Keeping Young Crew Safe Around Cables, Lights and Stairs

Walk the space first. Before anyone picks up a camera, take a slow walk through the filming location with the whole crew. Point out stairs, low doorways, slippery floors and anything that could fall. A minute of noticing saves a lot of trouble later.

Tame the cables. Loose cords are one of the easiest ways to trip on set. Run them along walls, tape them flat where people must walk, and keep them out of doorways. If a cable crosses a path, tell everyone out loud.

Respect the lights. Lamps can get very warm, and stands can tip. Keep lights on steady bases, place something heavy at the bottom of each stand, and let lamps cool before anyone touches them. Keep cloth, paper and curtains well away from the bulbs.

Take it slowly on stairs. Stairs make wonderful film locations and tricky work spaces. Never carry gear in a way that blocks your view of your feet. Ask a helper to spot you, and carry heavy items in more than one trip.

Give everyone a job that fits. Young crew members should do tasks suited to their size and experience. Let an adult handle anything heavy, high or electrical. Asking for help is a sign of a good crew member.

Rest and water. Tired, hungry crew make mistakes. Plan short breaks and keep water close.

Name a safety buddy. Pick one person who watches for hazards and has the final say to pause filming. This article shares general good practice only, so please follow the rules of your school or location and check with a responsible adult before you begin.