A-Z Guide

Introduction

Dublin City Film Office is a one-stop shop for advice on all your production needs, including all public domain locations, finding information on local services and facilities, co-ordinating statutory services including road closures, parking suspensions, Garda services, and obtaining all the relevant permits to ensure your TV or movie production runs as smoothly as possible while shooting in Dublin.

Dublin City Council’s A–Z Guide 2024 is a set of simple guidelines, intended to ensure that the close working relationship that exists between the Irish film and television sector and Dublin City Council continues and that the highest standards of quality are maintained.

This A–Z Guide will ensure that Dublin City Council’s relevant departments are kept informed of upcoming filming taking place in the City and all applicants are aware of their duty of care when operating in the public domain to ensure the safety and well-being of employees and members of the public.

Dublin City Council acknowledges that industry best practice evolves and improves over time. This A–Z Guide 2024 will benefit from continuous input and development from the industry and key stakeholders and will be reviewed periodically.

PLEASE NOTE
Whenever the content on this page or the PDF document refers to film and film production, the term includes all other visual media such as television, commercials, corporate and music videos, etc.

In certain circumstances, Dublin City Council, Gardai, Emergency Services, or location owners may deem it necessary to impose stipulations in addition to those outlined in this document. Any filming undertaken and any liability is the sole responsibility of the production company and its employees.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all the information, Dublin City Council does not accept liability for any errors or omissions and reserves the right to change information.

Dublin City Council would like to thank and acknowledge Screen Ireland, Eamon O Boyle Associates, The Health and Safety Authority, and Dublin Fire Brigade for their collaboration in this A to Z Guide of Filming in Dublin.

Information is correct as of February 2024.

For further information, please see also Screen Ireland’s Health and Safety Manual and www.hsa.ie

You will find information listed on this page. Click here to download a copy of the information as a PDF.

Note; A Competent person is defined by; Section (2) (a) Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (SHWW Act 2005) “For the relevant statutory provisions, a person is deemed to be a competent person where, having regard to the task he or she is required to perform and taking account of the size or hazards (or both of them) of the undertaking or establishment in which he or she undertakes work, the person possesses sufficient training, experience and knowledge appropriate to the nature of the work to be undertaken”

The workplace, as per Section (2) (a) is defined as per “place of work” and refers to any work location—whether or not it is a building or part of one—land or another location at, in, upon, or near which work is conducted, whether regularly or not. This definition covers all applicants desiring to use public spaces, parks, streets, bridges, and buildings.

Flying and operating drones in Ireland is subject to European Union Regulation 2019/947. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) supervises and implements the Regulation in Ireland.

The IAA is Ireland’s aviation authority and designated national competent authority on matters relating to European aviation regulation. The IAA administers and enforces national and European aviation regulations in Ireland and designates and regulates national airspace that may be used for aviation activities. The IAA issues all certificates, permissions, and registrations related to aviation activities in Ireland. The Regulation allows registered operators and pilots to fly their drones across the EU.

Unless the drone is in the Certified Category, drones do not need to be registered, but you, as a drone operator, must register yourself. You can do so with the Irish Aviation Authority at https://iaa.mysrs.ie/auth/sign-in.

You register once in one European State, regardless of how many drones you are operating in the ’open’ or the ’specific’ category. Your registration will be valid for 5 years, after which you need to renew it. You must affix your Operator ID to all drones that you are operating.

You do not need to register yourself if your drone(s):

  1. weighs less than 250g and has no camera or other sensor able to detect personal data; or
  2. even with a camera or other sensor, weighs less than 250g, but is a toy (this means that its documentation shows that it complies with the ‘toy’ Directive 2009/48/EC)

Drone Classification: ‘Open’ category – operations that present a low (or no) risk to third parties. Operations are conducted by basic and predefined characteristics and are not subject to any further authorisation requirements.

Open Category The ‘open’ category is in turn subdivided into three sub-categories – A1, A2, A3 — which may be summarised as follows:

  • A1: fly over people, but not over assemblies of people
  • A2: fly close to people
  • A3: fly far from people

Each subcategory comes with its own set of requirements. Therefore, in the ‘open’ category, it is important to identify the subcategory of operation your activities will fall under, to determine which rules apply to you, and the type of training the remote pilot needs to undertake.

A drone can be operated in the “Open “category when it:

  • bears one of the class identification labels 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; or
  • is privately built and its weight is less than 25 kg; or
  • it is purchased before 1 January 2023, with no class identification label as above;
  • will not be operated directly over people, unless it bears a class identification label or is lighter than 250 g. (Please refer to subcategories of operations: A1, A2, and A3 to find out where you can fly with your drone.);
  • will be maintained in visual line of sight (VLOS) or the remote pilot will be assisted by a UA observer;
  • is flown at a height of no more than 120 metres
  • will not carry any dangerous goods and will not drop any material.

Please see the Irish Aviation Authority

For information on the Open and Specific Categories of drone operations, visit the EASA FAQs on drones.

The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 makes it an offence to commit cruelty or serious harm to animals or to be involved in offences.

The animal wrangler in possession or control of an animal must take into account the nature, type, species, breed, development, adaptation, domestication, physiological and behavioural needs and environment. The animal handler/wrangler must have experience and knowledge of the animal and take all necessary measures to ensure the animal is kept and handled in such a way that:

  • protects the health and well-being of the animal
  • does not endanger the health or well-being of the animal or other animal employees, employers, contractors, and other persons who may be in proximity to the work location.

The Department of Agriculture requires that records be maintained by the animal wrangler for certain animals/livestock for their acquisition and disposal.

Quarantine requirements may apply where inter–territory or overseas travel is involved (outside the EU).

  • The animal wrangler/horse master is to be aware of the requirements for the animals for each scene/day that animals/horses will be on set.
  • The animal wrangler/horse master is to be made aware of other department requirements for when on location, for example, use of cranes, drones, aircraft, SFX, including fire and atmospherics’ (rain/snow/wind), use of guns – firing of arms, use of explosives, other animals or other potential hazards.
  • The animal wrangler/horse master is to be aware of the requirements of the animals’ transportation needs.
  • The animal wrangler/horse master to determine if the animals will be accustomed to working in a busy, noisy environment, be well socialized / handled, and pre-conditioned to any unusual behaviour they are likely to experience, including familiarisation with clapper boards, boom poles, working close to work at height equipment, or strange noises likely to occur during the shooting day.
  • The animal wrangler/horse master to determine and confirm the suitability of animals on set and highlight any possible concerns with production in pre-production meetings or others as appropriate.
  • The animal wrangler/horse master to determine if PPE (for example, hearing protection) is required for animals and supply the same.
  • The animal wrangler/horse master is to prepare RAMS and required licenses/passports for animals on the set.
  • The animal supervisor should ascertain (with veterinary advice if required) that all animals are disease-free (for example, use of rats, vet certificate to confirm they were bred in captivity and are Weil’s disease / Leptospirosis free) and whether special hygiene precautions are needed.
  • Any transportation of an animal for commercial purposes must have documentation of: the animal’s origin and ownership, date/time of departure, intended place of destination, and expected duration of the intended journey.
  • Facilities on location are to be adequate for comfort and sufficient to prevent the escape of animals. Facilities to be approved by the animal wrangler
  • All animals should have the required microchip, passports, and or licenses relevant to the type of animal you are working with for the type of work they are required to perform.

See also Garda and Emergency Services, Traffic Management, and PPE.

All scenes using real or stunt gunfire or firearms, including replica, antique, decommissioned and live weapons, must have a licensed armourer on set at all times and operate under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 and all subsequent regulations.

Under section 2 of the Firearms Act of 1925, the possession, use, or carriage of a firearm or ammunition by a person taking part in a theatrical performance or rehearsal or the production of a film requires authorisation. This is granted by the local superintendent of the district where such performance is to take place.

Where a production requires the use of weapons, including firearms, an armourer should be consulted by production to determine what will be required and what weapons and or firearms, including airsoft firearms, shall be real weapons or firearms. They determine what weapons or firearms require modifying by the armourer and or what weapons and or firearms shall be replicated, for example, made of rubber or other materials.

The production should ensure that the armourer and his crew have the necessary competencies, including experience working within the film and TV industry, to perform the role on a production and have the required licenses. The armourer is responsible for planning and overseeing all use of firearms/weapon requirements on production. They determine the number of assistants required for each day of a shoot.

