Studio Safety Procedures and Guidelines

Milford High School

Video Production
Television Production Studio & Editing
Stations



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Table of Contents

Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................2

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................3

General Safety Rules .......................................................................................................................4

The Impact of Getting Hit ...............................................................................................................5

Electrical Hazards ............................................................................................................................5

Storage ............................................................................................................................................6

Ladders............................................................................................................................................6

Stepladders, Lighting Ladders and Lifts ..........................................................................................6

Hands .............................................................................................................................................7

Five Basic Rules to Remember .......................................................................................................7

Websites for Reference …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

Introduction

It is no fun being injured or disabled. The Staff and Administration at Milford High
School do NOT want to see any of our students get hurt during the course of their
education in Technology or Broadcast Video Production. This safety program of rules,
procedures and suggestions was developed to help YOU, the student, work under safer,
more desirable conditions.

In order for this, or any other program to be successful, THE RULES MUST BE FOLLOWED
and the suggestions taken seriously. Cooperation is a big factor in safety. You must be
constantly aware of your fellow students’ actions as well as your own. Only in this way
can we have a safe place in which to study, work, learn, and create.

These rules, procedures, and suggestions will help make sure your time with MHS Video
Production is a positive, happy, accident-free learning experience.

General Studio Safety Rules

1. NO HORSEPLAY of any kind around cameras, props, scenery or equipment.

2. No running with scenery, props or any studio equipment.
3. Only ONE PERSON on a ladder at a time
4. Pick up heavy objects by squatting down and lifting with the legs rather than bending
over and using your back.
5. Two or more persons are to be used to carry a load when its size and weight demand it.
6. Unauthorized personnel must not attempt to repair or test electrical equipment.
7. When the studio is not in use, secure all equipment with cables coiled out of the way.
This prevents trips and falls, especially by visitors unfamiliar with the studio.
8. Do not stack cases, props, boxes or crates so they might fall.
9. Do not leave “S”-hooks, C-clamps or tools on ladders. They could cause a fall.
10. ALWAYS USE GLOVES when removing or replacing hot bulbs (lamps) from studio lighting
units.

TURN YOUR HEAD AWAY when pulling a bulb (lamp) from its socket. Because television
lights get so hot, NEVER touch a quartz-halogen, tungsten or HMI bulb with your hands!
Naturally occurring skin oil will cause the lamp to overheat and melt, or EXPLODE.

11. When pushing something, use your leg muscles. When pulling something, use your back
and arm muscles. Pushing instead of pulling prevents back sprains and muscle injuries.
12. When walking in the studio and especially when carrying loads that obstruct your vision,
be careful not to trip over cables and electrical extension cords lying on the floor. Be
sure to warn others of this danger.
13. If water, oil or any other liquid falls on the floor, wipe it up immediately. Wet spots
cause falls.
14. If any cords are on the floor and will need to be there for an extended amount of time,
tape down the cords or secure them out of the way.
15. Do not have food, drinks, or candy in the lab, near any equipment, in the control room,
or studio.
16. Wear clothing that is appropriate for the job. Wear shoes that enclose the foot. Avoid
sandals and slip on shoes when operating equipment that moves or rolls like studio
cameras.
17. Only operate the equipment in dry surroundings. Do not operate or plug in any
electrical equipment while you are on a wet surface. Keep the equipment dry. Do not
operate the cameras in the rain.
18. Be sure the vents and openings on any piece of equipment are uncovered and not
blocked in any way. The vents and slots in the cabinet are necessary for ventilation and
protect the equipment from overheating.
19. Keep audio at a safe listening level. The audio is too loud if you have to shout so
someone five feet away from you can hear you speak. Turn the volume down. Use
headphones when possible.

The Impact of Getting Hit

1. Stay out from underneath suspended loads and overhead work.

2. Stand clear when you hear warnings from someone working overhead.
3. Warn unauthorized personnel away from the danger areas.
4. Take care that tools or other materials do not fall from overhead work.
5. When operating a camera in the field, keep one eye open to watch for hazards and one
ear tuned to listening for warning sounds of approaching hazards.

Electrical Hazards

1. Be on the lookout for worn electrical insulation.

2. Do not plug in or operate any piece of equipment that has a damaged cord or exposed
electrical wire. Report a damaged cord to the teacher.
3. Keep all switchboxes and fuse boxes closed.
4. NEVER let electrical cords get wet with water or oil.
5. Report overheating electrical equipment at once.
6. DO NOT tinker with electricity or attempt to repair electrical equipment unless it is your
job.
7. Make sure you know the proper TYPE of fire extinguisher for electrical fires, WHERE it is
located and HOW to use it.
8. In case of fire, notify the teacher immediately. If you are using a fire extinguisher, aim it
at the base of the fire from about 8-feet away. Avoid inhalation of the fumes.
9. When outside, use plastic bags and electrical tape to protect connections from water.
10. Always tie an overhand knot at the connection between two electrical extension cords.

Storage

1. Be certain that everything is in its proper place.

2. Do not attempt to remove or replace objects in high places that are too heavy or too
large for you to handle.
3. Keep aisles and walkways clear
4. Watch out for other props, scenery and equipment when moving items in and out of
storage areas.

