HSE press release: E210:03 - 22 October 2003

NEW GUIDANCE ON FIREARMS AND WEAPONS USED IN PRODUCTIONS

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published guidance on the management of weapons in television, film and theatre productions. The information sheet is the latest in a series prepared by the Broadcasting and Performing Arts Joint Advisory Committee (BJAC).

The sheet doesn't deal with just firearms, but also considers weapons such as cross-bows, knives and batons. It contains useful information on the roles and responsibilities of those involved in a production as well as points to consider in the planning of a production, as well as deciding what control measures are needed to enable weapons to be used safely.

Gavin Howat, Secretary of BJAC said: "Weapons feature in so many productions, from Shakespeare to the latest action movies. It is important that they are handled and used safely by every one involved - weapons, by their very nature are designed to inflict harm. It is not just a matter of handling and using the weapon safely. Steps also need to be taken to ensure that they do not fall into the wrong hands. By following the advice in this sheet, everyone who is a part of the production will be able to contribute to the continued safe but dramatic, use of weapons of all kinds."

The information sheet "Management of firearms and other weapons in productions", Entertainment Information Sheet no 20, is available as a free publication from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA, tel: 01787-881165 or fax: 01787-313995. It will also be available from the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/entindex.htm

PUBLIC ENQUIRIES:

Call HSE's InfoLine, tel: 0845 345 0055, visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact, or write to: HSE Information Services, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.

PRESS ENQUIRIES regarding this press release: Journalists only:

Kimberley Huggins 020 7717 6455