This will be determined by the number of cast and/ or background artists required to carry or use arms/weapons on set, and the type of firearms and weapons required. Assistants work under the supervision of the armourer.

  • When working with practical firearms, the armourer must hold current certificates for each firearm or be registered as a firearms dealer. Individual firearms certificates are supplied through An Garda Siochána, and a firearm dealer license is applied for through the Department of Justice.
  • The armourer must also hold a license for the correct storage of blank ammunition, and their premises must be registered with the local Fire Prevention Officer. Depending on the requirements of a production, firearms as supplied by an armourer may have to be imported. Such firearms need to be imported through the Department of Justice. Documentation for all imported firearms and weapons, including antique firearms or weapons (which are fireable) to be maintained by the armourer, detailing the serial number for each item. Additional permits may be required from An Garda Siochána to move firearms from one part of the country to another.
  • The security of weapons being transported to and from a set/location is the responsibility of the armourer. The armourer’s insurance is to cover firearms at their premises and during transit to and from the set. When firearms are on set, they are under the insurance of the production company. Appropriate provision for the security of weapons on set should be provided and coordinated by the armourer. Weapons and firearms cannot be left unattended at any time. An armourer may be able to attend to and oversee the security of a small number of weapons while on set. There may be a need for an assistant to oversee the security of firearms on/off set. The armourer will advise, as necessary.
  • Dublin City Council Film Office will seek confirmation that the owner of the firearm, including the replica and RIF and the person discharging the firearm, including the replica and RIF, have sought permission local superintendent of the district.
  • If there are stunts taking place or management of traffic flow is needed, then Garda supervision will also be required, in addition to permission from Dublin City Council. See the Traffic Management Section for more details.
  • All scenes using real or stunt gunfire or firearms, including replica, decommissioned and live weapons, must have a licensed armourer on set at all times and operate in accordance with the 1925 Firearms Act, Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 and all subsequent regulations.
  • Crossbows, Spear throwing, Swords, Airsoft pistols, Knives, and BB guns, amongst others, are considered weapons and need to be licensed by a registered armourer as they are prohibited weapons in Ireland.
  • The local superintendent of the district will request the make/model and serial firearms, including replicas, which should be supplied.
  • The armourer should advise on the appropriate hearing protection and other PPE required for the cast, crew, and background artists, and how to wear them correctly
  • It is recommended that productions consider the use of rubber guns/weapons. These can be provided by the armourer or made by a model maker. These are a safer alternative to real and replica guns and weapons and are highly recommended for background.

A power line contact by a helium balloon, or foil balloon, which contains metal parts, may result in an electrical surge that shorts out nearby circuits or other electrical equipment. These shorts may result in blackouts and fires.

  • To ensure the balloons don’t float away, keep them tethered and fastened to a weight at all times.
  • After using the balloon for the last time, puncture and deflate it before discarding.
  • Do not attempt to remove any object that is entangled in an overhead electrical wire/power lines.
  • Contact your local Fire Prevention Office if you need help.
  • Always assume power lines are on

B Roll and General Views application form will allow for minimal person-to-camera (PTC) shots and will generally have no scripted, lengthy content scenes or semi-scripted content.

Permitted for PTC from a contributor – opening PTC- when the presenter opens up the news/doc, introduces themselves to the audience and takes general views and establishing shots of the area.

Dublin City Council Film Office and Screen Industries are strongly committed to providing a work environment free from bullying and harassment of any kind and providing robust support to the wider screen industry to do the same. By working closely with the industry to support the formation of guilds, and providing skills development courses and workshops that particularly focus on dignity in the workplace, employee relations and workplace wellbeing, we aim to empower the industry to ensure their industry working conditions reflect best practice standards internationally.

The Health and Safety Authority of Ireland has published guidance that applicants are legally obligated to observe, the Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work. Code of Practice provides practical guidance for employers on identifying and preventing workplace bullying as a result of their duties under Section 8 (2)(b) of the 2005 Act, which requires them to “manage and conduct work activities in such a way as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, any improper conduct or behaviour likely to put the safety, health, and welfare at work of his or her employees.” It also applies to employees in relation to their duties under section 13 (1)(e) of the 2005 Act to “not engage in improper conduct or behaviour that is likely to endanger his or her safety, health, and welfare at work or the safety, health, and welfare of any other person.”

This Code applies to all jobs in Ireland.

Minding Creative Minds

It is an organisation established to offer a free 24/7 wellbeing & support programme for the Irish Creative Sector. Access to an experienced team of trained counsellors and psychotherapists who can offer medium-term intervention and advice covering practical, day-to-day issues that cause anxiety and stress.

Counselling service, Trauma Care, online Or Text/WhatsApp “Hi” to 087 369 0010

Dedicated 24/7 Helpline in association with Spectrum Life
ROI: 1800 814 244
NI/UK: 0800 0903677
International: +353 1 518 0277

The requirements for guidance on set out in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007.

Injuries resulting from damage to live power cables are usually caused by the explosive effects of arcing current and by associated fire or flames. This can occur when the sheath of the cable and the conductor insulation are penetrated by a sharp object, such as the point of a tool, or when the cable is crushed severely enough to cause contact between the sheathing and one or more conductors.

This typically causes severe and potentially fatal burns to the hands, face and body.

Direct electric shock is also a possibility. Furthermore, some high-voltage power cables are oil-filled, and oil can ignite. Electrical fires can be catastrophic if damage spreads to other nearby services, such as gas pipes. Such accidents are caused by failure to take all reasonably practicable precautions to prevent accidental contact with underground services and live cables.

  • All cables should be made safe as they are laid and not at some later time.
  • Cables should be laid in the gutter along the roadway or in the junction between a wall and the footway.
  • Cables on steps should be taped down to avoid the risk of tripping.
  • If there is a need to lay cabling across a footway, there may be times when it will be sufficient to lay cables at right angles under a rubber mat. This matting should be a minimum of one meter wide, and visible to the public by proper lighting, cones or high-visibility hazard tape.
  • Rubber matting should be regarded as essential safety equipment and carried as a matter of course by the electrical department.
  • On quieter roads, it may be permissible to lay cables using proper cable ramps. If so, then appropriate signage must be used.
  • It is essential to gain clearance from Dublin City Council before any cables are attached to street furniture or laid across public roads or public rights of way.
  • Filmmakers are guests in a location and must treat both public and private property with respect.
  • Rubbish bins should be made available by the company and should be cleaned regularly in a safe and environmentally safe manner.
  • Objects belonging to the location should not be moved or removed without the owner’s express (written) permission.
  • All signs or property removed or disguised for filming purposes should be reinstated upon completion of filming.
  • The company should make good any damage caused by its activities immediately after filming and should notify all parties concerned.
  • Whenever necessary, the production company should ensure that security staff protect the location and the surrounding environment
  • The crew member responsible for the location should check it thoroughly before departure to ensure that the property has been restored to its original state and that any evidence of filming activity has been removed.
  • All temporary signage erected to direct cast & crew to any location should be removed from street furniture in a timely fashion. The cost of the removal of location signage by the Dublin City Council will be charged to the production company.

See Food/Gas/Waste

Food legislation is regulated by

Dublin City Council should be contacted if catering trucks/ equipment are located in the public domain, park or green space.

