Safety in the Studio
Safety is a very personal matter—the behaviour of the individual affects everyone. Safety is the result of anticipation, care and sensible regulations. It is a good policy to have someone specifically responsible for safety. Some studio hazards are detailed here, but always watch for others as well. Health and Safety at Work legislation must be observed.
Fire
This is a major subject in itself and the advice of the local fire authority is recommended when considering the many factors involved. All studios must comply with the local building regulations.
Large studios have a fire lane about one metre wide around the studio perimeter. This is a non-acting area and no equipment or scenery is allowed to remain in it. It provides unobstructed access to the studio exits. In the smaller studios this may not be entirely practical because of space lost, but there must always be unobstructed areas to two exits. Any actual fire used in the studio should be stringently supervised, with the fire-fighting apparatus at the ready.
Electrical
Special safety regulations have to be observed if more than one phase of the mains supply is present in the studio. This is because a high voltage exists (415 V for a 250 V supply or 400 V for a 230 V supply) between any two phases—and this can be lethal! All metalwork associated with electrical equipment should be earthed (grounded). All electrical equipment should be fitted with a correctly wired 3-core mains lead. Where domestic electrical equipment and musical instruments are fitted with a 2-wire mains lead, an isolating transformer should be used.
Safety bonds
Luminaires should be tightly clamped to the lighting suspension system, and must be fitted with wire safety bonds. All accessories (e.g. barndoors) must be safety bonded to the luminaire, unless they are captive.
Tripping accidents
The most common trip is over cables on the floor. All cables crossing main access ‘lanes’ to the studio exits should have portable cable ramps over them.
Lifting
Staff with back troubles abound in television studios. All staff should be given adequate training on how to lift correctly. If possible staff should be given first aid training including artificial resuscitation.
Unstable items
It is all too easy to rest a ladder against a wall, inadequately support a scenic flat raise a heavy lamp high on an unweighted lighting stand. But the unguarded moment will come, when the unstable hazard falls—pulled by a cable perhaps—and then it is too late to think about SAFETY!
The isolating transformer prevents the possibility of electrical shock from equipment-to-earth contact. Its case and electrostatic screen must be earthed. The secondary winding must not be earthed, and must have correctly rated fuses (1) in each leg.
B. Safety bonds
Wire safety bonds should be fitted to all suspended and overhead equipment. Luminaires and their attachments are bonded as we see here.
C. Cable-ramp
This typical cable-ramp (cover) in wood or glass-fibre, about a metre (3 ft) long, protects cables and prevents trip-over accidents.
D. Weight handling
Get into the habit of lifting objects safely. (2) Knees bent, (3) palm grip (not just fingers), (4) chin in, (5) straight back, (6) elbows in. If the object is heavy, get assistance.