Of all the things we do on a film set throughout our career working with electricity would have to be one of the most dangerous activities we do, yet we take it for granted and completely underestimate its power – pardon the pun.
Yes, at face value there are probably many things that spring to mind that you can say are far more dangerous, however none that are used or interfaced with as often as electricity is.
So why do we take it for granted? Is it because it’s such an intrinsic part of everyday life and the old saying is actually true that familiarity does breed contempt?
Well folks if you don’t know this already, this bitch bites back when toyed with, and the bite can be pretty nasty.
We operate within a fluid and dynamic industry, we move from location to location, in all different spaces. We work in private homes, businesses, heritage buildings ,even barns at times and each new space offers their own idiosyncrasies, problems and potential dangers.
Without confirmation from a certified electrician, there is really no way to tell how stable or safe the power might be in some of the properties or locations a production maybe working in at any given time.
Most productions employ a Gaffer* or TD (Technical Director) to oversee the set up and operation of all the lighting or power supply on set. They also control the usage of power either directly through the venue or via generators.
No one should access, disconnect or use any power on set without checking with the Gaffer first. Plugging in, piggy backing or disconnecting power on set can overload or create a power surge that can not only damage expensive and sensitive gear, but could also cause fires, injuries or death.
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
Even if you see a spare socket on the distribution board or in a GPO (General Power Outlet) it doesn’t mean you have carte blanche to help yourself and charge you phone or plug in a hair dryer, there could be a very good reason it’s not being used it may be faulty or the power supply may be close to its peak already and the LX team do not want to risk an over load – Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should, check, ask, get the right answer then you’ll know, don’t assume.
Work health and safety laws dictate that in all work areas, filming or not, on location, in a studio or on set, all electrical equipment that is to be used will need to be connected to systems with RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES fitted (earth leakage devices) otherwise, safety switches will need to be used. This requirement applies to all areas of the production including equipment used in areas such as the Production Office, Construction, Unit, Make-Up and Hair, Catering and Wardrobe departments.
There are various other requirements governing the safe use of electrical equipment in the film and television industry, such as regular testing and tagging of all electrical equipment including props and power cables that are to be used.
Electrical cables and/or cords across walkways and open areas that may have vehicular or other forms of damage-causing traffic (such as horses and heavy equipment) should be covered with cable ramps or rubber mats. This requirement applies to public access areas.
If it is not practical to cover the cables, then they should be supported overhead or buried in the ground. This applies to all areas such as the unit, catering, as well as the set.
The Electrics Department is responsible for the safe rigging of all lights, cables and electrical equipment pertaining to filming. All equipment must comply with the relevant Standards and regulations pertaining to the country of origin or the region the work is to be carried out.
When water is to be used on set, all cast, and crew should stay away from all Distribution Boards and any other potential electrical hazard. As much as practical or possible connections should be waterproofed, removed or kept well clear of the wet zones.
Where cranes, cherry pickers, scaffold towers or EWP’s (Elevated Work Platforms) are to be erected or used in close proximity to power lines, Workers and their equipment should be aware of restrictions and minimum clearance required depending on the voltage output on the power lines they are to work alongside of.
All in all basic safety protocols is what’s needed when it comes to working with electricity on set, when working on set take a moment to consider your own safety and the safety of your work mates before accessing any power.
Check with the Gaffer or a team member from the lighting crew before plugging anything in, it could not only save your job, it could save your life.
A quick FYI….
* “Gaffer” is an old slang term for “old man”. The Merriam Webster Dictionary states the first recorded use of gaffer dates from the 16th century, when it was used as a title of respect for an older gentleman. Later it was used as a generic noun for any elderly man, and then it picked up the sense “foreman” (still used in British English), perhaps because the foreman was the most experienced and, most likely, the oldest person in a work crew.
The Gaffer is actually the head electrician on a movie set. Originally in British theatre, the term was used to describe the man who adjusted the lighting, and that came from the city lamplighters who used a “gaff,” a pole with a hook on the end, to light the gas lamps in the streets.