Fall Protection and Fall Arrest Systems for the Film/Stunt and Movie Industry
Whilst it is all too evident that fall protection measures need to be taken in industries such as construction, transport and aerospace industries, there are other types of occupation where working at height presents a risk of falling and gives rise to the need for fall protection measures to be implemented. One of those occupations is the film industry.
The risk of falling from a height can affect many of those who are on a film set or are filming on location. The actors and actresses and/or their stunt doubles must have adequate fall protection, as should those responsible for constructing sets at height, the camera crew, sound technicians and lighting engineers. In fact, virtually all the personnel who are involved in the filming of a production at a height may find themselves to be at risk of falling and requiring fall protection.
A Risk Assessment Is a Must When Working from Heights
Depending on the nature of the particular production, working in the film industry can involve working at a height which, if a fall occurs, can be hazardous. A suitable risk assessment before set construction and filming should identify the degree and nature of any risk involved and which of the types of fall protection measure should be implemented to protect the film workers.
Types of Fall Protection in the Film Industry
It is essential, whenever a member of the cast, crew or production team is to be working at height, to carry out a thorough appraisal of the risk involved and to implement fall protection measures.
When acting at a height, constructing or dismantling sets, stages and light and sound systems the types of fall protection that should be considered are:
- Guard Rails – The use of secure guard rails can prevent a film worker from falling from the edge of an elevated structure or surface. The guard rails should be of a sufficient height to ensure that the worker cannot fall over them.
- Securing of Ladders and Scaffolding – Where work is to be carried out on ladders or temporary scaffolding, these need to be secured, by tying down, to ensure that they do not move and cause the worker to fall. Ladders should only be used on firm, level surfaces. These types of precaution are a particularly requirement for set workers and lighting and sound engineers.
- Anchorage – Anchoring the film worker securely, by a wire rope or synthetic sling, will also provide fall protection by preventing a fall completely or limiting the distance of the fall.
- Body Harness – A body harness can prevent a vertical fall by a film worker and can also reduce the physical harm sustained if the worker does fall and has to be suspended by the harness.
- Safety Nets – Safety nets, whilst not preventing falls, can protect a film worker from the injuries that would otherwise be caused by falling from a height onto a hard surface.
- Fall Cushioning Materials – There are a range of fall protection products that can shield a film worker from the effects of a fall. There are especially suitable for limited spaces where there is insufficient room to erect a safety net.
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Other Industries We Serve
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Construction
Fall-Pac has been protecting workers from heights since 2004 and has worked with many of the UK’s largest house builders and construction firms.
Transport
Fall-Pac’s Transport Safety System range has been specifically designed to protect workers from the risks associated with the haulage and transport industries.
Aerospace
Fall-pac works with a number of clients within the Aerospace industry. The flexibility and manoeuvrability of the Fall-pac unit makes it ideal for use in this industry where space is at a premium.
Port Authorities
Our units are used by a number of leading Port Authorities to provide additional protection to contractors and employees working on-site.
Film/Stunt
Most recently our Fall-Pac units have been used on well-known film sets, offering on set protection for the stunt teams during filming.
Utilities
Our Fall-Pac units are used frequently in the utilities sector to ensure the safety of their contractors and employees.