  • Food stalls should be sited on hard standing (paving or tarmac) with adequate drainage for surface water if located outdoors. The stall should be sited on level ground.
  • The stall must be situated so that the risk of cross-contamination by dirt, animals or other sources of contamination is minimised. If the food stall is sited in a field used for grazing animals, extra care must be taken to avoid contamination.
  • The food stall must have adequate space for the activity being carried on. The layout should be set up to ensure the segregation of non-ready-to-eat and ready-to-eat food.
  • The food stall must be designed so that food can be stored off the ground at a level which will ensure that it cannot be contaminated by animals or other ground-level contamination.
  • The food stall must be constructed of suitable materials and must be kept in a proper state of repair, in a clean and hygienic condition, and not pose a risk of contamination to open food.
  • The construction and layout of the food stall should ensure that any food exposed is adequately protected from the elements, from airborne dust, birds and insects, and from members of the public. If located outdoors, this will normally mean that the food stall should be covered over and screened at the sides.
  • The suitability of the design and construction will also depend on whether the food stall is trading indoors or outdoors, and the season.
  • The food stall must be constructed using smooth and impervious materials such as plastic-coated canvas. The materials used must be easy to clean, resistant to mould growth and suitable for all-weather use.
  • The floors in mobile food vans/trailers/units must be finished with a hard, durable, easily cleanable and preferably, non-slip material.
  • There must be adequate lighting at the stall, i.e. natural and/or artificial lighting. Artificial lighting must be provided if the food stall is trading at night, or if the design of the food stall impedes natural lighting or if insufficient natural lighting is available. Lights, when used, should be fitted with shatterproof diffusers or shatterproof bulbs in any area where there is open or exposed food.
  • The food business operator must demonstrate that there are adequate means of cleaning hands for the duration of trading
  • An adequate supply of ‘running’ hot and cold potable water must be available for handwashing where exposed high-risk foods are being handled, for equipment/utensil washing, food preparation or beverage making.
  • Correct fire prevention systems must be in place, and the correct type of fire extinguisher and fire blankets must be kept on-site at all times.
  • Tents must be treated and tested to ISO Standard EN 13501-1:2019

Please see HSA Chemicals Legislation and Enforcement for more information, and your steps to chemical safety

Chemical compounds can also be explosive, flammable, or have additional dangers if they are used with or stored with other compounds that are incompatible.

If chemicals are misused, improperly kept, or improperly disposed of, they may potentially have a negative impact on the environment.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

You must have an SDS for each hazardous chemical that you use if you don’t, contact the supplier, who is required to give you one. You should keep your SDSs in a clearly identified place where they can be easily accessed by your employees and by emergency services – they will require these sheets when they attend a chemical incident.

You should make sure all your employees know where the SDSs are stored and that they have read and understood them if required.

Safety data sheets must:

  • Be provided with chemicals classified as hazardous.
  • Contain 16 headings.
  • Be prepared by a competent person.
  • Be specific to the chemical.
  • Be available for inspection at all times
  • Be incorporated into risk assessments for the production/work.
  • Filmmakers on location are visitors and should be sensitive to the community in which they are working. Members of the Public should be treated with courtesy and consideration at all times.
  • All neighbouring residents and businesses likely to be affected by filming at a location should be notified in writing at least two weeks before filming commences at that location (except Henrietta Street), and should be provided with as much information as possible, including:
  • Contact details for the Location Manager and production office.
  • Date and time, and the exact location of filming.
  • Date of Letter.
  • Number of cast and crew expected on location.
  • Clear details of any stunts or dressing planned.
  • Clear details of lighting plans.
  • Clear details of the parking proposals.
  • Sign off or complimentary closing
  • The Location Manager or other designated crew member should liaise closely with local communities and residents, and their views and requirements should be taken on board to ensure minimum disruption to the daily lives of residents.
  • Crew members should aim to dress appropriately at all times and in all weathers.
  • Dress codes imposed on particular locations for religious or other reasons must be adhered to.
  • Crew and cast should refrain from using lewd or offensive language.
  • Crew members should keep access to homes and businesses clear at all times.
  • See www.dublincityfilmoffice.ie for guidance templates on residents’ letters and business notification requirements.

For more guidance, please see: Health and Safety Authority (hsa.ie)

Northern Irish productions can supply either a company safety statement or a company safety policy.

UK/NI employers’ health and safety obligations
In the UK/NI, as a minimum, employers should:

  • Publish a health and safety policy if they employ more than five people.
  • Take out and maintain a compulsory insurance policy, known as Employers’ Liability Insurance, which covers employees against accidents and ill health.
  • Arrange for the appointment of health and safety representatives.
  • Establish a health and safety committee if requested by a recognised trade union.
  • Appoint a competent person to evaluate risks and hazards.
  • Arrange periodic risk assessments.
  • Consult with employee health and safety representatives.
  • Inform staff of risks and steps taken to protect them.
  • Provide adequate safety training to address risks, as appropriate.
  • Comply with the updated provisions concerning health and safety posters and leaflets.
  • Monitor and improve safety arrangements.
  • Adapt work to the individual, especially with respect to the design of workplaces.
  • Establish procedures to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger to persons working in the organisation.
  • Provide comprehensible and relevant health and safety information

For further guidance, please see: Guide to Safety Health Welfare at Work 2005.pdf (hsa.ie)

The term ‘competent person’ is defined in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 as someone who “possesses sufficient training, experience and knowledge appropriate to the nature of the work to be undertaken” The level of competence required will depend on the complexity of the situation and the particular help you need.

For further information, please see: COP_Confined_Space_Document.doc (hsa.ie)

Confined Space refers to any place, including any vessel, tank, container, pit, bund, chamber, cellar or any other similar space which, by its enclosed nature, creates conditions that give rise to a likelihood of an accident, harm or injury of such a nature as to require emergency action due to the presence or reasonably foreseeable presence of:

  • flammable or explosive atmospheres
  • harmful gas, fume or vapour
  • free-flowing solid or an increasing level of liquid
  • excess of oxygen
  • excessively high temperature
  • The lack of or reasonably foreseeable lack of oxygen

The key characteristics of a confined space are:

  • The space must be substantially enclosed
  • There must be a risk of at least one of the hazards listed above occurring within the space
  • The risk of serious injury from the hazard must be created by virtue of the enclosed nature of the space
  • The potential injury must be serious and such as to require emergency action to rescue the person involved.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Confined Spaces) Regulations 2001 cover all work in relation to confined spaces.

Regulation 5 states that:

  • A person shall not carry out work in Confined Spaces if it is reasonably practical that it could be avoided
  • If the work must be carried out, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment must be carried out prior to the work commencing
  • A person shall not enter a confined space unless there is a system of work in a place that has been planned, organised, performed and maintained so as to render that work safe and without risk to health
  • Anyone entering a confined space must be provided with appropriate information, training and instruction appropriate to the particular characteristics of the proposed work activities

See Parking

EU Standard; EN 13422:2019

  • This EU standard outlines the minimal required visual and physical performance characteristics, the test procedures for determining the product’s performance, and the channels for informing the public, the user, and safety enforcement agencies about this performance.
  • Ordinary traffic cones have no legal force to secure parking, and their use must be agreed upon with the Dublin City Council and An Garda Síochána.

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 (S.I. No. 291 of 2013)
S.I. No. 299/2007 – Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005

These Regulations are designed to clarify and strengthen the general duties of all parties as regards securing occupational safety, health and welfare in construction work, including those of Employers, Clients, Project Supervisors, Designers, Contractors, Employees and other relevant parties.

These Regulations apply to all construction projects including the alteration, decoration, maintenance and repair of buildings and the installation, maintenance and removal of mechanical and other systems fixed within or to structures. They place obligations on clients and designers to ensure that safety and health is taken into account before any construction work begins.

These regulations apply to all film-related set dressing, design and construction.

The use of any Dublin City Council (DCC) property as a film location will be facilitated by the Dublin City Council Film Office, subject to sufficient notice, and the application process being completed.

A location fee will be charged to reflect the level of disruption, staff time and any additional costs incurred as a result of the filming activity on site, which will be invoiced to the Production by the Film Office. Any damage caused by a production will be recharged to the production company by DCC.

See Vehicles & MEWS

See Work at Height Regulations

For further guidance, please see the work equipment updated version.pdf (hsa.ie)

It is your legal responsibility as an employer or self-employed person to control the risks that drivers take when they drive for work and to ensure the safety of others.

  • Cranes, Camera cranes and aerial platforms; When planning to use cherry pickers or cranes on the public roadway, Dublin City Council must be informed and clearance given.
  • Permits from Dublin City Council will be required
  • Dublin City Council will insist that the production company undertake to inform relevant local Garda stations.
  • The location manager or crane hire company should also discuss the exact positioning of such equipment with the Roadworks Control Department of Dublin City Council, and the conditions of any permission granted should be adhered to at all times.
  • At night or in conditions of poor visibility, warning lights should be placed around the cherry-picker or crane, and a robust safety system of work should be in place.
  • Rigging or de-rigging must be carried out at times that will not cause an unreasonable noise or nuisance.

