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DANGERS TO AVOID ON SET

Falling

Falls are the single most common injury-producing accident on film sets. Often these falls are the result of haste and/or not utilizing proper safety measures such as fall restraint systems, nets, and guardrails. Use appropriate fall protection equipment whenever you are working greater than 30 inches above the floor. Unprotected work areas such as holes, platforms, elevated surfaces, floor openings, cliffs, etc. require the use of approved fall protection measures.

  • Pepperdine students are never allowed to shoot on any rooftops.

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FILMING IN VEHICLES

  • Moving Vehicles, Boats, Trains/Railroads, and Aircrafts are not permitted in Pepperdine Productions.

  • Air Balloons and Drones are not permitted in Pepperdine Productions.

  • No watercraft is permitted in Pepperdine Productions.

  • No trains or railroads are permitted in Pepperdine Productions.

  • No filming 50 feet above ground, underground, or under water.

  • No high valued, Antique or Specialty Autos are permitted in Pepperdine Productions.

  • No car chases, crashes or other dangerous scenes are permitted in Pepperdine Productions.

  • Filming in, around, or from vehicles is not permitted without prior production approval.

  • No filming within a moving vehicle is permitted. May only film in a stationary picture vehicle.

  • Shooting on ANY public street, thoroughfare, road, highway or freeway; or near enough to any such roadway so as to present a “distraction and/or disturbance” is prohibited by local,State and/or Federal law without the proper permits and safety procedures.

  • Tow shots are not permitted. The use of an insert car or another vehicle to tow a picture car is not allowed in any student film.

  • Filmmakers are required to observe all state, local and federal vehicle codes at all times.

  • Filmmakers are not empowered to direct or control traffic in any way. The law prohibits controlling or limiting the natural flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a public thoroughfare. Budget for adequate police assistance if necessary.

  • Students should use the following options for interior car shooting that does NOT involve a moving vehicle:

    • “Poorman's Process” – Simulates the look of moving when the car is actually standing still.

      • Green Screen

      • Projected background images

 

Hyperthermia

When the body gains or retains more heat than it loses, the result is called hyperthermia or high core temperature, which can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs and could decrease the chances of survival. Elevated air temperatures and humidity, working around hot machinery, vigorous work activity, absence of a breeze or wind or exposure to direct sunlight can all contribute to overheating. To prevent hyperthermia, drink plenty of water, wear cool clothing, take frequent breaks, and find a cool shady place to rest.

 

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are caused by the loss of electrolytes in the blood and muscle tissue through sweating. The primary symptoms of heat cramps are: Painful muscle spasms or cramping of skeletal muscles, such as the arms and leg, or involuntary muscles such as abdominal muscles or both.

 

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion, also called heat prostration or heat collapse, is the most common serious illness caused by heat. Symptoms may include: Nausea, feeling cold/wet or clammy, dizziness, grayish skin color, headache, disorientation, blurred vision. Heat exhaustion may come on suddenly as fainting and collapse. This is especially true if the crew or cast member has been sitting or standing for long periods of time with little movement. The vital signs may be normal, although the pulse is often rapid. Treatment includes:

  • Removal from the heat

  • Seek medical attention and / or call 911

  • Replenish fluids

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Heatstroke

Heatstroke is the least common but most serious heat illness caused by heat exposure. It is caused by a severe disturbance in the heat regulating mechanism of the body and is a true medical emergency. Left untreated, heatstroke may result in death. Treatment includes:

  • Seek medical attention and / or call 911.

  • Remove from heat immediately and lie on back with feet elevated.

  • Start aggressive cooling with wet cloths, alcohol wipes or immersion into tepid water.

  • Transport to a medical facility.

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General Precautions for Hot Environments

Fluid replacement is the most important thing a person can do to prevent heat related illnesses. Alternate between water and fluids with electrolytes and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Use sunscreen, wear long loose sleeved shirts and pants and a wide brim hat.

 

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is reduced body temperature that happens when a body dissipates more heat than it absorbs. In mild hypothermia there is shivering and mental confusion. In moderate hypothermia shivering stops and confusion increases. In severe hypothermia, there may be paradoxical undressing, in which a person removes his or her clothing, as well as an increased risk of the heart stopping. Efforts to increase body temperature involve shivering, increased voluntary activity, and putting on warmer clothing. Hypothermia may be diagnosed based on either a person’s symptoms in the presence of risk factors or by measuring a person’s core temperature. The treatment of mild hypothermia involves warm drinks, warm clothing, and physical activity.

 

Indigenous Critters

Special safety considerations must be taken when working on locations where various indigenous critters may be present. It is also production’s responsibility to assure the safety of the indigenous critters in the filming area.

 

Snakes

Always look where you are putting your feet and hands. Never reach into a hole, crevices in rock piles, under rocks, or dark places where a snake may be hiding. If you need to turn over rocks, use a stick. Attempt to stay out of tap grass. Walk in cleared spots as much as possible. Be cautious when picking up equipment, coiled cables, and bags left on the ground. On hot summer days, rattlesnakes can become nocturnal and come out at night when you do not expect it. Care should be taken when working outside day or night.

 

If Bitten

Seek immediate medical attention, immediately immobilize the body part affected, attempt to note the time and area of body bitten. Do not apply a tourniquet, incise the wound, or attempt to suck out the venom. Do not allow the victim to engage in physical activity.

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