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Design, construction and utilisation guidance for sets, scenery and props
Common Questions

How can I ensure my set will be designed and constructed so that it can be built and utilised at my chosen location or in the studio?
The best way to ensure there are no surprises, when its too late to make a change, is to get some key representatives from all the teams involved along to a Planning meeting or two, throughout the process. This should include representatives from:
 
- Producer
- Senior Production team member
- Production manager/ 1st Assistant Director etc
- Designer & Construction team
- Set and Strike team
- Specialist contractors where relevant eg SFX, scaffolding companies etc
- BBC resource personnel such as studio resource managers
- The local safety advisor etc. should also be at this meeting.
 
The minutes of this meeting are to be itemised with significant points, actions and actionees noted. These minutes should be distributed to all parties for reference.

The designer should undertake assurance visits to the set during construction on a regular basis, to ensure the set is built to the design.

It is also recommended that the designer should attend when the set is installed at the location or studio.
 
There isn't a pre vetted list for a scenery build contractor; does this mean that I can use any local contractor to build my scenery structures?
No, you must carry out a check to establish that the contractor has appropriate skills to undertake the work. This competency check should consider; qualification, experience, knowledge of the process and the innate ability to do this type of manufacture.
 
On location we need a "practical" gas oven; there is a supply to the house already in the kitchen. Can I ask the props contractor to connect up the appliance?
No. Only a CORGI registered gas installation contractor or individual may carry out this type of work.
 
A hired in props item, an industrial electrical fuse box, has an internal asbestos backing insulation panel. Can I use this in my set?
If the unit is sealed airtight and there is no possibility of it being opened and this is covered by the risk assessment and made aware to all concerned then you can hire the prop. However if the unit is capable of releasing asbestos fibres then there are no circumstances in which you can hire the prop.
 
I have designed a large mobile piece of scenery for use in different studios for a six part series. The contractor has asked me to provide stage weights to counterbalance this when it arrives at the studio, is this OK?
No.  First, the contractor must supply the item which is fit for purpose on arrival at the studio, which has the appropriate certification. Secondly, using stage weights is unacceptable as these may be "borrowed" for other purposes, rendering the structure unstable. All weight or kentledge must be securely fixed in position as an integral part of the structure.    
 
Part of my set consists of scaffold tubes, which are welded together, and various other loose scaffold fittings and boards intended for visual appearance only, do I need to use a pre vetted scaffold contractor for this work?
No - This is not the use of scaffold items in the sense of scaffold construction. A competent scenery contractor would be fine to do this.
 
We have a number of contractors who will be working at the same time in a studio. How best can I ensure their safety and that of the Production?
Before any work starts hold a brief meeting to address these issues;
  • Exchange of risk assessments between all parties
  • Establishment of controlled areas if necessary
  • Permit to work arrangements
  • Delivery/removal of scenery and equipment
  • Grid working
  • Emergency  arrangements
  • Certification/inspections/reports
At the start of the studio work hold a "toolbox talk" [no longer than 15 min] to reinforce any control measures identified and to clarify management arrangements.
 
I am taking over a set which has been used for a previous series, there will be a few changes in terms of activity and access, and can I continue to use the previous risk assessments?
No.  You must carry a new suitable and sufficient risk assessment but do make use of any information from the assessments you have for guidance.
 
The Production has hired an audience seating rostra which is to be used in a programme about football supporters. The supporters will be asked to behave as if they were at a match, jumping to their feet, Mexican waves and frequent surges. Can I just use the rostra as delivered?
No.  It must be established with the supplier that the rostra is capable of withstanding dynamic forces as envisaged. These forces will impose greater loads on the rostra for which calculation and certification will be necessary.
 
Much of the scenery will be visual, but some areas will be load bearing for people and equipment. I intend to use timber throughout for ease of construction, are there any specific issues I need consider?
 
Yes, in particular related to load bearing;
  • Seek specialist structural advice unless you have specific knowledge.
  • Use stress graded timber.
  • Pay particular attention to connections between sections.
  • Ensure any guardrails have the necessary structural integrity to withstand horizontal forces which can be applied.
A location we have is a site of special scientific interest [SSSI] where we intend to build a substantial set. Are there considerations we should apply at the design stage?
 
Yes - consider:
  • Prefabricating as much as possible
  • Apply paint finishes in the contractor's works.
  • Avoid water soluble finishes and effects.
  • Use glass substitutes.
  • Minimise the need for loose site fixings [screws, staples and nails].
  • Do not burn or fragment items.
  • Keep all fuels and solvents in sealed containers and provide containment where spillage might occur.
  • Identify access and egress routes and enforce them.
Do I need to use a vetted contractor to erect scaffolding?
Yes.
 
What documentation should I ask the contractor for?
You should ask for a risk assessment, a technical drawing, and a handing over certificate. Structural calculations should be provided for more complex structures.
 
Once the structure is completed, is there anything else I need to do?
Yes. Structures should be inspected weekly, or after high winds or modification, when they are to be accessed by people. Structures forming part of a set, which are not accessed by people, should be inspected at least annually, or after high winds or modification.
 
Does the structure need handrails?
Yes. Handrails and toe boards should be fitted to all work platforms and areas accessed by people.