Ladders

1. Be sure your ladder is resting on a firm, skid-proof base. When possible, have a second
person steady the ladder.
2. Do NOT overreach while on a ladder. It is easier and safer to climb down and move the
ladder over a few feet.
3. Face the ladder and grip firmly with both hands while climbing and descending. Never
try to climb or descend too fast.
4. Check ladder rungs AND your shoes for any mud, grease or slippery substances.
5. Keep metal ladders away from electrical cords and connections to avoid a shocking
experience.
6. Always use the correct size and type of ladder for the job.
7. Make sure your ladder is in good, safe mechanical condition.

Stepladders, Lighting Ladders and Lifts

1. Always open the ladder wide enough so that the spreader locks itself in the open
position.
2. NEVER stand on the top rung of a stepladder. Always use a ladder that is tall enough to
let you stand at least two steps below the top rung.
3. Always make certain that the feet of the ladder are on a firm, level foundation.
4. NEVER lean a stepladder against a wall and use it as a straight ladder.
5. Resist the temptation to overreach when on a ladder. It’s much safer to climb down and
move the ladder to the proper location.
6. NEVER use a defective ladder. Resist the urge to patch up a ladder with wires or
makeshift steps “until we get another one.”
7. Do not leave anything lying on a ladder. A serious fall could result.
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Hands

1. Before handling materials, inspect for slivers, jagged edges, burrs, rough or slippery
surfaces. Materials in those conditions should be reported.
2. Get a firm grip on the object.
3. Keep the fingers away from pinch points, especially when setting materials down on the
floor or against walls, posts, or other materials.
4. Wipe off greasy, wet, slippery or dirty objects before handling them.
5. Keep hands free of oil and grease.
6. Always wear any protective equipment that is recommended for the job.
7. Treat cuts and burns to the hands and fingers immediately!
8. Do not touch the electrical switches or the equipment with wet hands.
9. Do not insert your hands or other objects into the openings or vents in any piece of
equipment; you could shock yourself, short out the equipment, or damage parts.

Five Basic Rules to Remember

1. No horseplay with props or equipment.

2. No running with props, scenery, flats or equipment.
3. Two persons are to be used when the size and weight of a load demand it.
4. Do not tinker with technical electronic equipment while “hot” unless you have been
trained to do so or are being instructed by the engineer/teacher. At no time are power
tools or test equipment to be used by students unless authorized by the teacher.
5. Report all unsafe conditions, equipment and people to the teacher. If you see someone
being unsafe, you are permitted to inform that person immediately and the teacher
later. You have a responsibility to do your part to keep from being injured. Some of the
ways you can achieve this have been presented to you in this booklet. Your cooperation
will protect YOU.

Selected Websites
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Resources : www.doe.mass.edu/bullying

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov

EnvironmentalProtectionAgency: www.epa.gov

“Lost Youth – Four Stories of Injured Young Workers”– WorkSafeBC:

http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/Multimedia/Videos.asp?reportid=34291

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. (2011).

Career/Vocational Technical Education Safety Guide: www.doe.mass.edu/cte

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: www.doe.mass.edu

MassachusettsEmergencyManagementAgency: www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema

MassachusettsGeneralLaw: www.malegislature.gov

MassachusettsHealthandHumanServices: www.mass.gov/dph

Massachusetts Right to Know Law Summary:

http://www.mass.gov/lwd/docs/dos/mwshp/hib397.pdf

SafetyDataSheet: www.sdsonline.com

NationalFireProtectionAssociation: www.nfpa.org

Protection of Student Rights: Massachusetts General Law:

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter76/Section5

Occupational Safety and Health Administration: www.osha.gov

Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools: www.rems.ed.gov

Safe and Healthy Learning Environments: www.doe.mass.edu/ssce/safety.html

For teacher of VRTV

1.A.01 Describe and apply health and safety regulations.
Performance Examples:

 List and define OSHA Health and Safety Regulations, EPA and other
environmental protection regulations to occupational area.

 List and define Right-to-Know regulations and reporting of hazards

and contact information for appropriate health and safety agencies.

 List the laws and rules of regulatory agencies governing sanitation and
safety.

 Utilize OSHA as well as health and safety websites for purposes of

research.

1.A.02 Demonstrate appropriate health and safety practices based
on the specific occupational area.
Performance Examples:

 Identify, describe and demonstrate the use of SDS.

 List and demonstrate shop dress code, safety procedures and

location of emergency equipment in labor classroom.

 Define and demonstrate safe storage and maintenance of

equipment and proper disposal or recycling of hazardous,
flammable and combustible materials.

 Identify, describe and demonstrate the Universal Precautions set

of guidelines.
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1.A.03 Demonstrate appropriate responses to situations that may

threaten health and safety.
Performance Examples:

 Define first aid procedures and protocols used to handle emergency

situations and practices used to avoid accidents.

 View safety videos and discuss the role of workplace safety.

 Attend or participate in a human rights alliance organization

presentation.

 Observe and/or demonstrate the appropriate use of a fire

extinguisher using the (PASS) technique: Pull, Aim, Squeeze,
Sweep.

 Review and discuss specific policies, procedures and protocols

regarding discrimination, harassment and bullying.

 Discuss and/or role-play proper and respectful behavior that

contributes to a positive climate.

 Discuss and/or demonstrate behavior that contributes to a

collaborative/teamwork environment.