Lighting: Introduction to Lighting Safety

Owned by Steven Smith (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Dec 19, 2023 by Murray Basham
6 min read

Lighting Safety

Below is the Safe Working Procedures for working with Electric Lighting Equipment.

lectric lighting equipment presents a variety of risks and dangers for film makers.

This document provides information and safe working procedures to minimize risk and improve productivity for students.

 What risks are there for a student film maker?

  • Electrocution from contact with “live” 240 volts.
  • Never Look directly into a Light that is On.
  • Always acclimatise your eyes when walking on or off a Production Set, as areas can be dark or well Lit from a Light.
  • Burns from hot parts of a light. The actual LED light component, can get hot.
  • Smoke from burning gel or scrim can trigger smoke detectors.
  • Injury from an exploding light bulb or contact with broken glass. This is mainly the HMI Light.
  • Fire from heat radiation to curtains, painted walls or ceiling etc.
  • Tripping hazards from cables and equipment.
  • Injury from falling lights or collapsing light stands or polecats.
  • Radiation burns and eye damage from faulty HMI lights and ultraviolet light.
  • Fire or explosion from petrol power generators and fuel cans.
  • Short circuit batteries or chargers can cause a fire or burns.
  • Overloading power circuits can damage wiring, blow a fuse or start a fire.

                                    Photo shows the Aputure LS60X 3 point Lighting Kit. A good all-rounder Kit for all Units

 

Electrocution and electric shock

  • Mains power in Australia is 240 volts.
  • Electric shock is caused by electricity traveling through the body to the earth (ground).
  • Electric shock can result in burns, heart damage or death. 



Power safety at home and on locations

Check the safety of power sockets you use on location, don’t use a power source if it shows sign of wear or damage.

Take care when using power sockets on location

Don’t use damaged or faulty plugs or cords

Don’t use un-switched power boards

Don’t use international adapters

Don’t use any type of Double adapter

Don’t use other power supplies

that don’t meet Australian safety standards

Only use the approved electrical items provided by the store


 

The Portable Power Block

  • All productions should use the Portable Power Block, it must be plugged directly into the wall socket, then use an extension cord to each individual light.
  • It provides protection by disconnecting the power if it detects electrical leakage and prevents electric shock.
  • It also provides an overload circuit breaker and a power distribution for up to 4 items
  • In Australia, the electricity is 240v AC with 10Amps of current (240 x 10). Therefore there is a Total of 2400Watts
  • Use the test button on the side to test the unit before use.
  • Use the reset button to restore power after a test or power overload.
  • In a typical house or office there is only 2400 watts available for use on a power point.
  • Remember this power may also be shared with other appliances in a house.
  • If you overload the “house circuit” it could 'Trip' a Circuit Breaker, or it could create an electrical fault, maybe causing a fire or damage wiring.



2400 watts of available power

Typically, each light from the MCASI Fleet will use power, measured in watts, typically under 350 watts.

Calculate the power used by all of the lights and ensure you don’t overload the available 2400 watts.



Typical crews have a lighting kit with 3 x LS60 Lights that are rated at 60 watt each lights, so for a simple office interview 180 watts used. Well below the 2400W

For a bigger location add one more “Prolycht Orion LED Light at 350W, and a HMI Light (for that night scene) at 1200W.   You have almost reached 1730W. Still under the power limit for this location.

But remember if someone turns on the kettle in the kitchen, which could use another 2000 watts you will overload the circuit and might Trip the house Circuit Breaker. 


As part of your production planning you will need to:

  • Consider how much power you may need for your film shoot.
  • Assess how much power is available for use in each location.
  • What other equipment in the location is using power?
  • Where are fuse boxes or circuit breakers, and can they be accessed?
  • Can power be split across other circuits within the building?
  • Is there other important equipment operating in the area that may cause a problem if you 'Trip' the Breaker 
  • Is other power required for technical equipment or catering.


 

Heat protection

  • Gloves can provide some protection from hot light parts.

  • Gloves provide protection from cuts and dirt while moving equipment.

  • Remember gloves don’t protect you from electric shock.
  • 70% of the energy from a light is Heat; radiated heat can melt paint, burn curtains or anything combustible.
  • Take care with reflectors or cutters set close to a light and consider the power of each light. and its distance to anything combustible. 
  • Check manufacturer’s data for the safety requirements for the lights you are using.
  • As a general guide, keep lights at least one meter from anything combustible.
  • Monitor lights and observe their surroundings for excessive heat build-up or smoke.
  • Do not leave lights on when unattended.
  • Hot light accessories such a barn door or gel frame can melt carpet if placed on the floor while still hot.
  • Lights that are upside down or at a steep angle may build up heat inside.
  • Closed barn doors or black wrap may cause a build-up of heat.
  • Be aware that spotted or focused lights provide greater intensity of light and heat.
  • Be aware of heat radiation when lighting through window glass or curtains

Check for safety tags.

  • Check the PASS safety tag for all electrical equipment


  • Check the date for expired tags


  • Don’t use equipment without a safety tag

 Safe light set up


 This cable could pull the light over or be a tripping hazard for people on location.


Use a sand bag to stabilise the light stand

Set the legs as wide as possible for added stability

Use an extension cable and keep the excess cable

under the light to allow for raising or moving the light.

Download PDF

To download the PDF click here