Production guidelines, during set construction (prep):
At a minimum, a four-foot perimeter should be kept clear around the interior of the stage walls. Make sure all exit doors are unobstructed, unlocked and capable of being opened from the inside.
Good housekeeping should be maintained at all times. Walkways and work areas are to be kept clear of materials, trash, equipment and debris.
All decorative set materials should be flame retardant or made of non- combustible materials if such materials will be exposed to hot lamps, fire effects or other ignition sources.
Post & enforce “No Smoking” signs. Observe designated smoking areas and always extinguish cigarettes in the appropriate containers (butt cans).
Fire equipment (hydrants, extinguishers, sprinklers, hoses, etc.) must be accessible at all times.
Adequate ventilation must be taken into consideration. There is a formula for the amount of ventilation
Always be aware of personnel working above and below you. All overhead equipment fixtures and props should be properly secured.
All cables should be neatly routed. Cables in walkways and traffic areas should be covered with mats and/or cable crossovers.
Wearing appropriate clothing is also a part of safety protocols. Closed toe shoes, rubber soles etc. etc. it is the primary responsibility of HOD’s to determine an appropriate dress code.
An understanding of the load-in schedule and the workload meant to be accomplished on the day by the LP or PM should lead to the decision to employ or not to employ a set-medic.
Safety supplies to have on hand:
Aside from the employment of a set medic, a healthy supply of the following items should be on hand, in the office, under the PM’s care:
Production should be in possession of two (2) good first aid kits (one for the field, one for the stage). These kits should be of “medic” quality (cloth jump bags) and contain the following:
- Alcohol sterile prep squares
- Bottle of high grade (over 70%) isopropyl rubbing alcohol
- Bottle of betadine
- Bottle of hydrogen peroxide
- A CPR mask with hard case
- 10 pairs of quality latex gloves
- 1 burn sheet (58×90)
- 2 boxes of assorted size band-aids (expect to get more during prod)
- 3 boxes of finger cots (expect to get more during prod.)
- 2 abdominal pads (5×9)
- 1 trauma dressing (12×30)
- 2 boxes 4×4 sterile dressings
- 1 box of 3×3 sterile dressings
- 2 blood stoppers
- 2 gauze rolls 3”, 2 gauze rolls sterile 4” (4 rolls total)
- 1 roll of waterproof tape (both ½ inch and 1 inch 2 rolls total)
- 1 Ace bandage 3”, 1 Ace bandage 4” (2 total, sealed)
- 2 Triangle bandages (cravats’) 40”
- 4 eye pads (large)
- 1 petroleum gauze (3X9)
- 1 pack of single use antibiotic cream pads (squares)
- Sting swabs (10 pack)
- 2 instant cold packs
- 1 40 oz (or larger) eye wash
- 1 pair of EMT shears
- 1 bandage scissors
aa. 1 splinter forceps 4.5”
bb. Disposable penlight
- Bottle of purell gel
In closing, when the kits are accessed and used, the used products should be noted and a list turned into the PM for immediate replenishment of the kit.
It was not an accident that the extensive list above didn’t include aspirin, Tylenol, emergen-c, airborne or halls cough drops. I believe these should be supplied separately (perhaps by crafty or production) for three reasons. The first reason is that I am unsure as to company liability regarding dispensation of medication. The second is that the high demand for those non-emergency items will contribute to rifling through our true emergency supplies creating a mess of what should be a tightly organized, clean kit. The third reason is that in a true crisis where I’ve needed use of a good first aid kit, I have never administered the above-mentioned items as part of a true emergency protocol.
In addition to the first aid kits (2) production should have:
- Quality eye protection (clear, ANSI certified safety glasses) a good rule of thumb is to have as many pairs as there are members of art & construction departments. Replenish and recollect as necessary
- Quality ear protection (earplugs, the orange one in the big bucket are fine)
- Respirator masks (not the TB patient paper ones, but the chemical filter, rubber ones, I would recommend at least 2)
- Multiple copies of our “Workers Compensation” forms ready for distribution.
Uniform Safety Protocols:
Uniform Safety Protocols are standards that should be maintained in a consistent manner in order to best ensure the safety of our cast and crew. These are not a part of an EAP as they are not situation specific. This is just the safest way to deal with events that could potentially become dangerous[i].
[i] Guidelines from industry standards set by the DGA & From ADTH TM