Film Production Pyrotechnics Safety Checklist

Was a pre-take safety briefing conducted with ALL personnel involved, including background actors, outlining potential hazards and emergency procedures?

Are emergency stop signals and evacuation routes clearly communicated and understood by all crew members?

Are the qualifications and certifications of the pyrotechnics team (Pyrotechnician in Charge, assistants) verified and documented?

Has the SPFX script and storyboard been thoroughly reviewed by the Pyrotechnician in Charge and Stunt Coordinator to identify all potential hazards?

Is a reliable communication system (e.g., radios) in place and tested for clear communication between the Pyrotechnician in Charge, First AD, and Stunt Coordinator?

Have weather conditions (wind, rain) been assessed and their potential impact on the pyrotechnic effects evaluated?

Has a safety bulletin outlining the specific hazards and safety precautions for the pyrotechnic effects been distributed to all crew members?

Is emergency contact information (local fire department, hospital) readily available and posted in a visible location?

Is a system in place to account for all personnel before and after each pyrotechnic effect?

Is there a clearly defined 'Hold Fire' protocol understood by all crew members, allowing anyone to immediately stop the sequence if a safety concern arises?

Is a clearly defined and marked perimeter established around the pyrotechnic area, with appropriate signage indicating 'No Entry'?

Is the perimeter actively monitored by security personnel to prevent unauthorized access?

Has the blast radius for each pyrotechnic effect been calculated and the perimeter established accordingly, considering potential debris and concussion?

Are measures in place to prevent public access to the pyrotechnic area, including crowd control and barriers?

Are all pyrotechnic materials and equipment stored securely in a locked and labeled container, away from potential ignition sources?

Are all unauthorized personnel kept outside the established perimeter during pyrotechnic operations?

Is vehicle access to the pyrotechnic area restricted and controlled to prevent accidental ignition or obstruction of emergency routes?

Are fire lanes clear and unobstructed to allow for rapid access by emergency vehicles?

Are all potential ignition sources (e.g., open flames, smoking) prohibited within the perimeter?

For squib effects, is the placement verified to ensure no direct contact with skin and appropriate padding is used?

Are appropriate fire extinguishers (Type ABC and/or appropriate for the specific pyrotechnic materials) readily available and accessible within the perimeter?

Are fire extinguishers inspected monthly and tagged to indicate they are fully charged and in good working order?

Are trained fire watch personnel equipped with fire extinguishers and communication devices stationed within the perimeter during and after pyrotechnic effects?

Is a readily available water source (e.g., fire hydrant, water truck) with sufficient pressure and flow rate accessible for fire suppression?

Are emergency medical services (EMS) on standby or readily available to respond to any injuries?

Is a fully stocked first-aid kit readily available and accessible within the perimeter?

Are burn treatment supplies (e.g., sterile burn dressings, burn gel) included in the first-aid kit?

Is a written emergency evacuation plan in place and communicated to all crew members, including designated assembly points?

Are spill control procedures in place for handling and cleaning up any spilled pyrotechnic materials?

Is a thorough inspection conducted after each pyrotechnic effect to ensure all materials have been consumed or properly disposed of and no smoldering embers remain?

Is appropriate hearing protection (e.g., earplugs or earmuffs with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of at least 29 dB) provided to and worn by all personnel within the perimeter?

Is appropriate eye protection (e.g., safety glasses or goggles) provided to and worn by all personnel within the perimeter?

Are fire-resistant clothing (e.g., Nomex) provided to and worn by the pyrotechnics team and stunt performers in close proximity to the effects?

Are appropriate gloves (e.g., leather or fire-resistant) provided to and worn by personnel handling pyrotechnic materials?

Is appropriate foot protection (e.g., steel-toed boots) required for all personnel within the perimeter?

Are face shields provided to and worn by personnel in close proximity to potential flying debris?

Is respiratory protection (e.g., dust masks or respirators) provided to and worn by personnel if exposed to potentially harmful fumes or dust?

Is all PPE inspected before each use to ensure it is in good condition and properly fitted?

Have all personnel been trained on the proper use, maintenance, and limitations of their PPE?

Is PPE use consistently enforced within the perimeter?