Locations
Common Questions

If I'm hiring a building or site to be used as a filming location, what safety documentation should I ask the owner/landlord for and what other safety information gathered?
You should ask for any relevant risk assessments relating to the building structure, any structural engineer reports or inspection certificates, weight loading restrictions, asbestos register, safety certification for electrical circuits, safety certification for gas installations, water testing certification, maintenance and inspection records of any equipment or machinery, Fire certificates, Fire Risk Assessment.

 

On exterior sites, the Location Manager should ensure that the crew and contractors engaged be made fully aware of all significant potential hazards on site in order for them to evaluate likely risk to their own intended activities. This will apply equally to those just delivering or collecting materials. Eg: difficult access/egress, rough ground, proximity to high voltage cabling, proximity to other equipment, uncontrolled areas involving traffic/people, weight limited ground, overhanging branches, low bridges etc.

 

Where can I find a structural engineer?
You can find qualified and competent structural engineer who is a member of the Institution of Structural Engineers through this website: http://www.findanengineer.com

 

Who should I contact to carry out an asbestos survey?
You should contact the BBC Asbestos Management Team.  They are based in the Broadcast Centre, White City, and can be contacted on 020800 81412, or 020800 81410.

 

Do I need certain permissions to film on public roads?
You should check with the local police and local authority regarding what permissions are needed.  Permissions will be needed for road closures, controlling traffic, directing traffic, use of lights in road, use of low loaders or A-Frames, use of tracking vehicles, use of some camera mounts.

 

What safe distances do I need to observe from overhead powerlines?
There needs to be a safe distance of 15meters from power lines on metal structures, and 9meters from the power lines on wooden structures.  Where the use of a cherry picker, or other working at height activity is intended in close proximity to powerlines, even if just for site access/egress, a recce by those parties involved is recommended.

 

In the ideal world yes, but, in many cases this will not be possible and in this circumstance the programme producer should engage with the 'controller' to determine the potential hazards associated with the activity and appropriate controls to ensure the safety of the crew.

 

Basically, yes, particularly if failure to respond would have the potential for hard to people or property. On the basis of their knowledge and understanding of the potential impact of the activity on others, such directions would be seen by the courts as the 'controller' discharging a duty of care.

Is there a need to determine the competence of the participants?

No. However, if the activity was going ahead anyway but there are clear concerns by the programme as to the effectiveness of any controls in place then it will remain the responsibility of the producer to make appropriate arrangements.   

 

Providing the producer can establish that the activity is exactly what the participants would normally engage in and can be reassured that they will not deviate from that, particularly spurred on by the presence of programme makers then there should be no difference.

 

No. However, reimbursement for legitimate expenses (actuality) incurred by the participants is alright.

Who has ultimate responsibility for safety on a news deployment?
The editor or the person deploying the crew will ensure that the crew is competent to carry out the assignment and that a 'suitable' and 'sufficient' risk assessment is in place, the crew understands the content and is adequately resourced (time & equipment) to meet the controls contained in it. 

 

Yes, as long as all those involved in the process/assignment understand that by adopting it they are by implication judging it to be 'suitable' and 'sufficient'. There is a need to review and amend/update as necessary not least perhaps once on location.

 

Ultimately the producer/editor/deployer and where there is the potential for issues of fatigue this should be reflected in the risk assessment with the appropriate controls put in place. In many cases this will be as done as part of the ongoing review process and will be influenced by the individual on the ground that the Risk Assessment directly relates to.

 

Issues of competence (skill, knowledge and experience of both the craft skills and the environment), possession of relevant personal protective equipment (PPE) and an adequate period of rest since the last deployment.

 

No. However, it may be desirable in order that it may, if required, be shared with the owner/occupier of the location or used as a refresher for those deployed and importantly to be available as part of any review process that prompts updates.

 

Very relevant they have been prepared by competent people that live/work in that environment all the time and as such will be familiar with all related hazards and the appropriate controls to reduce the hazards to an acceptable level. In most cases there can be no better guidance to people new to that situation.

 

Yes, for Hostile Environments and other specific training as determined by local management. The law requires relevant training to be carried out appropriate to the task and a court judgement stated that safety knowledge and understanding is an integral part of a total competence package for individuals or companies.

 

This is granted through Facilities Management (JCI) via their filming consent form.  A full risk assessment must also be submitted before approval will be granted.