Unveiling the Hazards: Common Mistakes in Machine Guarding on Film and TV Sets

Machine guarding is crucial in every industry, including the fast-paced world of film and television production. Under OSHA's §1910.212 regulation, all machines must be guarded to protect operators and bystanders from moving parts. Yet, on film and TV sets, where creativity often meets chaos, several common oversights in machine guarding can lead to dangerous situations.

Ignoring Temporary Setups

On a film set, equipment is often moved and reconfigured rapidly. I've seen many instances where temporary setups are treated as less important for safety measures. However, any machine, no matter how briefly used, requires proper guarding. Ignoring this can lead to accidents, especially when crew members are focused on the next shot rather than the safety of the current setup.

Underestimating the Need for Training

Even with guards in place, if the crew isn't trained on how to use them correctly, the risk remains high. We often assume that everyone understands machine safety, but this is not always the case. Comprehensive training sessions on the importance of machine guarding and how to check for and maintain guards are essential. This training should be tailored to the specific machines used on set, ensuring everyone knows what to look for and how to react if a guard is missing or malfunctioning.

Overlooking Non-Obvious Hazards

Some machines on a set might not look dangerous at first glance, but they can pose significant risks. For example, camera dollies and lighting rigs often have moving parts that can be hazardous if not properly guarded. It's easy to overlook these because they're not traditional industrial machines, yet they require the same level of attention to safety.

Failure to Regularly Inspect and Maintain

Regular inspection and maintenance of machine guards are often neglected on busy sets. I've witnessed scenarios where guards were removed for a shot and not replaced due to time constraints. It's critical to have a system in place for ensuring that all guards are checked and maintained before, during, and after use. This includes having designated safety personnel responsible for these checks.

Relying on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Alone

While PPE is important, it should never be the sole line of defense against machine hazards. Some productions might mistakenly think that providing gloves or safety glasses is enough. However, machine guarding must be the primary safety measure, with PPE as an additional layer of protection.

Based on available research, individual results may vary, but the consensus among safety professionals is clear: proper machine guarding on film and TV sets is non-negotiable. For those looking to deepen their understanding of machine guarding standards, the OSHA website provides detailed guidelines on §1910.212.