When working with studio equipment, there are many risks to
be aware of. Most of these hazards can
be avoided if you take your time and ensure safety in the studio you are
working in.
Not only do you need to consider the safety of yourself and the
equipment, but also the safety of anyone else that may be there with you. They will likely be unaware of any potential
risks and will be inexperienced within a studio environment, therefore, it is
wise to have a safety checklist every time you work in a studio whether it is
within a professional studio or on location.
• You
are working with electricity which can be extremely dangerous, therefore always
ensure your electrical equipment is safety tested by a qualified
electrician. Equipment can overheat so
you need to be aware of this at all times and ensure it is switched off when
not in use. It’s worth having a fire
extinguisher handy and ensure you have a working telephone in case you need to
call the emergency services.
• Always
ensure your cables are long enough and are taped to the floor to prevent anyone
tripping over them, injuring themselves and damaging expensive equipment. A good habit to have is taping the cable to
the bottom of the light stand. This way,
if anyone does happen to trip, it will slide the light across the floor rather
than pulling it over.
• Ensure
covers are kept over the light bulbs where possible to prevent anyone touching
them and sustaining burns.
• Minor
personal injuries could happen such as cuts, bruises, trips, falls, and for
this reason, always ensure you have a first aid box with you, or at least know
where it is located.
• Always
use a stable ladder that is the correct height for your requirements if you
need to reach something up high. Never stand on a table or chair.
• Ensure
backgrounds are taped to the floor along the edges and corners – you don’t want
anyone tripping over, damaging equipment or worse, filing a claim against you
for personal injury!
• Ensure
you have liability insurance in place.
If you follow good health & safety practises, you should not
encounter a court claim, but in case you do, this insurance will cover you. It is also wise to purchase the correct level
of insurance for your equipment.
The Phoblographer’s Checklist on
How to Not Kill Yourself in a Photo Studio
(no date). The Phoblographer’s Checklist on How to Not Kill Yourself in a Photo
Studio - The Phoblographer. Available at:
http://www.thephoblographer.com/2011/04/01/the-phoblographers-checklist-on-how-to-not-kill-yourself-in-a-photo-studio/#.VONRHk1ya70
(Accessed: 17 February 2015).
