Firearm Safety Guide for the Audiovisual Industry
The guide on firearm safety in film and television productions describes the role of the armourer and the principles of the safe use of firearms.
Guide on Firearm Safety in Film and Television Productions presents the role of the armourer, principles of the safe use of firearms, protection measures and risk assessment. The target audience consists of all parties directly or indirectly working with firearms in the audiovisual industry.
All scenes involving firearms require careful planning and enough time to ensure that the scenes can be realised safely. It is very important for the armourer to be aware of the overall choreography of the scene being practised and filmed and the changes taking place to maintain appropriate occupational safety and health at all times.
Safe working methods will prevent firearm accidents and near misses during practice and filming. Safer use of firearms, an armourer, correct protection and a risk assessment will improve the risk management and occupational safety of productions. This will make it possible to prevent hearing and visual impairment, burns, injuries and more serious accidents.
Authors of the guide are special effects supervisor and armourer Esa Heikkinen and location manager Klaus Klemola. The guide has been funded by AVEK Audiovisual Centre and the Finnish Film Foundation.
Part of occupational safety
Firearm safety is part of occupational safety, and it applies to all persons involved in the production. In accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (738/2002), employers must identify risk factors and hazards caused by the work and promote safety and health at the workplace. Employees must follow the safety instructions given to them and report any safety risks they observe. For additional information, see Työsuojelu.fi
Highlights from the guide
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Armourer
The armourer is responsible for the safety of firearms used in a production, which they maintain by taking care of firearms, providing guidance on the correct and safe use of them, and ensuring that the appropriate protective equipment is used. The armourer is responsible for all firearms used in the production, both during filming/practice and at other times. The armourer must have a permit issued by the police to have the firearms used in production in their possession.
The armourer also ensures that all necessary statutory permits are in order. If necessary, the armourer prepares a safety plan for the police regarding the transport, storage and handling of firearms.
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Risk assessment
The surveying and assessment of risks increases the safety of a production, as it makes the production, both at the individual and at the team level, more aware of the risks and increases understanding of them. A risk assessment must be carried out especially when special effects or firearms are to be used in the production. Many insurance policies and companies also require a risk assessment.
Being aware of risks, anticipating them and preparing for them improve risk management, which in turn makes the working environment safer.
Read more about occupational safety and risk assessment in av productions in the attached article.
Guide for Occupational Health and Safety in the Film and TV Production Industry
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Firearms
The term ‘firearm’ refers to a device used to propel ammunition by means of explosive pressure. Devices designed for blank cartridges and devices similar to firearms with a structure or materials that make it possible to convert them into firearms are also considered firearms.
The holder of a firearm, a firearm component or cartridges is legally obliged to take care of them in a manner which ensures that they will not end up in the hands of unauthorised persons.
When a firearm is not being fired, the chamber, magazine or cylinder must be empty.
The armourer must load the firearms or supervise their loading. A firearm must not be loaded until all the persons at the scene are wearing hearing protectors and any other necessary protective equipment is in place.
There is no need to use real cartridges in a film or television production.
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Protection
The most common risk when using firearms and special effects is hearing impairment due to the high sound pressure, but visual impairment, burns and wounds are also possible. Preparing for these eventualities and using the correct protective equipment is therefore important.
Due to the safety risks, shooting at a person should be avoided, but if a decision to do is nevertheless made, it is important to protect the person’s ears and eyes, and make sure that they use a bulletproof vest.
Hearing protectors include earmuffs and earplugs. When used correctly, both provide equal protection, as the level of noise reduction is the same.
Hearing protectors must not be taken off until authorised by the armourer.
Firearm Safety Guide for the Audiovisual Industry
Keep in mind at least these
- Firearms must always be handled as if they were loaded.
- A firearm may only be handled by the armourer and the person who is meant to discharge the firearm, who has received training in the use of a firearm from the armourer.
- The armourer must load the firearms or supervise their loading. A firearm must not be loaded until all the persons at the scene are wearing hearing protectors and any other necessary protective equipment is in place.
- Hearing protectors must not be taken off until authorised by the armourer.
- When a firearm is not being fired, the chamber, magazine or cylinder must be empty.