her respective area.
Communication
Safety information will be made available by the Production to all affected employees
through one of the following: in writing, by verbal communications, through staff meetings,
on call sheets, or by postings. Communications regarding safety from employees to
supervisors may be made directly (verbal or written) or anonymously.
Training
Safety training helps all cast and crewmembers understand how to perform their job
responsibilities in a safe manner. Supervisors should see to it that employees under their
immediate direction and control have received appropriate training in general safety as well
as specific instructions regarding specific assignments. Conduct additional training
whenever; 1) new job assignments are made not previously trained for; 2) new substances,
processes, procedures or equipment are introduced which present a new hazard; 3) the
production is made aware of new or previously unrecognized hazards.
Inspections
The production should regularly inspect routine working areas to identify unsafe or
unhealthy conditions or practices. Potentially unsafe practices or conditions that are
discovered should be immediately corrected. Inspections should be performed both formally
and informally.
Hazard Assessment and Control
Complaints of unsafe conditions should be promptly investigated by the production and if
warranted the appropriate corrections will be based on the severity of the hazard.
Employees should be informed by their supervisors of the hazard and interim protective
measures taken until the hazard is corrected.
Injury & Illness Investigation Reporting
In the event of a job-related injury or illness to a cast and/or crewmember, it is important that
it be investigated and reported.
Recordkeeping
Formal records documenting compliance with the IH&SP should be kept for at least three (3)
years. Examples of records include; 1) inspections documents; 2) hazard corrections
reports; 3) documentation of safety meetings; 4) injury/illness investigations; 5) training
records.
Enforcement of Safe Work Practices
This Production is committed to safe production. All cast and crewmembers are responsible
for complying with safety procedures and regulations. It is a condition of employment that all
employees perform their work in a safe manner and report any unsafe act or condition that
they observe.
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3. GENERAL SAFE PRACTICES
These General Safe Practices have been prepared to inform employees of safety issues associated
with their positions, and to recommend ways of preventing injuries while on the job. However,
Management cannot monitor every employee, in every situation, every minute of the day to see that
safe practices are being followed. We need each employee to be committed to using safe work
practices every day. Each employee, for his or her own personal safety and the safety of fellow
workers, must take responsibility for safe work practices and should report to his or her supervisor
any unsafe conditions or practices observed. While most of these guidelines are driven by common
sense, others have evolved from governmental laws and regulations. Failure to follow these
guidelines could result not only in serious injury, but could also cost valuable time and expense due
to delays and/or shut downs enforced by either regulatory or Production Management personnel.
1. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures for each location. You are responsible
to know how to react in emergency situations. Contact your supervisor if emergency
procedures are unknown.
2. Attend additional safety meetings (arranged by your supervisor) whenever any stunt,
special effect, firearm, live ammunition, hazardous or unusual activity is scheduled.
3. Obtain training from a qualified instructor prior to operating aerial lift platforms.
Harnesses and lanyards are to be worn at all times.
4. Appropriate work clothing and work shoes are important for employee safety. Always
follow your supervisor’s instruction regarding clothing.
5. Your supervisor will furnish safety equipment. Use goggles or safety glasses when
grinding or chipping; wear harnesses and lanyards when working above or outside of
guardrails; wear hard-hats when exposed to potential falling objects.
6. Notify your supervisor if you are taking any medication that may interfere with your ability
to work. Working under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
7. Observe designated smoking areas. Smoking is not allowed on stages. Extinguish
smoking materials in appropriate butt cans.
8. Report all injuries, no matter how minor, to your supervisor immediately so proper
medical or first aid treatment can be arranged.
9. See that all visitors remain a safe distance from construction and filming.
10. Do not engage in pranks, horseplay, scuffling or other unsafe acts. This could result in
serious injury to yourself and/or your fellow cast and crew members
11. Never enter confined spaces (manholes, underground vaults, chambers, silos, etc.) until
a Safety Professional has been called to check oxygen and gas levels and confirm them
as being healthful.
12. It is every employee’s responsibility to report unsafe conditions or practices to his/her
supervisor at once.
13. Stunts and Special Effects require an on-site walk-through with all involved parties
before filming. The meeting and rehearsals should be documented (the daily production
report may be used.) Certain stunts and special effects, such as those involving aircraft,
high falls, body burns, car crashes, etc., should be reviewed prior to execution by the
Production Safety Consultant. Special Effects involving pyrotechnics, atmospheric
smoke, explosives and/or fire, should be noted in advance on the call sheet. There
should be a planned escape route provided and each person involved should personally
check the route to determine its accessibility. Only persons necessary for the stunt
and/or effect should be in the immediate area. All others should stay in the safe zone.
14. Firearms and Live Ammunition should always be treated as if they are loaded or set to
detonate. Do not play with firearms or any weapons and never point a firearm at
anyone, including yourself. Follow the directions of the property master regarding all
firearms and weapons. Do not use or bring live ammunition to the filming location.
