Back

Rig camera cranes and jib arms

URN: SKSG7
Business Sectors (Suites): Grips and Crane Technicians
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on: 01 Mar 2018

Overview

This Standard involves rigging camera cranes or jib arms. The term cranes' or crane has become a generic term. They vary greatly in size and weight. This standard is intended to encompass all sizes and weights of cranes and jib arms. It includes understanding the specifications of the different types of crane equipment, their capacities and methods of operation, and their suitability for use in the prevailing environmental conditions. It involves using them in conjunction with other types of moving platforms, and anticipating the public's, the performers' and the crew's special safety requirements regarding the equipment.

This Standard is for anyone involved with rigging camera cranes or jib arms for a production.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. confirm manufacturers’ or suppliers’ specifications and regulatory safety test certificates are valid and available 2. use cranes and jibs of the appropriate length for the shots required  3. rig cranes in line with manual handling procedures and relevant regulations 4. inform relevant people when aspects of locations are unsuitable or hazardous to the use of camera cranes and jib arms 5. check that combined weights of all camera equipment including camera operators and their cameras for ride on cranes, are within manufacturers’ safe working loads 6. check that supporting surfaces, other mounting, or track types will support cranes 7. check that hydraulics, pressures and incorporated pressure safety devices are in line with manufacturers’ or suppliers’ specifications 8. provide safety harnesses that are within date for all relevant production personnel  9. assemble cranes in accordance with current regulations and guidance so it does not damage them or endanger people 10. check that all locking devices are in place and work in line with manufacturer’s instructions 11. instruct relevant people in the use of locking, safety areas and devices and harnesses 12. provide locking devices which prevent unauthorised movement from ride on cranes 13. apply safe working regulations when working near overhead lines and power cables 14. secure cranes during rigging or storage to prevent any occurrences that might damage them or make them unsafe  15. seek specialist support from relevant people to provide any power supplies or earth bonding for the operation of equipment 16. use reliable information to identify any special maintenance required during use 17. provide safe and secure environmental protection for equipment and operators in line with current regulations, guidance and industry best practice 18. adopt required special procedures when working at height 19. maintain pressures of non-solid tyres in line with manufacturer’s instructions  20. advise relevant people of special security requirements when cranes are left unattended 21. check that the whole assembly is safe to use and free of any obstructions and the work area is tidy at all times 22. ensure that any cables are secure, safe from being damaged, and of adequate length 23. operate cranes to demonstrate that they are safe for full travel and reach of intended use with no obstructions or other safety hazards 24. secure cranes in line with manufacturers’ instructions before any personnel get on or off simultaneously agreeing all such movements with any other operators 25. secure and protect equipment when not in use in line with manufacturers’ instructions  26. give clear notification of areas under and near cranes  where people should not walk 27. check that routes are free from non-essential people, cables and other obstructions

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. current regulations and guidance relating to rigging cranes and jib arms including those relating to testing, rigging and operating camera cranes and jib arms
  2. how to complete a risk assessment, and who needs this information in the production team
  3. the production's requirements and anticipated operating positions
  4. the manufacturers' or suppliers' specifications and their relevance
  5. the validity and existence of any safety and test certificates
  6. the range of camera crane and jib arm, their uses and differences and how to identify the correct type to use, including appropriate lengths, to meet specific shot requirements
  7. the limits of your expertise and when it is appropriate to call on other specialists
  8. the benefits of teamwork and how to communicate with others
  9. the weight of the crane and all equipment to be mounted on it
  10. how to obtain information on the weights of all personnel expected to be conveyed on the crane
  11. the safe use and rigging of cranes and jibs on tracking vehicles
  12. the suitability of the surface or track used to support the crane
  13. safe working loads and margins of the crane
  14. how to acquire information about, and calculate, wind speed and the safe operating heights or reach in the prevailing weather conditions
  15. the implications of any gas or hydraulics included in equipment and how to monitor them
  16. the correct sequence in which to assemble cranes
  17. how to check that any locking devices work correctly
  18. how to secure cranes during rigging or storage
  19. possible causes of damage to the crane and how to avoid them
  20. how to advise the electrical department when power supplies are required for the operation of the crane
  21. what on-going maintenance procedures are required
  22. how to identify defects and the correct reporting procedure
  23. safe operational procedures for loading and unloading cranes for get in and get out, including who to communicate with
  24. environmental protection required
  25. how to secure the rig when left unattended or in adverse weather conditions
  26. how to check the area above and around a full circle of the assembly and operation site for any safety hazard or obstruction
  27. who to communicate with on-set regarding the safe use of the crane or jib
  28. the special security requirements that can apply when cranes are left unattended
  29. how to inform all production personnel about safe working practices
  30. when and where to seek other appropriate qualified advice and information
  31. what Personal Protective Equipment is required, and when to provide it
  32. how to secure equipment when not in use
  33. why it is important to keep equipment dry and free of dust, sand and other debris
  34. appropriate signage to warn others of the hazards of walking near cranes

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

01 Mar 2021

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Creative Skillset

Original URN

SKSG7

Relevant Occupations

Grips, Trainee Grip, Key Grip, Crane Operator (Film & TV), Crane Technician (Film & TV)

SOC Code

3416

Keywords

Grip; jib arm; camera crane; health and safety; track