Illuminations: Lighting Safety (page 2)

What do sandbags and safety chains have in common? They are two relatively inexpensive ways to prevent your lights crashing down around you. Any time you set up a light on a stand, you should place sandbags on the stand's legs to help stop the light falling. What about the wind when shooting outdoors? What about set pieces and cameras accidentally bumping them? An ounce (or several ounces in this case) of prevention goes a long way towards creating a safe set.

If you hang your lights from a grid above the set, place a safety chain over the grid, and attach it to the light in such a way that the light will not fall if the hanging mechanism fails.

One note of caution when working with hanging lights: be careful using ladders. Always place the ladder behind the light, and away from the talent, so that you can focus from behind the light, not in front. Also, make sure that your ladder is placed well below the light, so you don't hit that light when you move the ladder to go to the next setup.

Dr. Robert G. Nulph teaches video and film production at college level and is an independent video/film director.

When you are using lights, safety should be first, last and always on your mind. Lights are perhaps the most dangerous pieces of equipment you will use. Treat them with respect and care, and always be careful when setting up. A safe set is a comfortable set. Be safe and enjoy!

Figure A shows what a pull tab would look like when applied to the end of a wrap of gaffer's tape. Pull tabs help speed your breakdown after a shoot. Figure B and Figure C show you how to keep cords from tripping your crew. A final measure of safety, Figure D, helps keep the cord flat against the ground. Figure E adds additional protection from plugs being accidentally yanked from the outlet. Use the technique demonstrated in Figure F to remove the gaffer's tape applied in Figure D. Remember to only step lightly on the cord and don't pull too hard and too fast. Keep the carpet on the floor where it belongs.

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