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Safety Bulletin

Guidelines

The term “Free Driving” applies to situations where the driver or a passenger of a vehicle is being photographed by cameras attached to the outside and/or inside the vehicle, or being handheld by a camera operator inside the vehicle. The term free driving also applies in situations when the camera is used to film external shots from in or on the vehicle. For example, during Free Driving the camera can be attached to the exterior of a vehicle with a door mount (hostess tray), a hood mount, or on a mechanical track system. As a result of unique vehicle configurations, equipment placement, personnel location and operations, potential risk factors may exist and should be addressed, as discussed below.

These guidelines do not cover insert car and/or process trailer operations. For those situations, refer to Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee Safety Bulletin #8 “Guidelines for Traditional Camera Cars” and/or #8, Addendum A “Process Trailer/Towed Vehicle” for guidance. Also refer to Safety Bulletin #37 “Vehicle Restraint Systems – Seat Belts & Harnesses” and #42 “Guidelines for Alternative Driving Systems”.

Considerations Before Engaging in Free Driving

Production shall consider all available options (including camera car, process trailer, alternative driving systems, etc.) and assess and make the determination that Free Driving is an appropriate method.

Driving safely is the first priority; acting and/or getting the shot is second. When safe operation of the vehicle is not possible, alternate means should be used, such as a process trailer or a tow vehicle.

Unsecured equipment poses a particular challenge. Hand-held cameras, equipment, and crew and actor placement should be considered to ensure the equipment will not become a projectile that could cause injury.

Other considerations for safe Free Driving include:

• Scene action (e.g. stunts, performance, and special effects)
• The ability of the driver to simultaneously perform, drive, and remain aware of any clearance required for rigging or equipment that extends beyond the vehicle body
• Controlled or uncontrolled environment (closed course versus open roads with Intermittent Traffic Control (ITC))
• Location permitting requirements, such as for road closures, ITC or driving grids.
• Type and condition of vehicle to be used
• Intended speed and maneuvers
• Operating the vehicle in close proximity to other vehicles
• Route conditions (e.g. curved, incline, crown, obstacles, clearances, length, width, paved, gravel, dirt, flat, hilly, wet, or slippery)
• Anticipated weather
• Airbags and other automatic devices may need to be deactivated for safety, depending on the placement of personnel and equipment (e.g. cameras, lights). NOTE: Only a person who is trained, qualified, and authorized to disengage an airbag shall do so.
• If airbags must be disabled, alternative safety measures will need to be implemented (e.g. restraint harnesses).
• The production should consider road closures, reduced speeds, etc. prior to disengaging airbags.
• Equipment weight, load capacity, center of gravity, counter balance, placement and use (e.g. camera, lighting, and props)
• Limited lighting options, including placement and power
• Limited visibility conditions for the driver (e.g. cameras, mounts, dust, spray, lights, restrictive covering over the windshield, smoke)
• Communication system (e.g. walkie-talkies)
  

Prior to Operation

• When vehicles are used for filming, all rigged equipment must be securely mounted. If cameras are mounted to any part of the vehicle (either inside or out), these must be securely installed with the appropriate mounts / restraints and by a member of the crew who is qualified to perform the procedure.
• Mounted equipment inside or outside the vehicle should not obstruct the driver’s view or distract attention while the vehicle is in motion.
• No lighting should be used within the vehicle that could impair the driver’s clarity of vision or provide distraction.
• The consideration of foreseeable emergencies (e.g. deployment of vehicle airbags) must be taken into account when positioning the camera operator.
• The driver must be qualified to operate the vehicle and should have an appropriate license. NOTE: A license may not be required by law. However, drivers may need special training to be qualified to drive an unfamiliar vehicle or course.
• All rigging of the vehicle and equipment, including cameras and lights, is to be performed by qualified personnel in a secure area which is free of known hazards, including other vehicular traffic.
• A walk-through with the driver should be conducted to familiarize them with the operational characteristics of the vehicle and controls. Always check that the driver can operate the vehicle safely while filming is taking place.
• Establish communication between drivers and support vehicles (e.g. walkie-talkies).
• Check the weather and road conditions; establish the route, ensure that it is clear, and allow enough time for rehearsals prior to filming.
• Brief the driver regarding the proposed filming plans. Ensure that the driver is confident with the route and is aware of where the cameras will be positioned.
• The driver should do a test drive of the vehicle to familiarize themself with the filming plans and where they need to drive during the scene.
• After rigging cameras and other equipment, carry out a test drive in a secluded spot or private road to test that the clamps have not come loose through vibrations. This process should be carried out each time you stop as a secondary check.
  

