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Industry Wide
Labor-Management Safety Committee
Safety Bulletin
#17
Water Hazards
The following procedures
are recommended for all water work, including, but not limited to: ponds,
rivers, lakes, swamps, bogs, oceans, pools, and tanks, or any other
unduly wet work environment.
- When working on a body
of water is contemplated, the Producer should identify and make known
prior to actual filming, all available knowledge regarding: currents;
and natural and man made hazards, including sub-surface objects, underwater
life and contamination. Upstream activities, such as dams, waste disposal
sites, agriculture, chemical plant dumping sites, flash flood dangers,
etc. should also be evaluated. If a potential safety hazard is found
to exist, the Producer should take appropriate steps to mitigate the
hazard.
- Prior to personnel entering
a body of water, a determination should be made that the water quality
meets the applicable regulatory standards for "recreational full
body contact". This determination may be made by one or more
of the following: direct water sampling, contact local health authorities
and/or detailed other knowledge of the uses and water sources supplying
the body of water. Water sampling results and acceptable water quality
criteria shall be made available upon request.
NOTE: When it is
determined that a body of water is contaminated or hazardous, the contamination
or hazard should be neutralized or the site shall be avoided.
- Extreme care should be
taken regarding dangerous marine life, including reptiles.
- When necessary for personnel
to work in fast-moving rivers, downstream safety pickup personnel
and safety equipment should be stationed for downstream emergency
rescue.
- Where boating traffic
is anticipated, all precautions, including those mandated by the appropriate
authorities, will be enforced. (See Safety Bulletin #15 –Guidelines
for Boating Safety for Film Crews).
- All personnel scheduled
for water work shall be notified in advance via the Call Sheet. Personnel
who are uncomfortable working in or around water should notify their
supervisor prior to that day’ s call.
- All personnel working
in or around water shall be provided with the appropriate water safety
devices. (See Safety Bulletin #7-Scuba Equipment Recommendations
for the Motion Picture Industry).
- The Producer should take
steps to prevent hypothermia (elevated body temperature) and hypothermia
(reduced body temperature).
- All personnel should
be advised to keep all potential contaminants away from the water,
including: paints, thinners, repellents, gasoline, oils, etc.
- Provisions for post-immersion
washing should be available.
- When necessary, the Producer
should implement a plan to account for personnel in the water, such
as a "buddy" or a check in/check out system
- Special care must be
used whether AC or DC electricity is used in or around water. All
electrical cables and lights in close proximity to water shall be
properly secured to prevent tipping and falling. All wiring, electrical
equipment and devices that will, or may be, subject to a submerged
condition should be approved for underwater use, be watertight, have
no exposed live connections and be constructed such that there is
no shock hazard under any likely conditions of use. All applicable
provisions of the National Electric Code should be followed. Local
regulations may be more restrictive and should be consulted.
- AC electrical-supplied
equipment that will be used in or around water should be protected
by an approved ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) intended for
the protection of personnel.
- All electrical connections
should be made by, or under the supervision of, a qualified person.
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