Great, you’ve completed Pre-Production!

Now to
move into the set! But…. Can you move in safely?
Production Design is more than just planning and creating a set/environment. Its about
being able to do all of it, but in a safe way.

The thing about any working environment, especially a film set, is that it can be very
hazardous if you don’t do something correctly. These hazards can refer to things like
using power tools but can also be a seemingly simple thing like moving a heavy object.

You may think, ‘How can I move something incorrectly?’ One possibility which is a
common issue many people do for example is – lifting a heavy object using their back
instead of their legs.

For this workshop, you will be introduced to some of the potential hazards you may
encounter as a Production Designer, and how to effectively prevent them.
General tips and Procedures to keep in mind
1. Assess your surroundings – Ensure that there are no loose cables or obstructions
that may cause tripping hazards.

2. Consider your task - If the task requires you to move an item that looks too large
to do alone, ask for assistance. It helps if you have a partner/team to help you.

3. Communication and Focus – Staying focused and aware of your surroundings

will prevent any lapse in judgement leading to accidents. Clear communication to
your partner/team, will also effectively decrease the chances of an accident.

Example: When passing an item to your teammate always ensure you ask if they have ‘got
it’ before releasing your gasp of the object. If they do not respond with confirmation do not
release your grip.
General tips and Procedures continued.
4. Ensure that your awareness is not compromised or impaired – Always ensure
that you are well rested so you can function at your absolute best.

5. The consumption of any substance that might cause the impairment of

awareness and the ability to make decisions effectively and safely is absolutely
forbidden. This can have very serious consequences.

6. Keep a neat and organised work space – This links back to the first point,
always ensure all items being used are kept in an organised central/localised
space. Not only will this ensure there are no tripping hazards but also make
finding items quick and effective.
 General tips and Procedures continued.
7. Sand Bags on Flats – It is imperative to always ensure that there are enough sand bags on
the A-frames [braces] of your flats. Generally there should be no less than two (2) sand
bags per A-frame. The sand bags act as counter weights to ensure that the flats are secure
and do not fall. Always ensure that no sand bags are removed from the flats.

8. Power of 3 – When doing any Set related work, always have two other team members
with you. Not only is it effective to have more hands helping to get a job done, but also
should any accident occur, such as falling off a ladder, there will be a member to stay
with you whilst the other goes to seek help.

9. Tape those cables! – If you are running any extension cords/leads for whatever reason,
always make sure they are taped down and secured to prevent any tripping hazards from
occurring.
The most obvious and common of all the general tips and safety rules is to be
careful. Pay attention to what you are doing and do not rush.

Much like any skill, you will learn how to effectively complete tasks through
repetition. However, with repetition comes the ability to do the task with
inattention, to do it passively without thinking. This can be especially dangerous
on a film set as the impairment of your conscious thought can lead to an accident
to happen.

Being careful means being careful all the time. You can be careful for years and
then get hurt in two seconds of inattention. This is entirely under your own
control. Being careful is your best defense against injury.
 There may come a time where you might need to make use of a ladder for one of your productions.
Should that situation arise, you will need to know how to use a ladder correctly, safely and
effectively. The incorrect use of a ladder can lead to serious injury. Below are some general notes
when using a ladder.

1. When using a ladder there must be someone holding/supporting the

base at all times. This is to ensure effective stability and support is kept
whilst climbing.

2. If you have any fear of heights or any form of vertigo, do not climb a
ladder.

3. Always inspect the ladder for any damages that might affect the stability
or any kind of comprise to its safe use.

4. Never carry anything up the ladder that may impair your ability to stay
balanced.

5. Do not climb to the top step of the ladder – this will compromise the
balance of the ladder and yourself.

6. Always ensure the ladder is placed on a flat stable surface with no

obstructions underneath that could cause further injury were you to fall.
Basic tool Safety and considerations
While you might only be introduced to tool use later in your
DTC career, it is never too early to get an introduction to some
of the safety procedures. It is also important to understand that
PPE [Personal Protective Equipment] is essential in any
working environment for safety.
Always wear appropriate clothing on set. Closed shoes are a
must!
Hands are the most susceptible part of self to injury when
working with tools. This is why it is imperative to always stay
alert when you have a tool in hand or near by. Pay attention to
the task at hand and do not allow yourself to get distracted nor
should you distract others.
Even relatively minor injuries to your hand can seriously impact
your ability to effectively work on set and must be avoided.
Screw Divers
When using a screw driver, always be sure to keep your
free hand away from the screw being fastened. There is
always the possibility that the screw driver might slip from
the groove and this can lead to the injury of your hand if
it is in the way.

Cutting
Always ensure that when using a matte knife/craft knife
that you are to never cut towards any part of yourself. To
avoid injury always cu away from yourself.
It helps if you have a cutting mat or other clear surface
you can cut on.
Hammer and Nails
The incorrect use of a hammer can cause some personal
injuries such as missing the nail and impacting your own
hand/finger. This can be avoided by ensuring your stay
focused on the task and object at hand and striking the
nail with precision at a safe pace.
Inspect the hammer before and after use for any
damages or loose grips/handles.
Always be sure to never use anything other than a
hammer for hammering in an object. It might be
tempting to use a rock or some other object. Using other
objects not designed for the purpose as a hammer is a
very common cause of injury.
DTC Competencies

Production Design Competencies 6 and 7 are to determine your

understanding of the general health and safety guidelines explored in
this workshop. The competencies require you to pass a multiple choice
questionnaire of the guidelines as well as demonstrate an ability to
move a large scale object safely and effectively.

6. Answer the questionnaire regarding general set safety procedures.

https://forms.office.com/r/pY25qTV4vq

7. Safely move a couch/bed across the room.