Inspection

Ensure the vehicle has been inspected, is roadworthy, and has been suitably maintained. Inspection items include, but are not limited to, brakes, steering, tires, engine, drive train, vehicle’s electrical system, connection points, equipment placement, and all safety equipment. Any items not functioning properly must be repaired by a qualified person before use.

Safety Meetings

A shot‐specific safety meeting should be held by the First Assistant Director for all personnel riding in or on the vehicle, including those in close proximity (e.g. stunt personnel or background performers). This meeting should discuss the following topics:

• Shot sequence and route (e.g. stunt action including crossovers/head‐on or near misses, vehicle speed, number and proximity of other vehicles, crew and camera placement, background performers, and property)
• The potential use of a convoy of safety buffer vehicles for a cushion zone, plus slower travel speeds
• Walk‐through or dry‐run
• Environmental conditions (e.g. weather, surface conditions such as cement, gravel or dirt, topography such as flat or hilly)
• Possible changes due to hazards
• Authority to abort, including signals to be used
• Route conditions (e.g. slope, curved, incline, crown, obstacles, clearances, length and width)
• Equipment considerations (e.g. rigging, cameras, lights, microphones, airbags)
• Communication systems (e.g. intercom and designated channel)
• Signaling system to alert personnel to the vehicle’s impending movement
• Visibility
• Special effects
• Personal protective equipment (e.g. harnesses, seat belts, helmets, eye protection)
• Traffic and pedestrian control (e.g. street closures, ITC)
• Emergency plan (e.g. escape routes and contingency plan)
  

If there is a substantive change in the choreography, equipment, or personnel involved in the shot, the individuals involved should discuss and decide if a subsequent safety meeting and rehearsal should be held.

Operation

Depending on the road conditions, speed, weather, controlled/uncontrolled environments, etc., the following should be considered during rehearsals and filming:

• Only essential personnel required for the shot should be allowed on or in the vehicle.
• Equipment and personnel should not disrupt, distract the driver, or compromise the safety of the vehicle operation.
• Cast and crew riding in the vehicle must be provided a safe and secure place to ride.
• While filming from inside the vehicle, personnel should be restrained with suitable straps/harnesses. The camera and gear should be properly secured.
• A generator, when needed, should not be positioned where the cast and crew may be exposed to the exhaust.
• If using batteries with or without an inverter, the batteries must sit flat and be secured in an upright position. Batteries can get hot and should not be placed against anything combustible.
• When possible, a remote ON/OFF control switch should be used to run and stop the camera when it is door or hood mounted; a camera assistant rushing to the car to turn off the camera can create a hazard.
• The performer should not be tasked with “slating” if the vehicle is already in motion.
• Use comms/walkies to communicate between all parties.
• Driver should keep within legal speed limits and drive within the law, safely and responsibly to ensure that driving actions do not cause any hazards to oncoming traffic/drivers (if applicable).
• After each run, a general inspection should be conducted to ensure all equipment is secure. If at any time a camera or other equipment is deemed to be “unsteady,” filming should cease and adjustments made accordingly.

Related Bulletins

Alternative Driving Systems

Boating and Watercraft

Camera Boom Vehicles

Camera Cars

Camera Cars – Power Line Distance Requirements

Fixed-Wing Aircraft

Fixed-Wing Aircraft – External Loads

Free Driving

Gasoline Operated Equipment

Helicopters

Helicopters – External Loads

Hot Air Balloons

Hot Air Balloons – External Loads

Motorcycles

Non-Camera Utility Vehicles

Process Trailers and Towed Vehicles

Railroads

Vehicle Restraint Systems

Safety Bulletin

Guidelines

These guidelines are intended to give recommendations for safely working on and around Alternative Driving Systems (ADS) e.g., Pods. An ADS is typically a custom‐built device that is connected to the vehicle so that the vehicle can be driven safely without the person sitting in the normal driving position controlling the steering, accelerator, brakes, or other components. This Safety Bulletin does not address the use of wireless‐controlled vehicle systems.

