Golden Rule

No shot is worth someone’s safety. If you see danger, stop. Anyone — crew, cast, PA — has the right to call “cut.”

1. General Safety
   • Start every day with a safety meeting — review hazards, exits, bathrooms, emergency contacts.
   • Use call sheets as safety cards — include maps, call times, emergency numbers, and nearest hospital.
   • Work reasonable hours — follow Brent’s Rule: no more than 12 hours on set, then 12 hours off.
   • Keep a tidy set — tape down cables, clear walkways, never block exits, keep food/drink away from gear.
   • No pranks or roughhousing — stay focused and avoid distractions.
2. Clothing & Personal Protection
   • Shoes: closed-toe only — no sandals, heels, or barefoot.
   • Clothing: avoid loose sleeves/jewelry; tie back long hair.
   • Gloves: bring durable work gloves for grip/lighting/construction.
   • Eye/Ear protection: goggles for debris or fans, earplugs for loud environments.
3. Electrical & Equipment Safety
   • Don’t overload outlets — use surge protectors or distro boxes.
   • Lights get hot — let them cool before moving; wear gloves.
   • Sandbag every stand — lights, tripods, and C-stands must be weighted down.
   • Lift with your legs and ask for help with heavy gear.
   • No untrained rigging or rewiring — ask for help if unsure.
4. Locations & Environment
   • Scout ahead — note hazards, terrain, weather, restrooms, parking.
   • Keep exits/fire lanes clear — never block doors or signage.
   • Fire safety — have extinguishers ready when using lights, stunts, or effects.
   • Plan for weather — hydration and shade in heat, warm gear in cold.
   • Be aware of surroundings — watch for uneven ground, traffic, critters, or unsafe structures.
5. Special Circumstances
   • Stunts & fights: plan, choreograph, rehearse slowly. Hold special safety meetings.
   • Props & weapons: treat all as real. No live weapons; assign a handler/prop master.
   • Intimacy: discuss boundaries, gain consent, consider an intimacy coordinator.
   • Ladders: inspect before use, maintain 3 points of contact, use a spotter, never overreach.
6. Emergencies
   • First aid kit — required on set. Assign someone to manage it.
   • Emergency info on call sheets — nearest hospital, fire, police with addresses/phones.
   • Stop work if unsafe — anyone can call it out.
   • End-of-day safety — if too tired to drive, speak up and arrange a ride or rest.