What safety protocols should you follow when working on a film production set?

1 Wear appropriate clothing and gear

Depending on the type of film you are working on, you may need to wear different clothing and gear to protect yourself from the elements, the equipment, and the special effects. For example, if you are filming in a cold or wet environment, you should wear warm and waterproof layers, gloves, and boots. If you are working with electrical or pyrotechnical devices, you should wear fire-resistant and non-conductive materials, goggles, and earplugs. Always check with your supervisor or the production manager what kind of clothing and gear you need for each scene and location.

2 Follow the chain of command

A film production set is a complex and dynamic environment, where many people have to work together to achieve a common goal. To avoid confusion, chaos, and accidents, you should always follow the chain of command and respect the authority and responsibility of each role. For example, if you are a lighting technician, you should only take instructions from the gaffer, who reports to the director of photography, who reports to the director. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, you should communicate them through the proper channels and not interfere with other departments or tasks.

3 Be aware of your surroundings

One of the most common causes of injuries and accidents on a film production set is lack of awareness of your surroundings. You should always pay attention to where you are, what you are doing, and what is happening around you. For example, you should never walk behind a moving vehicle, cross a live wire, or touch a hot lamp. You should also be aware of the signals and commands that are used on the set, such as "rolling", "cut", "action", and "quiet". These indicate when the camera is recording, when the scene is over, when the actors are performing, and when you need to be silent.

4 Report any hazards or incidents

No matter how careful you are, sometimes things can go wrong on a film production set. You may encounter a faulty equipment, a slippery floor, a broken prop, or a medical emergency. If you notice any hazard or incident that could compromise the safety of yourself or others, you should report it immediately to your supervisor or the production manager. They will take the appropriate measures to fix the problem, provide assistance, or call for help. You should also fill out an incident report form and document the details of what happened, when, where, and who was involved.

5 Follow the COVID-19 guidelines

The COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of complexity and uncertainty to the film production industry. To prevent the spread of the virus and protect the health of the cast and crew, you should follow the COVID-19 guidelines that are issued by the local authorities and the production company. These may include wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, washing your hands, getting tested, and isolating if you have symptoms. You should also respect the protocols that are implemented on the set, such as limiting the number of people, using designated areas, and sanitizing the equipment.

6 Keep learning and improving

The film production industry is constantly evolving and changing, with new technologies, techniques, and trends. To stay safe and competitive, you should keep learning and improving your skills and knowledge. You can do this by taking courses, attending workshops, reading books, watching tutorials, and seeking feedback. You can also network with other professionals, join associations, and participate in forums and events. By doing this, you will not only enhance your career prospects, but also your safety awareness and performance on the set.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?