ADS should only be operated to the levels for which they are designed based upon the requirements and conditions discussed between the Production and the ADS manufacturer or fabricator. The design, fabrication, and assembly of ADS are not covered in this Safety Bulletin.

Responsible Person

Production shall assign a Responsible Person or Persons. A Responsible Person is someone with both the experience and training to recognize and resolve problems relating to the configuration and operation of the ADS. The Responsible Person will have authority over all ADS operations.

Considerations for Using an ADS

• Type of vehicle to which the ADS will be installed
• Intended speed and maneuvers
• ADS rigged vehicle operating in close proximity to other vehicles
• Aircraft flown in close proximity
• Scene action (e.g., stunts, performance, and special effects)
• Route conditions (e.g., curved, incline, crown, obstacles, clearances, length, width, paved, gravel, dirt, flat, hilly, wet, or slippery)
• Anticipated weather
• Evaluation of the vehicle’s original systems and whether they should be disengaged (e.g., brakes, ignition, airbags, steering, and accelerator)
• A secure area for cast and crew riding in or on the ADS vehicle
• Load capacity, center of gravity, and counter‐balance
• Equipment weight, placement and use (e.g., camera, lighting, and props)
• Visibility conditions of ADS operator such as dust, spray, blinding lights, restrictive covering over the windshield, smoke
• Emergency stop system
• Communication system
• Allowing time for proving/testing the system
  

Pre‐Rig

The capabilities and limitations of the ADS should be communicated to all applicable departments. All rigging of the ADS and equipment, including cameras and lights, is to be performed by qualified personnel in an area secured for the purpose of rigging, which is free of known hazards, including other vehicular traffic. The rigging must be discussed with the Responsible Person and the ADS operator prior to the use of the vehicle. The Responsible Person and ADS operator must inspect the vehicle after any rigging change is made to ensure that the change will not adversely affect the safe operation of the vehicle. Only authorized persons should be in the secured area. When the ADS vehicle is not in operation, steps should be taken to ensure the vehicle cannot inadvertently move.

Inspection

The connected vehicle must be inspected before and after each run. Inspection items include, but are not limited to, the ADS, brakes, steering, tires, engine, drive train, vehicle’s electrical system, connection points, towing equipment, and all safety equipment. Any items not fully functioning must be repaired by a qualified person before use.

Prior to Operation

A walk through with the performer(s) should be conducted regarding which of the vehicle’s original systems are operational and which have been disengaged.

A rehearsal should be considered to familiarize the performer with the operational characteristics of the vehicle and controls.

Safety Meetings

A shot‐specific safety meeting should be held by the First Assistant Director, Responsible Person, and Stunt Coordinator, as needed, involving all personnel riding in, on, or in close proximity (e.g., stunt personnel or background performers) to the ADS vehicle. This meeting should discuss the following topics below:

• Shot sequence and route (e.g., stunt action including crossovers/head‐on or near misses, vehicle speed, number and proximity of other vehicles, crew and camera placement, background performers, and property)
• Walk‐through or dry‐run
• Environmental conditions (e.g., weather, surface conditions, such as cement, gravel or dirt, topography, such as flat or hilly)
• Possible changes due to hazards
• Authority to abort including signals to be used
• Route conditions (e.g., slope, curved, incline, crown, obstacles, clearances, length and width)
• Equipment considerations (e.g., rigging, exposed controls, drive systems, air bags, automatic roll bar, and fuel‐cell position)
• Communication systems (e.g., intercom and designated channel)
• Signaling system to alert personnel to the ADS impending movement
• Visibility
• Special effects
• Personal protective equipment (e.g., harnesses, seat belts, helmets, and eye protection)
• Traffic and pedestrian control (e.g., street closures and Intermittent Traffic Control (ITC))
• Emergency plan (e.g., escape routes and contingency plan)
  

If for any reason there is a change in the choreography or personnel involved in the shot, a safety meeting must be held with all personnel involved to ensure everyone understands the changes.

