Open Flame

Overview

An open flame refers to a fire that is not enclosed by glass, a sealed chamber, or any physical barrier. It draws air directly from the surrounding atmosphere and presents a higher ignition risk because the flame is exposed to its immediate surroundings.

When matches, lighters, candles, fireplaces, lamps, and other open flames are used on set it shall be done in a controlled environment with extraordinary care for the safety of all members of the cast and crew.

The scripted use of an open flame on set must be approved by the Risk Management Panel.

Shall Notify

Productions must notify cast and crew of the intent to have an open flame on set. Details on when, where, and why the open flame will be present shall be communicated via call sheet for each day of production that involves an open flame.

Safety meetings shall also be held on each day an open flame is in use and right before each scene. It shall cover the location of all emergency exits, fire supression devices, and review the fire supression plan.

Plan Ahead

Productions must develop an emergency fire suppression plan prior to using an open flame on set. This plan must be written and dispersed to all cast and crew members prior to each day of production an open flame.

Class B fire extinguishers and buckets of water or sand must be staged near by when an open flame is being used. Always make sure that flames are properly extinguished with no remaining embers burning when completed.

A designated SFX crew member shall be the primary personnel setting up and handling the open flame.

All flammable materials must be kept away from an open flame. That especially means spraying aerosols, such as hair spray, in proximity to the open flame. All wardrobe items, props, or set pieces used near an open flame must not be made of highly flammable materials or plastic-based fabrics (e.g. polyester, nylon, acrylic, rayon, polypropylene, fluorofibers, or spandex).

All fuels and accelerants must not be stored or dispensed near an open flame.

Safety Bulletin

Students should also familiarize themselves with the guidelines in the Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee Safety Bulletin #19 – Recommended Guidelines for the Use of Open Flame on Production.