By law, your employer needs to make sure that when you are driving for work, you are:

  • Legally entitled to drive the vehicle you are using
  • Using a vehicle that is safe and roadworthy
  • Properly informed, trained, competent and fit to drive it safely
  • Using the vehicle safely as per the manufacturer’s and employer’s instructions
  • The applicant/employer should have all relevant documents, including tax disc, driver’s licence, vehicle pre-use checklist and vehicle roadworthy certificates, available for inspection

Dublin City Council must be credited for their assistance in the making of the production. Logos can be downloaded from www.dublincity.ie/filming

IS 10101 of 2020 gives a comprehensive set of requirements for the design and installation of electrical systems at voltages of 1000 Volt AC and below.

Comprehensive Guidelines can be found in General Application Regulations 2007 under part 3; Electricity – Health and Safety Authority (hsa.ie).

Persons working with electricity must have the required competency, knowledge, skills and experience to prevent the dangers of working with electricity.

Part 3 of the General Application Regulations 2007 applies to a broad range of persons such as electrical designers, electrical installers/contractors, electrical maintenance personnel, users of an electrical installation and those in control of electrical installations at work. The provisions apply to employers and employees dealing with electrical installations in the workplace, and they also apply to those responsible for designing, installing, maintaining, using or controlling electrical networks at a place of work

Electricity work can be hazardous. Only “competent” employees may work directly with electrical installations, and circuit assembly, engineers, electricians, and other professionals directly interact with electricity. Others who work with electricity indirectly, such as office workers, cast, crew and construction workers, may also be exposed to electrical risks.

The main hazards of electricity are:

  • contact with live parts, causing shock and burns
  • faults which could cause fires;
  • fire or explosion where electricity could be the source of ignition in a potentially flammable or explosive atmosphere, e.g. in a spray paint booth.

Potentially explosive atmospheres concerning the selection of electrical equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, the provisions of the European Communities (Electrical Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres) Regulations 1999 (S.I. No. 83 of 1999) and Part 8 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 must be applied.

The selection of electrical equipment and the design and construction of electrical installations for use in potentially explosive atmospheres should ensure that the electrical equipment or installation selected does not provide a source of ignition to the surrounding potentially explosive atmosphere.
Certification of the works must be provided and saved in the safety file and be available for inspection.

In order to employ a child in cultural, artistic, sports or advertising work, permission must be obtained by the potential employer by way of a licence issued on behalf of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The type of activities for which licence applications are made would typically be television commercials or films that require the presence of a child. The licence sets out the conditions under which the child(ren) may be employed, such as general conditions about parental consent, supervision and education arrangements, and the maximum working times and minimum breaks appropriate to each group.

  • The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996 governs the employment of child actors. Contact the Department of Children and Young People for current guidelines and legislation.
  • Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice” 1st edition, 2019, should be consulted before employing children and young people in your production.
  • The content of Tulsa’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice (2nd edition) is evidence-based and evidence-informed; reflects a breadth of knowledge and experience; and should support best practice in child safeguarding for organisations working with children, young people and their families.
  • Producers must make adequate provision for the education and health needs of all children employed when filming.
  • Section 3(2) of the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996 allows the Minister to authorise, by licence, in individual cases, the employment of a child up to 16 years of age in cultural, artistic, sports or advertising activities which are not likely to be harmful to the safety, health or development of the child and which are not likely to interfere with the child’s attendance at school, vocational guidance or training programmes or capacity to benefit from the instruction received.

For further guidance, please see: Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) | National Parks & Wildlife Service (npws.ie)

Special care must be exercised when working in historic or environmentally sensitive sites, where any damage caused can be irreparable. Filmmakers must outline their plans fully with location owners and all interested government agencies and public services of such locations well in advance to allow the necessary protective measures to be taken.

Photographs of the site before the shoot should be taken. Likewise, it is advised that when filming is completed, photographs of the site should be taken.

When working in areas designated as ‘Special Areas of Conservation’ (SAC) by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (formerly Dúchas), it is essential to notify the relevant regional NPWS office as soon as possible with a film request. If you are unsure if the area you would like to use as a film location is part of an SAC, you should immediately contact the relevant regional NPWS office for clarification. Contact the National Parks & Wildlife Service head office at 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2, for their regional office network.

  • Designated Conservation Areas include extensive groupings of buildings or streetscapes and associated open spaces and include (parts of) the medieval/walled city, the Georgian Core (in recognition of Dublin’s international importance as a Georgian city), the 19th and 20th-century city and the city quays, rivers and canals.
  • South Dublin Bay (Sandymount Strand) lies south of the River Liffey in Co. Dublin and extends from the South Wall to the west pier at Dun Laoghaire. It is an intertidal site with extensive areas of sand and mudflats. The sediments are predominantly sands but grade to sandy muds near the shore at Merrion Gates. The main channel which drains the area is Cockle Lake. The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species;
    • Tidal Mudflats and Sandflats
    • Annual vegetation of drift lines
    • Salicornia and other annuals colonising mud and sand
    • Embryonic shifting dunes
    • South Dublin Bay is also an internationally important bird site.
  • North Dublin Bay (North Bull Island) covers the inner part of North Dublin Bay, the seaward boundary extending from the Bull Wall lighthouse across to the Martello Tower at Howth Head. The North Bull Island is the focal point of this site. The site is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selected for the following habitats and/or species;
    • Tidal Mudflats and Sandflats
    • Annual Vegetation of Drift Lines
    • Salicornia Mud
    • Atlantic Salt Meadows
    • Mediterranean Salt Meadows
    • Embryonic Shifting Dunes
    • Marram Dunes (White Dunes)
    • Fixed Dunes (Grey Dunes)
    • Humid Dune Slacks
    • Petalwort (Petalophyllum ralfsii)

The legal basis on which SACs are selected and designated is the EU Habitats Directive, transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011), as amended.

For further guidance, please see Chapter 2, Part 2, Use of Work Equipment, General Applications

The Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013 apply to you if you are a client having construction work done, a designer preparing plans and specifications, or you are a contractor or employer whose employees carry out or manage construction work.

The definition of construction work is wide and includes building work, civil engineering work and any engineering construction work.

Productions often need to dress streets and parks in the City, this should be planned and executed with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations in mind.

  • Textiles and Tents should be compliant with flammability testing standards as set out in ISO 6941:2003 and be treated every 5 years. A European standard certification, in English and dated within 5 years, should be available for inspection if positioned in the public domain, parks, bridges or green spaces.
  • Free-standing props should be fit for purpose.
  • A “positioning of equipment” permit is required from the Roadworks Control to place all equipment and props in the public domain, parks, bridges or green spaces.
  • Work equipment is defined as “any machinery, appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work” and is all-inclusive. These provisions detail the requirements to ensure work equipment can be used without risk.
  • Equipment must be suitable for the work and the workplace.
  • Provision of information and instruction, which also needs to address foreseeable, abnormal and emergencies situations. 
  • Inspection and examination; Work equipment exposed to conditions causing deterioration, such as occurs in a wet or damp environment, must be periodically inspected and, where necessary, tested by a competent person if the deterioration is liable to result in a danger to safety or health.
  • Maintenance of work equipment has to be maintained to be safe for use, and where possible, equipment should be shut down and made safe before maintenance work commences.
  • Control devices, which include the provision of control systems that are safe and contain the necessary start and stop controls, emergency stops, interlocks, and start-up alarms as required.

See Traffic Management, Personal Protective Clothing

Filming on an active roadway must have confirmation of “no objection” from An Garda Síochána and the Roads and Traffic Unit, Dublin City Council.

An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council are not responsible for “action” within the planned driving sequence. An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council will liaise with the Location Manager, Stunt Coordinator and traffic management company to enable a ‘joined-up’ approach to be taken towards reducing risk and ensuring the safety of the public, as well as that of cast and crew. An Garda Síochána is also able to provide marked police vehicles to assist with the safety of members of the public ( on request), the film crew and other road users and to ensure that hero vehicles, action vehicles and camera vehicles do not endanger or come into contact with other road users.

Tracking vehicles and support, and hero vehicles MUST all be road registered and legal for driving on public roads. Must have Tax and be fully insured for their purpose and current National Car Testing (NCT) service on behalf of the Road Safety Authority.

