SAFETY

Camera Crane Safety Guidelines

1. Only the Key or Dolly Grip should be consulted as to the adequacy of any specific equipment for a particular sequence or shot given the prevailing conditions.

2. No fewer than two people should be separately designated as crew for any crane.

3. Preparation of the equipment chosen and support surfaces should only be under the control of a Grip experienced in its use, and whom Key Grip has designated. Only this person shall give movement orders thereafter.

a) Under no circumstances should any person or equipment be added to, or removed from, a crane without permission of the Grip in charge.

b) A crane should not be left unattended while being prepared for use, or while in use.

4. The following precautions should always be taken while using a crane:

a) Incomplete or damaged equipment should never be used.

b) No crane shall be used closer than the following distances from power lines:
750-150,000 volts: 3 meters (10 feet)
150,000-250,000: 4.5 meters (15 feet)
Over 250,000 volts:6 meters (20 feet)

c) When using a crane close to overhead obstructions or mounted on moving vehicles, ensure that adequate clearance is maintained at all times, taking special care with personnel involved in its use.

d) When using a crane on unstable surfaces, such as sand, a crane should be blocked in a way to prevent collapse if the surface shifts. This also applies to laying any supports or track over changing surfaces, such as sand to rock, or over grades (changes in height of the surface).

e) The crane base and pedestal should always be level and plumb before it is used.

f) Any riser used to raise a crane should be capable of supporting the weight of the crane and the personnel using it. It should also be adequately braced against collapse, taking the surface conditions into account.

g) Tracking surfaces should be properly laid and constructed in accordance with supplier's/manufacturers recommendations.

h) The crane arm should never be left unbalanced.

i) If uncoated lead ingots are being used as weights, workers should wear gloves before handling them.

5. Clear announcements and warnings of the intended moves and times should be given to all persons likely to be in the vicinity of a moving crane.

a) No one should pass under either arm of a crane without permission of the Grip in charge.

b) The Grip in charge should ensure that persons riding the crane use seats and safety belts.

6. The use of a crane should be noted in the safety section of the Call Sheet with the following note attached: "A camera crane will be used on scene#... Please keep its working radius clear of people and equipment and respond to the requests of the Grip in charge.