Operation

During rehearsals and takes:

• The Responsible Person and/or the ADS Operator has the authority to suspend operation of the ADS vehicle, including the ability to abort
• Changes should be approved by the Responsible Person and/or ADS Operator
• The ADS vehicle and equipment should be inspected after each run
• Do not approach, enter, or exit the ADS without permission from the Responsible Person, First Assistant Director, or ADS Operator
• Only essential personnel required for the shot should be allowed on or in the ADS vehicle
• Cast and crew riding on or in the ADS vehicle must be provided a safe and secure place to ride

Related Bulletins

Alternative Driving Systems

Boating and Watercraft

Camera Boom Vehicles

Camera Cars

Camera Cars – Power Line Distance Requirements

Fixed-Wing Aircraft

Fixed-Wing Aircraft – External Loads

Free Driving

Gasoline Operated Equipment

Helicopters

Helicopters – External Loads

Hot Air Balloons

Hot Air Balloons – External Loads

Motorcycles

Non-Camera Utility Vehicles

Process Trailers and Towed Vehicles

Railroads

Vehicle Restraint Systems

Safety Bulletin

Guidelines

These guidelines address non-camera utility vehicles used for production support, such as ATVs, golf carts, snowmobiles and utility vehicles with small engines and/or electric powered. Vehicle operators must observe all applicable rules and regulations. In order to provide a safe workplace, the following vehicle guidelines have been established regardless of the type of vehicle used:

1. Horseplay or careless operation is not allowed and will not be tolerated.
2. Inspect the vehicle before use.
3. Understand the vehicle controls. If you do not know how to operate the vehicle, ask for instruction. Employers/production have the obligation to ensure that employees are instructed in the safe use and operation of the vehicle.
4. Operators have the responsibility for the safe transportation of passengers and equipment.
5. Operators should hold a valid driver’s license and if not held, notify production.
6. Each passenger must have a seat. No sitting on laps, standing on bumpers or riding on tailgates. Multiple people sitting in a seat designated for one and riding on parts of the vehicle that are not designed for that purpose are strictly prohibited.
7. Wear a seat belt, if provided.
8. Keep arms and legs in the vehicle at all times.
9. If the vehicle is not equipped with a windshield, eye protection is recommended.
10. A helmet may be necessary in certain situations.
11. If the vehicle is equipped to carry loads, secure or place them in a manner that will not allow them to shift or fall from the vehicle.
12. Do not exceed the manufacturers’ load recommendations as overloading can affect braking and control of the vehicle. Loads should be appropriately balanced.
13. Do not operate the vehicle in a manner that is dangerous to you or to others.
14. Always use caution around people and animals. Pedestrians always have the right of way.
15. Exercise caution going around corners. Look for hazards, such as other vehicles and people.
16. Be familiar with the terrain.
17. To reduce the risk of rollovers, avoid driving off curbs, from one level to another, and/or turning on inclines.
18. Drive at speeds appropriate to the surface, road and weather conditions (e.g., driving in dirt or gravel, on a steep incline, on ice, in rain, etc.).
19. In poor visibility, vehicles should not be operated unless equipped with headlights or sufficient lighting is provided.
20. Towing should only be performed in a manner specified by the manufacturer.
    

Using and working safely around non-camera utility vehicles requires the full attention and care of the entire crew. Horseplay and excessive speed are the primary causes of accidents and injuries. Extreme caution should be used when operating these vehicles.

Operators are responsible to follow these safety guidelines, employer guidelines and manufacturer operating manuals for the safe operation of these types of vehicles.

Related Bulletins

Alternative Driving Systems

Boating and Watercraft

Camera Boom Vehicles

Camera Cars

Camera Cars – Power Line Distance Requirements

Fixed-Wing Aircraft

Fixed-Wing Aircraft – External Loads

Free Driving

Gasoline Operated Equipment

Helicopters

Helicopters – External Loads

Hot Air Balloons

Hot Air Balloons – External Loads

Motorcycles

Non-Camera Utility Vehicles

Process Trailers and Towed Vehicles

Railroads

Vehicle Restraint Systems