  • All drivers must be confident and competent to do the task.
  • All drivers must hold a licence for the vehicle they are driving.
  • When filming from inside a vehicle, the camera person is to be restrained, equipment is to be secured, and all doors are to be securely closed.
  • Grips, drivers of all vehicles and all of the production team must be familiar with, and comply with, the Road Traffic Act legislation, the guidance from An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council Roads and Traffic Department and the Health and Safety Authority when filming and recording in, from and around vehicles.
  • A grip with the required qualification (NVQ 3 certified) is appointed where any camera rigging in or on vehicles and tracking vehicles will be carried is used.
  • A competent stunt coordinator with appropriate experience on similar projects or larger productions with more complex stunt sequences is appointed.
  • All crew working on public roads wear high-viz tops/jackets.
  • An open communication system must be in place between the 1st AD, lock-off crew and drivers before any action or rehearsal.
  • Use of seatbelts is required by law
  • Driving stunts that could contravene road traffic regulations, such as dangerous and careless driving as well as exceeding the speed limit, can only take place within a Traffic Management Order that excludes both vehicles and pedestrians. Failure to observe this may leave the production open to prosecution.

The following guidelines apply to public roads/places only.

Rigging, Garda Siochana and Dublin City Council recommend that any camera rigging, in or on vehicles and tracking vehicles is carried out or supervised by NVQ III certified grips. The rig must be approved by An Garda Síochána.

Bonnet and Side Mounts are not suitable for filming on an open road without approval from An Garda Siochana, the Traffic Management plan, and the Traffic operator; partial or full lane closures may be required.

If a production fixes any extra equipment on the vehicle’s bonnet or front that compromises this safety, then the driver, the owner and the production have a shared legal responsibility.

The use of GoPro-type cams or DSLR camera bodies, combined with limpet mounts, is less dangerous due to their small size. These may be acceptable on quiet roads at certain times of the day when there is little pedestrian traffic, but each request would be dealt with individually. All mounts must be approved by An Garda Síochána.

Ghost plates – please contact An Garda Síochána for more information

Blue Lights, Use of blue lights when filming, approval from An Garda Síochána will be required.

Action vehicle blue lights may only be used when it is safe to do so, no other vehicles will be affected and only when authorised by the Gardaí escorting. Clear light bars that are only blue when switched on may remain uncovered whilst in transit. Action vehicles cannot use emergency services exemptions to road traffic regulations or use sirens.

Front and side platforms, Garda support is required. Permission will not be authorised by Dublin City Council without proof of Garda support. Traffic Management will be required.

Golf carts/ Pod vehicles/ Quad bikes are generally not designed for public road usage and will not comply with the Road and Traffic Acts. These vehicles are not allowed on public roads.

Camera Arms, U Cranes, Russian Arms, use of these is limited, but not prohibited, but strictly limited. Can be used in conjunction with approval from An Garda Síochána and a Road Closure Order from Dublin City Council. Use of the arm is not permitted sideways or on small roads.

  •  Invoices should be paid prior to the commencement of filming
  • Cancellation policy: filming application fees are non-refundable once you have received the reference number and invoice.
  • All late applications (if accepted) will result in double the relevant application fee for all productions that do not meet the required lead-in time.
  • If Section 481 funding is applied to your production, send the 56B Revenue Form to [email protected] to comply with Section 56 of the Value-Added Tax Consolidation Act 2010
  • On receipt of the authorisation, the rate of VAT applying to goods and services supplied to that authorised person, apart from the exceptions mentioned in the qualifying goods and services section above, is the zero rate. It is therefore essential that a copy of the authorisation is given to each supplier promptly, as failure to do so may result in VAT being incorrectly charged. Where VAT is incorrectly charged by a supplier in such circumstances, an authorised person will be unable to reclaim the VAT from Revenue and will instead have to rectify the matter directly with that supplier. This will require the issue of a credit note by the supplier, cancelling the original invoice and the issue of a new invoice applying the zero rate of VAT.

See Catering and Gas

Food is any substance or product, whether processed, partially processed or unprocessed, intended to be, or reasonably expected to be, ingested by humans. 

Food includes:

  • drink
  • chewing gum, and
  • any substance, including water, intentionally incorporated into the food during its manufacture, preparation or treatment

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act, 1998, contains enforcement provisions which are in addition to the powers to prosecute and other provisions on specific pieces of food legislation. The provisions in the FSAI Act, 1998, provide a means of reacting to and dealing with situations posing a risk to public health.

Enforcement is carried out by authorised officers appointed by the FSAI or its official agents under Section 49 of the Act. The powers granted to these officers are detailed in Sections 50 and 51 of the Act.

All food suppliers, including catering for cast and crew, will be subject to inspection from the HSE Environmental Health Service and should have the correct certification on site at all times.

It is the responsibility of individual food business operators to comply with the relevant food safety and food hygiene legislation that applies to their food business and to ensure that the food they produce is safe.

See Armourer, Traffic Management

You must contact the Garda if you are featuring:

  • Use of firearms (to include prop/replica firearms in interior or exterior locations)
  • Re-creation of crimes
  • Nudity or perceived nudity
  • Fake vehicles
  • Fake uniforms
  • Affecting the pedestrian or vehicular flow of traffic
  • Some stunts/VFX require notification to An Garda Síochána
  • If you use the term
    • Garda,
    • Gardaí,
    • An Garda Síochána,
    • The Garda Siochana
  • Actors dressed as members of An Garda Síochána

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007
Part 8: Explosive Atmospheres at Places of Work
Directive 99/92/EC – risks from explosive atmospheres

Usage in the City (built-up urban areas, and where facilities are provided for use in connection with that place of work)

In general, this is not permitted due to residences near where gas rigs may be located and the issue of drains and difficulty of fire brigade access due to crowds and the site’s restrictive nature within the city.

However, a comprehensive risk assessment and case will always be considered by the fire officer assessing the same.

Items such as deadman’s switch, Lower pressure gas, e.g. butane, hand-held wet chemical suppression, improved management (designated staff or professional), no overnight storage, i.e. removal from site and reset each morning.

No gas shall be used in proximity to drains, gulleys or other such areas where gas can lie. Their use near residential areas shall be restricted and may only be considered upon acceptance of risk assessment and confirmation of minimum rig requirements.

Safe Set-Up Requirements
The minimum distance shall not be less than 6 metres between gas rigs or any units (or any part thereof)

Gas shall be stored externally (i.e. well-ventilated area) in a gas cage (made from metal, i.e. non-combustible ideally 12 gauge 50 X 50 mm or similar), which prevents tampering or public access, but allows operation of shut off/isolation valve [to I.S. EN 331]. Gas cylinders shall be securely restrained and secured to the ground or a fixed object to prevent movement. Stored where they are not vulnerable to hazards caused by impact, e.g. from vehicles such as forklift trucks.

All appliances are to have flame failure/flame supervision device as per I.S. EN 203-1; non-return valves on pigtails [per 4.4.3.2 of I.S. 820 2019 The appliances shall be piped by gunmetal, the use of limited i.e. less than 1 metres of high-pressure armoured hose may be acceptable; they shall be fitted with integrally threaded end connections.

All pipes shall be protected and located such that they are not exposed to abrasion or mechanical damage. Every LPG supply shall terminate with an accessible shut-off valve before the appliance.

Restraining chain as and where required. Cylinders shall be stored upright at all times and secured in a level manner so that they can’t fall over. [B3.4.1.2, N.10.1 & O.1.3 of IS 820 2019]

Cylinders shall not be located near entrances/exits and circulation areas; they shall not impede the flow of persons in their vicinity due to placement. An appropriate escape route shall be available and identified for staff on concessions (i.e. not acceptable for staff to vault the counter of the concession) [4.4.2.3 & N.10.4 of IS 820 2019]

The cylinder shall be turned off when not in use and left so until required.

Combustible material shall be kept away from cylinders. No vehicles that require the engine to be running or generators shall be near gas rigs. Ideally 6 metres, but can be less based on a comprehensive risk assessment and risk mitigation.

There shall be a 3-metre gap at the rear of the tent/marquee to the caged gas.

There shall never be more than 200kgs or 4 cylinders (whose weight shall not exceed 200kgs) at any gas rig [O.1.3 of I.S. 820 2019]. This is a maximum figure and the amount of gas shall be kept to a minimum per recommendations of the suitably qualified and experienced registered gas installer*

A suitable notice shall be fixed to the outside of the cylinder cage to warn of the presence of gas. The sign shall indicate “highly Flammable, “no smoking”, “Use Caution”, and “keep the area clear”. [O.1.3 of I.S. 820 2019].

