HSE Press Release E205:02 - 17 December 2002

---

How safety in fighting, explosions and special effects are all in a day's work ...

---

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today publishes its latest information sheets for the film and television industry and the new booklet on audio-visual production containing comprehensive information for those at all levels within the broadcast industry.

Health and safety in audio-visual production - your legal duties

INDG360

Specifically for those working within the film, broadcast, video and commercials production to understand and comply with their legal duties in maintaining safety, whatever their role in the production process.

Special or visual effects involving explosives or pyrotechnics used in film and television productions

Entertainment Information Sheet no 16

We are all familiar with the spectacular visual effects in films and television programmes. These effects often rely on the use of explosives or pyrotechnics, bringing a risk of injury to those working on a production. This information sheet has been written with the industry and it aims to bring best practice to the notice of people who work with these materials. It details the responsibilities of those involved and the competencies required.

Stunts, fights and other potentially hazardous production activities

Entertainment Information Sheet no 17

Using well-planned and executed stunts, or similar activities in productions are not without risk to the performers. This information sheet gives guidance on the competence of performers, the common hazards encountered and the responsibilities of the different people involved. There is also practical guidance on how to assess the risks and on practical controls that can be taken to ensure that risks are minimised. Of particular importance is the need for everyone to know what they are doing and when - effective communication is vital.

Buildings used for locations and temporary studios in film, television and theatre

Entertainment Information Sheet no 18

It is common for productions to take place outside the confines of a conventional studio or theatre. Commonly a production will call for action to take place in an unusual outdoor location, perhaps in a derelict factory. Working in places like this brings hazards over and above those otherwise encountered in a production. This sheet has been written to give all those involved information on some of the hazards that may be encountered, the responsibilities and duties of those involved, including building owners and it gives examples of the sorts of control measures that should be taken to minimise the risks. A checklist is included to help those people who need to assess sites before and during location work.

Safe design and build of production sets used for film and television

Entertainment Information Sheet no 19

Many productions call for large, complex and spectacular sets. Poorly designed and built sets can present hazards to those working or performing on and around them. The sheet details some of the hazards on sets and suggests ways of minimising the risk to health and safety from them. An important part of this is for all those involved in set production to know what their roles and responsibilities are and the sheet gives guidance on this.

Gavin Howat of the HSE Food and Entertainment Sector and Secretary to BJAC said

"I am delighted to see the publication of this series of four information sheets, which will be a contribution to the safety knowledge of the industry. They have been produced in consultation with the Broadcasting and Performing Arts Joint Advisory Committee. It would not have been possible to produce these sheets without the technical expertise and knowledge of the member organisations and a great deal of hard work on the part of all those involved. I hope that all those involved in film, television and theatre productions, especially producers, will take time to read these sheets and use the information in them."

Copies of all five publications can be obtained from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA (Tel: 01787 881165; Fax: 01787 313995).

Free leaflets are available on HSE website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/index.htm

Press Enquiries relating to this press release: Journalists only

: 020 7717 6455. Press review copies 020 7717 6904.

PUBLIC ENQUIRIES:

Call HSE's InfoLine, tel: 0845 345 0055
or write to: HSE Information Services, Caerphilly Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.

---

Published on the HSE web site on 17 December 2002

Back to Press Release Index Page