VOXFILM
CAMERA CRANE SAFETY GUIDELINES
Only the Key or Dolly
Grip should be consulted as to the adequacy of any specific equipment
for a particular sequence or shot given the prevailing conditions

No fewer than two people
should be separately designated as crew for any crane

Preparation of the
equipment chosen and support surfaces should only be under the control
of a Grip experienced in its use, and who has been designated by the
Key Grip. Only this person shall give movement orders thereafter.

- Under no circumstances should any person or equipment be added
to, or removed from, a crane without the permission of the Grip in
charge.

- A crane should not be left unattended while being prepared for
use, or while in use.

The following
precautions should always be taken when using a crane:

- Incomplete or damaged equipment should never be used

- No crane shall be used closer than the following distances from
power lines: - 750 - 150,000 volts - 3 meters (10 feet)
- 150,000 - 250,000 volts - 4.5 meters (15 feet)
- over 250,000 volts - 6 meters (20 feet)

- When using a crane close to overhead obstructions or mounted on
moving vehicles, ensure that adequate clearance is maintained at all
times taking special care with personnel involved in its use.

- When using a crane on unstable surfaces, such as sand, a crane
should be blocked in a way to prevent collapse if the surface shifts.
This also applies to laying any supports or track over changing
surfaces, such as sand to rock, or over grades (changes in height of
the surface)

- The crane base and pedestal should always be level and plumb
before it is used

- Any riser used to raise a crane should be capable of supporting
the weight of the crane and the personnel using it. It should also be
adequately braced against collapse, taking the surface conditions into
account

- Tracking surfaces should be properly laid and constructed in
accordance with supplier's/manufacturer's recommendations

- The crane arm should never be left unbalanced

- If uncoated lead ingots are being used as weights, gloves
should be worn by workers before handling them

Clear announcements and
warnings of the intended moves and times should be given to all persons
likely to be in the vicinity of a moving crane

- No one should pass under either arm of a crane without
permission of the Grip in charge

- The Grip in charge should ensure that persons riding the crane
use seats and safety belts

The use of a crane
should be noted in the safety section of the Call Sheet with the
following note attached: "A camera crane will be used on sc#... Please
keep its working radius clear of people and equipment, and respond to
the requests of the Grip in charge