  • Diesel generators only are permitted.
  • Petrol generators are prohibited and shall not be used.
  • Dublin City Council/ Dublin Fire Brigade require that the diesel generators be properly earthed, bonded and signed off by a competent and registered electrician.
  • All generators shall be earthed, even if they can self-earth.
  • 2 extinguishers (1 CO2 and 1 Dry powder extinguisher) located by same tested within last year and certs for same available at all material times the filming is running (certs should note, when they were serviced, if this is not possible it should note that they have been serviced in the previous 11 months; certs only dated on day issued), see. Selection, commissioning, installation, inspection and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.
  • 2 extinguishers (1 CO2 and 1 Dry powder extinguisher) located by same tested within last year and certs for same available at all material times the filming is running (certs should note, when they were serviced, if this is not possible it should note that they have been serviced in the previous 11 months; certs only dated on day issued).
  • Access to fire hydrants along the film location is to be maintained at all times. The safety officer shall ensure that fire hydrants are not covered or access to them is blocked in any way.
  • All exits, including emergency exits from existing premises on the requested street location, including retail, commercial units, and accommodation units, are to be kept clear and available for use at all times during the filming, and during the installation and removal phases, before, and after the filming.
  • Maintain 3 3-metre clearance area around generator(s), i.e. not against buildings or other generators. Access to the clearance area should only be by authorised personnel.
  • Manual test of the emergency stop shall be done by a competent person/ site safety officer, and records shall be kept.
  • A minimum of 1-metre distance to the self-contained fuel cell (a risk review of this should be undertaken by the Safety Officer).
  • Where fuel cells are not provided, refuelling shall be done only when the public is not on the site. There shall be spill containment equipment, and the refuelling truck shall be stored off-site or in a remote area that is noted as a hazard on the gridded site map. Care shall be taken to prevent damage or contamination of the environment.
  • When operating, continuously running generators should always be regularly checked for safe operation. Those checks should include both internal and external fuel supply tanks for signs of leaks that could lead to spillage.
  • All generators shall comply with S.I. 299 of 2007, Section 81.
  • All exposed metalwork that could come into contact with a source of electrical current must be adequately earth-bonded.
  • It is the responsibility of the production company to ensure that employees comply with current Health and Safety legislation and regulations when filming on location:
  • Comply with all Health & Safety Legislation, the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005, all regulations made thereunder, and all other relevant legislation, regulations and approved Codes of Practice, to ensure the safe management of this filming.
  • Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Construction Act 2013, all regulations made thereunder, and all other relevant legislation, regulations and approved Codes of Practice, to ensure the safe management of this filming.
  • Safety, Health & Welfare at Work, General Applications Registration 2007, all regulations made thereunder, and all other relevant legislation, regulations and approved Codes of Practice, to ensure the safe management of this filming.
  • Fire Services Act 1981 as amended and all other relevant legislation, regulations, and approved Codes of Practice, to ensure the safe management of this filming.
  • Film locations should be assessed for hazards and risks. When necessary and deemed appropriate, a Health and Safety Manager should be consulted or appointed to oversee the production.
  • The applicant must satisfy themselves that the person responsible for drawing up and implementing their Health & Safety Statement & Risk Assessment Plan for their filming is competent to do so. Sole responsibility lies with the applicant to ensure that all elements of the plans are carried out as stated in the documentation submitted to Dublin City Council for the duration of the event.
  • Where necessary, production companies should liaise with the Health and Safety Authority to ensure they are compliant with current Health and Safety regulations. Screen Ireland publishes a manual to provide assistance and guidance to productions in supplying workplace protection for employees and to reduce losses resulting from accidents and injuries.
  • It is the responsibility of the Production Company to ensure safety standards are maintained at all times, and you should stop filming with immediate effect if unsafe to continue filming.
  • The health and safety of cast, crew and public should be safeguarded at all times. It is strongly suggested that producers refer to Screen Ireland with regard to their Health & Safety publication and, if necessary, contact the Health and Safety Authority for clear guidance on safety processes and safe systems of work.

This Act clarifies and enhances the responsibilities of employers, the self-employed, employees and various other parties in relation to safety and health at work. The Act also details the role and functions of the Health and Safety Authority, provides for a range of enforcement measures that may be applied and specifies penalties that may be applied for breach of occupational safety and health.

The Act sets out responsibilities and minimum legal requirements for;

  • The requirements for the control of Health and Safety at work
  • Management, organisation and safe systems of work to achieve these goals
  • The legal responsibilities of the employers, self-employed, employees, contractors and others
  • Enforcement procedures

See: Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005

Some pieces of legislation are available in full text on the HSA site below. These documents are intended for reference only.

Codes of Practice

For hard copies of the Government Publications Sales Office 01-6476834 or email: [email protected].

Henrietta Street is one of Ireland’s most architecturally important streets, with unique period authenticity and character and is therefore a particularly popular location among film and media companies. The street is also of unique European significance, being the only remaining intact example of an early 18th-century street of houses, which was at the forefront of what was to become the Georgian style.

Some of the physical factors that make it an attractive film location are

  1. Multiple interior spaces
  2. Intact exteriors with multiple angle possibilities
  3. No through vehicular traffic, and it is relatively quiet
  4. Adjacent spaces suitable for vehicular parking associated with the production

The purpose of the guidelines is to ensure that a code of practice is adhered to and the interests of Henrietta Street and its residents/occupiers are safeguarded while facilitating suitable film and media production. Due to the delicate nature of the built fabric of the street, great care must be exercised with operating in such a historic setting, and due regard must be had to Dublin City Council’s Henrietta Street Conservation Plan where appropriate. Dublin City Council, Film Office, maintains a central coordination role during filming to ensure that adequate preparation and consultation take place to minimise disruption with filming and normal activities of the street co-existing as harmoniously as possible.

Pre-consultation and pre-planning for filming on Henrietta Street;

  • Each production that applies to use Henrietta Street as a location to film will be obliged to have a briefing session with stakeholders on location, to present the outline plan for the day’s filming and the impact it will have on residents and other stakeholders. This meeting will be arranged by Dublin City Council’s Film Office team.
  • Dublin City Council will set up a face-to-face briefing, with all interested parties invited to attend to hear from the key production team on what will be involved. This meeting will be a minimum of two weeks in advance of the proposed shoot date
  • Each production is to work off Henrietta Street guidelines (published in 2016)
  • Copy of the 2016 Henrietta Street guidelines to be attached to each call sheet distributed to each crew member before working on Henrietta Street
  • Briefings to take place in the Daughters of Charity Community Services building or a location of Dublin City Council’s choosing.
  • Each production company/location manager must also draft up residents’ letters and/or, if necessary, make additional face-to-face contact with each resident on the location if requested by Dublin City Council or interested parties working or residing on Henrietta Street.

On Location;

  • A Location Manager/ Production Manager is to remain set at all times with each production without exception
  • No plant/machinery/equipment to be operated before 8.00 am
  • Filming can only take place between the Hours of 8.00 am and 8.00 pm
  • De-rig of the set and site cleanup must be completed by 9 pm; no activity to take place on the street after 9 pm.
  • In very exceptional circumstances, applications may be considered for filming past 8 pm to allow for night scenes to be captured.
  • No interference with vehicular or pedestrian traffic except for ensuring public safety while filming individual shots intermittently throughout the permit times.
  • Clear redirection signs should be positioned on the street stating that the King’s Inns library gate is open for one and all to access during filming
  • Any permits for the street/vehicles should be prominently displayed on the vehicle or equipment.
  • The production company should also ensure that security staff are positioned to liaise with members of the public; they should have strong communication skills and the call sheet for the day, so they can answer general queries from members of the public/residents.
  • Two-way radios should be used with earpieces to minimise noise
  • Only the essential crew is to be present on the street

In addition to the Dublin City Council general filming terms and conditions, Henrietta Street has additional location-specific permit conditions in place, including;

  • Roofs, facades (including but not limited to brickwork, render and stonework repairs), external doors and windows, ironworks and stonework should not be altered or interfered with during the course of filming or set up or de-rig.
  • The bollards protecting the underground cellars on Henrietta Street must not be interfered with under any circumstances.
  • The bollards protecting the cellars on Henrietta Street are not to have any equipment placed on them for the duration of the filming, set up or de-rig, this includes but is not limited to tracks, production trolleys, filming, lighting or catering equipment.
  • Set construction to be confined to a dedicated area close to the unit base in the King’s Inns Park, where possible.
  • No lighting to be directed at numbers 13 & 4 Henrietta Street.
  • With regard to filming on Henrietta Street, no filming is permitted south of the Numbers 12 & 5 Henrietta Street.
  • More conditions may be added to your filming permit after the consultation has been observed and engagement with the relevant statutory bodies and stakeholders on location.
  • Debrief meeting to take place between Film Liaison Officer and Production Team within 14 days of filming on Henrietta Street. This meeting can be face-to-face or in the form of a conference/video call.

