Risk Assessment

Risk assessment for filming

Carrying out a risk assessment is critical to ensure everyone is safe on set whilst filming and that everyone is aware of how to deal with a situation if anything goes wrong. 

Hazards	Level of risk (High, medium or low)	Controls to manage risk
1.       Tripping/falling off sea wall leading to possible injury.	High	Always hold on to the railings when and if sat on the sea wall or standing by it. Don’t jump or run near the sea wall. IF the ground is wet, which is likely, be cautious and slower than usual when walking. If someone falls get help to get back up and check if everything is okay, if not call for external help. If the sea is in a dangerous condition do not go near the sea wall at all. We will look at the weather and sea conditions before
2.       Tripping or bumping into things in a dimly lit or non lit street or alleyway leading to possible injury.	Medium	Make sure that if the actor or crew member is walking through these areas that are dimly or not at all lit that a torch is available (on a smart phone or a small pocket torch). If the area is dangerously wet may need the person to hold onto the wall when walking, avoid puddles or find another location to film in.
3.       Falling out of bed leading to possible injury.	Low	Ask the actor to keep as still in the bed as possible in order to reduce the risk of falling off. As well as this, ensure there are no trip hazards or loose sheets that are a potential danger around the area. Furthermore, we will ensure the actor is as far away from the edge of the bed as is possible.
4.       Filming near/ on a road may be dangerous if cars are not aware of actors or set railing leading to potential injury and crashes.	High	Before filming, make sure we are all fully certain that the road is clear. Stay as far off the centre of the road as possible and keep to the curb. If a car is approaching move out of the way, even when filming, and make sure you are visible (by wearing high visibility items or having some lights around each person so they are clearly visible).
5.       Tripping on the tripod/any other filming equipment leading to potential injury.	Medium	Ensure everyone is aware of the placement of the camera and tripod and when walking stay as far away from the objects as possible. Make sure these objects can be seen in full light at all times.
6.       Low outside temperatures leading to potential hypothermia.	Low	Ensure actors and crew members wear coats and other items (such as hats, gloves and scarves) when in cold conditions. Be aware of the temperature and weather before going on set.
7.       Crew and actors walking in the dark leading to potential injury.	Low	Ensure they’re fully aware of the surroundings and where they are going before filming. Have some light around to reduce risk of falling.

8. Smashing mirror with rock for opening sequence leading to potential injury.

High

We can make sure we stand as far aware from the mirror as possible when smashing it as to not receive injury from smashed glass backfiring onto us or anyone around. Make sure there are no surrounding pedestrians during the filming process. Furthermore, we must also make sure that the rocks we use for smashing are of a smaller size as to prevent personal injury as well as leaving them far away from the public footpath after filming has finished. Clean up all smashed glass from the area and dispose of it in a safe and hazard-less manner. Make sure the rock is thrown in the opposite direction to where any pedestrians may be oncoming.

People at risk: Students: 3                                                                                                               Non students: 2

Safe system of work – Control Measures required to avoid or minimise risk:

Before filming: -          Check the weather and sea conditions of the location. -          Ensure actors and crew wear sensible shoes suited to the conditions. -          Make sure actors and crew bring coats and warm accessories. -          Ensure if anyone is asthmatic brings and inhaler. -          Bring a torch or a smart phone that has a torch app on. -          Ensure actors are fully informed of the hazards and how to prevent or minimize them.

During filming: -          Talk everyone over precautions that are too be made before filming. -          Ensure everyone is aware of where equipment is to be placed. -          Make sure a calm atmosphere is maintained. -          Run through with actors what they will be doing and the dangers involved. -          Ensure that weather conditions do not affect crew members being able to be heard by actors when talking about matters concerning safety. -          Ensure that a mobile phone or phone box is available in case of an accident and the emergency services can be called.

After filming: -          Ensure every piece of equipment is put away safely and cautiously. -          Make sure the environment and location is left the same as it was found, no objects that could cause potenital injury to others should be left there.