Ep. 30 Mighty Line Minute: Safety Standards in Film Production

Greetings everyone, this is Dave again with Mighty Line Minute. Looking forward to talking to you today about safety, the work environment, and innovation. So stay tuned!

When we talk about workplace safety and health, we commonly think about industrial environments: storage and warehousing, manufacturing, distribution.

We also think about vehicle safety, knowing full well, the everyday risks that we assume while driving our own vehicles in all sorts of hazardous conditions.

We don't often think about the hazards and risks in filmmaking until of course we hear or see tragic news on television or in the news. Examples include a stunt driver injured in a motorcycle chase scene in Cleveland. An accidental fatal shooting near Santa Fe, or a crushing amputation and fatality in Cape Town, South Africa.

Fire life, safety and means of egress are universal safety, health, and risk control considerations throughout the entire entertainment industry.

California, by way of example, has unique permit requirements for employing young actors. Special requirements for working at elevations, and high altitudes. Working in extreme temperatures. And where pyrotechnics or special effects are involved. Additionally, there are further regulations.

Film production, of course is unique, and many of the same standards that apply to manufacturing and warehousing environments also apply to film production environments.

Here at Mighty Line, orders have come in for floor safety signage and floor striping from the entertainment industry. Production facilities, soundstages and sets all deal with means of egress. Most professional studios also use powered industrial trucks. 

For example, the use and storage of firearms, prop guns, ammunition, and flammable, or explosive materials, and related training or registration, are elements of an effective program. 

From an OSHA standpoint, California also requires a comprehensive Injury and Illness Prevention Program, industry-specific safety programs for stunt coordination and live action sequences. Comprehensive risk assessments, emergency response plans, training and competency, health, and wellness programs to prevent fatigue and stress. Workplace ergonomics, management of noise exposure, fire prevention and control, and dedicated safety personnel.

And further to those requirements, the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 140 establishes national standards covering fire protection, property protection and life safety in motion, picture and television production for industry soundstages, production facilities, and production locations.

Regardless of the type of occupancy you or your employer may be involved in, you should always learn more about and pay attention to NFPA's fire and life safety codes and standards, as well as any applicable local state or provincial fire and building codes. They may include the International Building and Fire Codes, common in the U.S., as they are essential to assuring building occupancy, fire and life safety as well. 

So here at Mighty Line, we continue to evolve and innovate. Be sure to let us know what's on your mind, and how we can be of help to improve your safety and operational excellence initiatives. We look forward to seeing you on the next podcast. And remember, regardless of the industry that you are in, or your employer may be involved with, we can offer solutions for each and every work environment. 

Take care. Have a safe day!