Any breaches of these protocols for Henrietta Street and/or Dublin City Council’s Terms and Conditions will be investigated by the Dublin City Council Film Liaison Officer. Serious breaches can result in sanctions imposed on the Production Company, including cancellation of the production decision notice to continue filming or refusal to authorise further filming on Henrietta Street if serious breaches of the Henrietta Street protocols have been ignored or not implemented

An additional daily fee of 25% will be charged to the production company for the use of Henrietta Street.

See Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The standards for high-visibility apparel that can be used to visually communicate one’s presence are outlined in ISO 20471:2013. When seen by drivers of cars or other mechanised equipment during the day and in the dark with headlights shining on it, high-visibility apparel is meant to make the wearer noticeable in any kind of lighting.

Serious injuries or fatalities occur in workplaces because people are struck by vehicles such as cars, vans, trucks or buses or mobile work equipment such as industrial trucks (e.g. forklifts or telehandlers). The most effective way to reduce the risk of a person being hit by moving vehicles is to have a system of work which effectively keeps pedestrians and vehicles apart.

This typically involves keeping people and vehicles physically separate from one another as much as possible. Where people and vehicles cannot be physically separated, other measures will need to be put in place. Where people must work in areas with moving vehicles or have to work close to moving vehicles, the risk may be further reduced by using high-visibility clothing to signal their presence

An employer must make an assessment of the hazards in the workplace in order to identify the correct type of high-visibility clothing to be provided and to make sure that it is appropriate to the risk(s) present in the workplace.

The selection of high-visibility clothing should be based on a risk assessment of the hazards in the workplace to identify the correct type to be provided and to make sure that it is appropriate to the risk. The level of risk must be assessed so that the performance required of the high-visibility clothing can be determined. Factors to be considered include the volume and speed of moving vehicles, size and sightlines of the vehicles, visibility, lighting conditions, weather conditions and duration of exposure.

EN ISO 20471 sets out the design and performance requirements of each element of a garment.

There are three categories of clothing;
Each of these classes will provide a different level of conspicuity, class 3 being the class that provides the highest degree of conspicuity against most backgrounds found in urban and rural situations in daylight and at nighttime.

  1. High Visibility Class 1: The lowest level of visibility – Items that commonly meet class 1 include high visibility trousers when worn separately from other high visibility garments.
  2. High Visibility Class 2: The intermediate level of visibility – Items that commonly meet class 2 include high-visibility sleeveless vests.
  3. High Visibility Class 3: The highest level of visibility – Items that commonly meet class 3 are high visibility jackets and sleeved high visibility vests.

Public liability insurance can help to cover any costs incurred as a result of loss or damage to either a person or their property, where the incident in question is deemed to be the fault of your business. Public liability insurance can extend to cover you and your cast/crew when visiting other premises/locations.

  • All EU productions should provide Dublin City Council with evidence of insurance we will require; submission of Public Liability Insurance indemnifying Dublin City Council up to € 6.5 million
  • You will be required to have Employers’ Liability of €13 million in place
  • The production company will be expected to indemnify any third-party property owners, whose property is intended for use as a film location, against any claims or proceedings arising directly from any injury to persons or damage to property as a result of the activities of the production company or its agents.


US Customers

General Liability Insurance (GLI)
General Liability Insurance, or GLI, typically covers a very broad range of potential legal issues for business owners. The language of the policy includes public liability coverage or the coverage associated with a standalone PL policy. This insurance is designed to protect against liabilities arising from defective products, workplace accidents, negligence, and injuries incurred by both employees and members of the public, such as visitors to a business or its customers. A GLI policy may also cover payments for medical and legal expenses. GLI policies are often required by municipalities and states as a condition of granting a business operating license.

UK Customers
• You are required to have a minimum public liability cover of £5m

Part 3 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 299 of 2007

Health and Safety Authority’s Code of Practice for Scaffolding; scaffolds CoP 2023.indd (hsa.ie)

The construction and positioning of lighting towers and scaffolding should be discussed with Dublin City Council in advance of the shoot, and permits must be sought from the Road Works Control Unit.

When placing lighting stands on the carriageway or the footway, Dublin City Council should be informed and permits sought from the Road Works Control Unit.

Any generator used should be positioned as far away as possible from all residential properties. See Generators

The following considerations should be taken to prevent any risk to the public or production company employees:

  • All lights above ground level should be properly secured.
  • Lighting stands placed on a footway should be attended to at all times.
  • Lights should not dazzle motorists.
  • Lights should not be shone directly towards residential properties at night without prior permission from affected residents.

See noise and nuisance

  • Night shoots in residential areas are naturally sensitive and it is essential to consider and consult with local residents and businesses in the planning process.
  • There may be cases when equipment or heavy vehicles that cannot be removed silently at the end of filming must be left ‘in situ’ and attended by overnight security. The local Garda Station and Dublin City Council should be contacted in advance and advice should be requested about night filming.
  • The production company should ensure that appropriate security measures are in place when sites (i.e. sets, unit base, crew parking, stand-by vehicles parking) are not in use.
  • If necessary, blackouts should be provided to residents who are affected by film lighting being used at night.
  • Only essential vehicles should be allowed close to the location. Personal vehicles should be parked away from the filming location.
  • Letter drop and full engagement with local businesses and residents is required
  • Noise should be kept to a minimum when setting up early in the morning.
  • Generators should not be switched on until after 08.00 hours unless they are silent or with prior permission given by Dublin City Council.
  • It is advisable to shoot all scenes requiring noise above conversational level before 20:00 hours. 2-way radios should be turned down to a minimum, and earpieces must be used.
  • Filmmakers’ activities should be limited to areas and times for which permission has been granted.
  • Production vehicles should be parked where agreed at pre-arranged times. Engines should be switched off on arrival.
  • Cast and crew should not park in the immediate vicinity of a location unless spaces are provided.
  • Crew members must not trespass onto neighbouring property or enter areas of a location that the owner has stipulated may not be used for filming.
  • The filming of artists to “sound playback” should only be undertaken in a public area with the prior agreement from the Dublin City Council.
  • Filming in residential areas should be completed by 22.00 hrs unless specific approval for filming outside of these times is granted by Dublin City Council
  • Location Managers/ Unit Production Managers should discuss all parking plans with the Parking Enforcement, Dublin City Council and An Garda Síochána in advance of filming, in particular, the on-street requirement for standby and technical vehicles, other on-street equipment and bays to be reserved or kept empty for ‘continuity’.
  • It is not advisable to enter into binding location contracts or assume that a location is viable until parking requirements have been agreed with the Dublin City Council if you plan to use Council-owned parking spaces.
  • Location Managers/ Unit Production Managers are responsible for the adherence to parking or vehicular movement agreements made with the Dublin City Council.
  • Residents’ bays and Disabled bays are rarely suspended but may be temporarily relocated in consultation with the relevant Dublin City Council Department.
  • Film vehicles will not be allowed to park in such a way that the passage of pedestrians or vehicular traffic is blocked or impeded or that emergency access is restricted or denied. Prior agreement must be secured from the Dublin City Council to block a footway for filming.
  • All vehicles should be legally parked in designated areas.
  • You must apply for a suspension of individual pay-and-display parking spaces at least five working days prior to when you wish the suspension to come into effect.

If you are filming on private property, you do not need to apply for Dublin City Council Film Office (DCCFO) consent. This document is intended for use by film and production companies who wish to use the public domain and/or Dublin City Council (DCC) owned property for their productions.

To ensure the cooperation of the relevant Dublin City Council services, the Production Company should ensure that all those affected by filming have been consulted and informed of production arrangements. Wherever possible, written notice of at least 3/4 weeks should be given.

To ensure the effectiveness of the A–Z Guide of Filming in Dublin City, the Location Services Unit at Screen Ireland should always be advised of all proposed filming activity in Dublin, where possible, 3/4 weeks in advance of production taking place.