15. Film Vehicles: Be particularly cautious when vehicles such as fixed wing aircraft, boats,
cars, helicopters, motorcycles and trains are being used. When driving, walking or
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4. traveling in any manner in congested areas, proceed slowly and watch for sudden
movements. Pay attention when working around helicopters and on runways.
16. Water Hazards: Always wear life vests or other safety gear when working on boats,
pontoons, rafts, etc. Use safety lines, nets, observers and/or divers when filming in
rivers or other bodies of water where potentially hazardous conditions could exist (swift
currents, thick underwater plant life, rocks, etc.) Only electrical equipment intended for
use in and around water should be used.
17. Animals: Make sure you understand all safety precautions in effect when animals are
present. Do not feed, pet or play with any animal. Defer to the trainer/wrangler at all
times.
18. Tools and Equipment: See to it that all equipment is in proper working order and that all
protective guards are in place and are used. Do not attempt to alter, modify, displace or
remove any existing safety equipment. Saw guards, safety switches, and other safety
mechanisms are installed for your protection. Do not use tools or equipment for which
you are not trained and certified. See your supervisor if you have any questions or feel
that you need additional training.
19. Chemical Handling: Store all flammable liquids in approved safety cans or cabinets. Do
not allow paint chemicals and other materials to accumulate on stage floors, under
platforms, or in other work areas where they do not belong. Read understand and follow
proper handling and storage procedures for all combustible or flammable materials. Use
only flame retardant or non-combustible decorative set materials. Properly dispose of all
hazardous waste generated by the company, including paint. Do not dump down the
sink, storm drain, septic systems, or in the trash.
20. Fire Safety: In buildings, keep all exterior doors unlocked and capable of being opened
from the inside. Make sure all aisles, traffic lanes, electrical panels, and fire exits and all
fire equipment are kept clear and accessible at all times. Maintain clear walkways (4
feet around the perimeter) and exit passages
21. Ladders: Place ladders on slip-free surfaces, even if they have slip-resistant feet.
Secure the ladder if a slip-free surface is not available. Never place ladders in front of
doors or walkways.
22. Guardrails: Temporary stair railings and guardrails are required by law for any elevated
surfaces above 7.5 feet or around any pits or holes. See to it that the area has proper
lighting for visibility and post signs if necessary.
23. Fall Protection: All personnel working in the permanent grid and truss system (perms)
outside the catwalks and handrails will use Cal/OSHA compliant fall protection
equipment. Prior to use, the wearer should visually inspect all fall protection equipment
each day.
24. Electrical Safety: Keep all electrical cords away from pinch points. In any wet, damp or
moist environment, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI’s) should be used. See to it
that all electrical panels are unobstructed and have a minimal clearance of 36”.
25. Lockout/Tagout: Always turn off a tool or appliance before disconnecting it to avoid
exposure to live electrical parts. Never work on machinery which may unexpectedly be
re-energized.
26. Lifting Precaution: When lifting, stand close to the object with your feet comfortably
apart, squatting down, bending at the hips and knees. As you lift the object, arch your
back inward and pull your shoulders back, keeping the load close to your body. Once
you arrive at your destination, set the load down, bending at the hips and knees.
Remember: never twist your body at the hip when carrying a load.
HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM
So that all employees are aware of the physical and chemical hazards found in the
workplace, this Production has developed a Hazard Communication Program.
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5. This program provides employees with information about all the chemicals they use by
utilizing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and warning labels on the product. All
production employees may request a copy of any MSDS by calling the 3E Company, an
MSDS Management company for this Production, at (800) 451-8346.
In order to protect yourself and your co-workers from any potential hazards, always use,
handle and store chemical containing products according to manufacturers instructions. If
you have an accidental spill or chemical emergency, call your local fire jurisdiction.
SCAFFOLD USER AWARENESS
1. Do not use scaffolds that do not have proper guardrails, mid rails and toe boards (as
appropriate).
2. Do not overload scaffolds. Follow manufacturer’s safe working load recommendations.
3. Do not climb cross braces. Use only approved access ladders or steps and use both
hands while climbing. When climbing, always maintain three points of contact.
4. Do not stand on guardrails, ladders or makeshift devices on top of scaffolds to gain
greater height.
5. Never use scaffolds where contact can be made with live electrical circuits or power
lines. Always maintain safe clearance from any electrical source.
6. Never apply shock loads to the scaffold platform. (Never jump down onto the platform.)
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6. EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Safety Guidelines for General Production
Production Name: _______________________________________
(Turn in to Production Office Coordinator upon completion)
Check all boxes below or see your Supervisor if you have questions or need training:
I understand:
I have received and will abide by the Safety Guidelines for General
Production.
IMPORTANT!
By signing this form you do not waive any of your rights
under Workers’ Compensation laws.
Production/Dept: _________________________________ Location: (stage/bldg.) _____________________________
Employee Signature: ______________________________ Date: _____________________________
Supervisor Name (print or type): _______________________ Supervisor Signature: _______________________________
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