This risk assessment is issued to cover the basic health and safety risks involved with the grip equipment and methods used in film production. Please feel free to download and print this item.
For a location that has been subject to a recce, a more specific equipment or location assessment maybe provided.
Mark Morley-Level 3 NVQ GRIP-07961 821967
Head & Legs:
Risk of tripping on power feed and BNC cables attached to camera.
Be aware of protruding parts, (pan handle, matte box, legs etc). Risk of tripping on power feed and BNC cables.
Ladder Pod:
High risk of people/ equipment falling from a height. Risk of tipping due to an unsuitable surface or high winds all conditions must be pre-considered before use.
Risk of tripping on power feed and BNC cables. Be aware of protruding parts.
Dolly & Track:
Only qualified personnel to operate dolly at any time (risk of hand or equipment damage from jib arm operation). Current Test certificates of supplied equipment must be supplied or available prior to or on the day of shooting for inspection.
Underfoot surface or floor must be of suitable construction and strength to accept full weight of dolly, track and personnel.
Risk of tripping over laid track, power feed and BNC cables attached to camera. Please be aware of track length and direction, the dolly will be travelling along this distance.
Crane or Jib Arm:
A min 2 Grips and 1 Technician is required for all Cranes/ Jib arms for operation and set up. Two technicians may be required, dependent on crane/shot requirements.
Current Test certificates of supplied equipment must be supplied or available prior to or on the day of shooting.
Crane support surface must be suitable for extreme weight. Risk of tripping on power feed & BNC cables and any track laid for crane base.
Wind speed must be at an acceptably safe level before any use can commence.
Please be aware of extended arm and bucket end movements, where possible, area of swing to be coned off and made visible as a hazard area by location department.
Any camera or car mount to be rigged by grip. The vehicle(s) will be travelling at speed whilst rehearsing or shooting. Driving route and potential hazards are to be discussed with all crew and any artistes within proximity of action.
Operation and legalities of vehicle being driven are to be discussed with grip, stunt co-ordinator, vehicle driver, 1st AD (as member of production) and location manager. Please be aware of protruding parts of attached rig at all times.
For advice on vehicle shooting in London contact Met Police film unit: http://www.met.police.co.uk/filmunit
Readily identifiable hazards for grip department include: bulk & weight (dolly, crane), heights (towers, cranes etc), speed of travel (dolly, mounted car rigs, low loader & tracking vehicle).
The purpose of this risk assessment is to:
1) Ensure no unnecessary risks are taken.
2) Help identify hazards/ risks whenever possible before, and on the day, and with immediate effect minimise those hazards/ risks for a safe and productive shoot day.
3) Make all crew and artistes involved in the shoot, aware of potential hazards/risks.
Applicable HSE Inc: Entertainment information sheet 22, LOLER, PUWER, RIDDOR, COSHH & WORK AT HEIGHTS. Info available at: www.hse.gov.uk/PUBNS/hsc13.pdf