We consider the equipment and activities listed below ‘high-risk’. Additional permissions will be needed and you may need to hire a “competent person” to help you with the paperwork.
Balloons for lighting or props
Helium balloons used for lighting or props are not permitted in our stations or near to any overhead line equipment (OLE).
Blue or Green screens
We don’t allow green-coloured screens to face the railway as they can distract train drivers. Screens need to have a zero-fire rating. We’ll ask to see your safety certificates.
Consider: How you’ll secure the screen against collisions or high-winds. See also freestanding scaffolds and tents and working at height below.
Camera cranes and jibs
Unless you’re working in a closed-set or secure area, your equipment will need to be built off-site and wheeled in. The entire footprint (including boom arm) must be within an exclusion zone at all times. Cranes/jibs which can extend over 2.4 metres will not be allowed in areas with overhead line equipment (OLE).
Consider: How you’ll ensure the crane/jib arm doesn’t stray. See also working at height below.
Dressing and props
Covering of safety signage or operational equipment is not permitted. Dressing and props need to have a zero-fire rating and we’ll ask to see your safety certificates. Anything large, such as flattage or inflatables, will need to be assembled or prepared either offsite or in pre-agreed areas.
Consider: How will larger items be secured to avoid collapse or unintentional movement?
Escalators and staircases
Not all our locations support filming on escalators and staircases. In locations where it can be considered, you’ll need to submit a safe system of work and demonstrate why your shot can’t be achieved another way.
Consider: What precautions would the camera team take to avoid falling or tripping in the event that the escalators stop suddenly? How they will be supported whilst mounting, riding and dismounting to avoid other passengers? What other measures you will put in place to ensure passengers and public don’t interfere with the camera operator? How the activity will be tested by the camera team to make sure the activity is safe? How any learnings will be adapted into adjustments of how the activity? What clothing and footwear will be worn by the operator in order to retain grip, and be protected in the event of a fall or stumble?
Freestanding scaffolds and tents (such as blackouts, reflectors, silks)
We don’t allow freestanding scaffolds or tents in areas with overhead line equipment (OLE). Tents, reflectors and silks will need to have a zero-fire rating. We’ll ask to see your safety certificates.
Consider: How you’ll secure the screen against collisions or high-winds. See also working at height below.
Height restrictions
Equipment or props should avoid exceeding head height when on station platforms. Subject to risk assessments, heights of up to 2.4 metres can be considered in certain instances.
Ladders, ladder-pods and stepladders (including two/three-step)
Ladders are generally unfavoured as a method of working at height. Where agreed, they must be made of non-conductive material such as glass reinforced plastic (GRP). See also working at height below.
LPG and gas containers
We don’t allow liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or other fuels such as paraffin burners or gases such as helium.
Mobile elevated work platform (MEWPs)/Scaffold Towers
We generally don’t allow these items within stations during operational hours. See also working at height below.
Power (generators and local)
We generally allow solid-state batteries such as Instagrids or Voltstacks, etc. Diesel generators are rarely permitted. You can access local power in certain circumstances but you’ll need to our electricians to oversee your activity.
Special effects / Smoke machines
We generally only allow special effects within closed-sets away from operational areas. We’ll want to be sure there’s no chance of train drivers being distracted, or passengers alarmed. Only water-based smoke machines will be considered.
Stunts
We generally only allow stunts within closed-sets. We’ll want to be sure there’s no chance of train drivers being distracted, or passengers alarmed.
Video village
We generally only allow these in closed-sets.
Working at height (any working above ground level)
Working at height should be avoided wherever possible. Should it be needed, you’ll need to demonstrate clearly why it can’t be done any other way. Detail what safety measures and PPE you’ll put in place to avoid falls and toppling.
Consider: Can a MEWP be used instead? What safe system of work will be used for working at height to take place?
