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Camera Operations
Use of Jibs & Camera Cranes

Jib Arms
A jib arm is basically a counterweighted 'pole' pivoting on a portable base with the camera operator at one end and a remotely operated camera at the other. The camera is attached to an electronically operated device* enabling it to be tilted and panned. (*Commonly known as a 'hothead'.)
 
Production use of the jib (particularly the Jimmy Jib) is now very popular owing to their portability, cost and one man operation. However, this can also give rise to their use by those not familiar with their safe operational or maintenance requirements.   
 
Any jib operation should have at least the following in place:
 
  • Be sourced from a known reliable supplier who can show evidence of its maintenance log.
  • Assembled by a competent person trained in this procedure.
  • Sited on stable ground in a secure position.
  • Only moved by those competent to do so in compliance with the risk assessment covering the activity.
  • A second 'pair of eyes' always  employed on each jib to ensure it cannot strike anyone/anything, and warn if anything is about to strike it.  This should be considered the default position and only changed if specifically risk assessed as not required (e.g use in a remote position).
  • The arc of swing and rise checked to ensure the arm cannot come into contact with other items (e.g. overhead cabling or lighting).  Equally, if swinging over people, arrangements in place to ensure they cannot be hit. (A padded bar fitted in front of the arm restricting its downward travel is sometimes used for this) NOTE: AT EVENTS, PARENTS CAN SUDDENLY PUT YOUNG CHILDREN ON THEIR SHOULDERS!
  • An exclusion zone to separate others in the vicinity from jib operation. This may necessitate barriers or supervision.
  • An exclusion zone to separate others in the vicinity from jib operation. This may necessitate barriers or supervision.The weather and wind factors assessed on the day and intended activity reviewed if necessary.
  • A full production risk assessment covering jib use and the activity around it (normally complimented by a generic risk assessment of jib assembly and manoeuvring supplied by the jib owner).
  • The company or person in charge of the jib operation should carry adequate third party insurance for this activity. (Nominally £3m for the BBC)
 
Camera Cranes with remote camera operation (i.e. hothead)
Whilst camera cranes used with a remotely controlled camera share a number of safety factors with jib operation, there are some significant differences. The camera operation and movement of a crane arm will always be a separate function carried out by different people working in partnership. This should be under the overall control of an experienced camera 'Grip' who is familiar with all the safety aspects of a particular crane's operation. On larger cranes several Grips may be required. Safety aspects to consider will include:
 
  • Crane sourced from a known reliable supplier who can show evidence of its maintenance log.
  • Assembled by a competent person(s) trained in this procedure.
  • Sited on ground assessed - by a person qualified to do - as secure and suitable for the crane's weight and stability.
  • Only use personnel experienced and competent in the use of the crane chosen (as they can have very different properties).  They should confirm that relevant maintenance test documentation is in place and that it is entirely fit for use.  Brake operation, safety devices (incl. arm locking pins and safety catches) and cable guards should all be functional.
  • The sweep of the arm checked to ensure it cannot come into contact with other items (e.g. overhead cabling, lighting or a moving vehicles) and that all parts securely are fixed with cable loops kept to a minimum.
  • Operation over people should only be carried out if absolutely necessary (e.g. an audience). Arrangements must be in place to take into account their movements and establish a safe minimum working height. 
 
NOTE: PARTICULARLY AT SHOWS AND EVENTS, PARENTS CAN SUDDENLY PUT YOUNG CHILDREN ON THEIR SHOULDERS!         
 
NOTE:  THE REAR, WEIGHTED END OF THE CRANE IS EVERY BIT AS DANGEROUS IF COLLIDING WITH A PERSON  AS THE FRONT!   
 
  • An exclusion zone to separate others in the vicinity from crane operation. This may necessitate barriers or supervision.
  • The weather and wind factors assessed on the day and intended activity reviewed if necessary.
  • The main Grip should supply the production with a specific risk assessment of the crane activity.
  • The company or person in charge of the jib operation should hold adequate third party insurance for this activity. (Nominally £3m for the BBC).

 

Camera Cranes ride on
If the camera operator is riding on the crane - with possibly the director or camera assistant - risk is obviously increased. The items listed in the above section will all apply with at least the following additions:
  • Anyone riding on the crane must wear a suitable seat belt whether they wish to or not. It is not only their risk but that of the BBC who are employing them. This is mandatory.
  • The Grip will place weights on the back of the crane to counter those riding at the front. A serious accident can occur if somebody suddenly jumps off, therefore a thorough briefing needs to be given by the Grip and a safety failsafe arrangement applied. (This may be achieved by keeping the crane arm 'floating' several feet above the ground when resting to dissuade a 'jumper').
  • Camera functions (e.g. changing batteries, tapes, film magazines, filters etc) should always be done with the arm lowered and never over people.