Screen Ireland has two offices in Ireland,

Dublin: 14-16 Lord Edward Street, Dublin 2. Telephone: +353-91-561398
Galway: Queensgate, 23 Dock Road, Galway. Telephone: +353-91-561398

Dublin City Council must be informed of all proposed filming activity taking place on public property within their area and should be provided with details of the following:

  • The name and registered address of the production company.
  • The type of production (feature film, TV drama, commercial, corporate or music video).
  • A contact person and a telephone number, preferably that of the location manager or location fixer.
  • The estimated number of cast, crew & vehicles expected on location.
  • If you are planning to shoot outside any Garda/Police Station or the Department of Justice
  • You are featuring the use of firearms (including airsoft/prop/replica firearms in interior or exterior locations)
  • Your shoot involves the recreation of crimes
  • Your shoot involves nudity or perceived nudity
  • Your shoot involves fake vehicles and or fake uniforms
  • Your shoot affects the pedestrian or vehicular flow of traffic
  • Actors dress as members of An Garda Síochána or emergency services
  • “Blue lights” on emergency vehicles to be required
  • The use of a public roadway
  • If your production requires elements of set dressing and construction in the public domain
  • Any other details the production deems important to the shoot.

Permits required for filming will depend on the production budget and the type of content that you are shooting; they fall into the following categories

  • Parks and Green Spaces Application Form
  • Aerial / Drone Filming
  • GV /B-roll only
  • Commercial marketing and advertising content
  • TV or Feature
  • Additional permits may be required for auxiliary services of Dublin City Council, such as Road Closures, Parking Permits, Permits, and Equipment Permits.

See www.dublincity.ie/filming or www.dublincityfilmoffice.ie to download forms.

See high-visibility clothing

The fundamental principle is that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should only be utilised as a last resort.

The first step in protecting the health and safety of workers is to take steps to remove workplace hazards at their source.

Personal Protective Equipment means any device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health and safety hazards.

PPE depends on the nature of the task. The employer must examine the hazards in the workplace in order to determine the proper type of PPE to supply and to ensure that the PPE is appropriate for the risk. The task and the PPE must be identified in the risk assessment.

Ensure any PPE you buy is CE-marked and complies with the requirements of the European Union (Personal Protective Equipment) Regulations 2018, which require PPE to have the appropriate CE mark. The CE marking signifies that the PPE satisfies certain essential health and safety requirements.

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is a particular type of Personal Protective Equipment, used to protect the individual wearer against inhalation of hazardous substances in the workplace air.

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, Part 2, Chapter 3 covers the Use of Personal Protective Equipment at work.

European Union (Personal Protective Equipment) Regulations 2018 provide that PPE may not be placed on the market or brought into service unless it complies with basic health and safety requirements. It is deemed to conform to the Regulations if it bears the CE mark.

  • All information requested is for the sole purpose of processing your application. We do not collect personal information for commercial marketing or distribution to private organisations. It may be necessary from time to time to pass your contact information on to trusted third parties to assist with the processing of your application, such as our statutory agency partners, e.g. An Garda Síochána, as long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential.
  • Access to any non-public personal information that you provide will be restricted to only those employees who need to know that information to process your application.
  • It is our policy to retain collected information for a five-year period, after which your information will be disposed of securely.

Contact our Data Protection Officer at [email protected] or 01 222 3775

Dublin City Council and all emergency services must be informed if there are cast, to be dressed in a specific uniform, or using a likeness of a uniform that may look similar to a passer-by. This includes all An Garda Síochána, Defence Forces, Coast Guard, Civil Defence, Ambulance services or Fire Services

  • Blue Flashing Lights and sirens
    Road Traffic Legislation outlines the specific Emergency Services Vehicles that are permitted to fit blue emergency lights and sirens and specifies their use where necessary in the circumstances. That legislation also provides for certain exemptions from road traffic law relating to the driving and use of vehicles by An Garda Síochána, the Fire Brigade and Ambulance Service vehicles, but only where the safety of other road users is not compromised.
  • It is essential that you contact An Garda Síochána if you intend to use mock emergency blue lights and/or sirens.

For more information, you can find out about the Emergency Services Driving Standard (ESDS). Please see Emergency Services Driving Standard (ESDS)

  • Uniforms and any vehicles resembling the emergency services must be covered whenever possible, and in particular between takes.
  • Any markings on vehicles must be taped over when not being used for filming or being driven on a carriageway.
  • Sirens should not be used at any time on location, and flashing lights must be switched off when not in shot and covered when not in use.
  • It is important that the usage of Garda uniforms and other marked equipment is monitored by a member of An Garda Síochána and that when not in use the uniforms and equipment must be covered and secured. The Garda Press Office should be notified in advance of using these items.

See Filming with vehicles

The rules of the road are for all road users, including:

  • drivers
  • pedestrians
  • motorcyclists
  • horse riders
  • cyclists
  • people in charge of animals, such as dog walkers.

Permission to film on public roads must be obtained from Dublin City Council Roads and Traffic Department and the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau. Dublin City Council may require the applicant to notify specific local Garda Stations.

  • Permission must be sought from both the Roads and Traffic Department in Dublin City Council and the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau for:
  • Under Section 75 of The Road Traffic Act, 1993, Full or partial road closures, lane closures and full or partial footpath closures. The production company, as part of any road closure application, must submit a traffic management plan.
  • The removal, alteration and disguising of street furniture must be applied for in advance of the shoot. Reinstatement plans must be agreed with Dublin City Council in advance of the shoot dates.
  • The temporary painting-out or disguising of road markings, yellow lines or other road signs may be applied for with a road closure and agreed in advance with Dublin City Council. Reinstatement plans must happen as soon as possible after filming and be received in writing.
  • The parking of production vehicles on yellow lines, in meter bays or in residents’ bays must be done with Council approval
  • Wet downs may only be carried out with the approval of the Dublin City Council.
  • The removal of street furniture, including signs.
  • If filming activity blocks a footpath, an alternative safe and supervised route for pedestrians must be provided.
  • Access for emergency services, fire hydrants and fire exits must be kept clear at all times. Dublin Fire Brigade will require a 3.8-meter clearance to be maintained for emergency vehicles at all times, and local access must be maintained at all times.
  • Entrances/exits to car parks must not be blocked at any time.
  • Care must be taken when working in the vicinity of street trees to ensure that no damage is caused. There are to be no attachments of any nature to street trees without prior permission from Dublin City Council or the Parks Department. Please email [email protected] with all proposals in writing.
  • Where possible, vehicular traffic should not be affected during the recording of sound for interior filmed scenes.
  • Members of the crew or cast should not attempt to obstruct or interact in any way with vehicular traffic for filming purposes
  • Matters relating to tracking and track mats should be discussed with Dublin City Council & An Garda Síochána in advance of filming in the event that an obstruction to either pedestrian or vehicular traffic is anticipated. Where needed, alternative footways should be agreed upon with Dublin City Council and a pedestrian traffic plan provided.
  • The production company should ensure that filming does not impede members of the public unless previously agreed through prior consultation.

Street lights contribute to enhancing the night-time environment, and contemporary and decorative street lighting is provided by Dublin City Council in many prominent areas of the city.

The City Council uses highly energy-efficient LED technology in all its new and upgraded lighting installations, contributing to reducing its carbon footprint in the city.

The Council also provides lights for around twenty-three Christmas trees, along with floodlighting on some public buildings.

The surviving examples of historic lighting in Dublin tell a fascinating story about the birth of public lighting in the city from open flame lamps fuelled by whale oil, through gas, and into the electrical era. Historic lighting is valued and preserved within many cities in Europe and is recognised as being of considerable importance, while at the same time visually enriches our streetscapes. Please note that some street lighting in the City and Parks are historic structures and protected/conserved lamp standards.

The adjustment of street lighting is normally carried out by the Dublin City Council and charged to the production company. All arrangements for this work must be made through the Dublin City Council, Public Lighting Department. For more information, you can contact.

Dublin City Council, Public Lighting Services, Dublin 8. Tel: 222 2222, Email: [email protected]

It is a requirement for the production company to inform the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau of all details of filming on the street or in a public place. This includes any staging of crimes, accidents or use of firearms and special effects.

There will be times when it is prudent to have Gardaí or a Traffic Management Operative in attendance to ensure efficient traffic management while filming on location. A Location Manager or other designated crew member is required to communicate with The Office of the Garda Assistant Commissioner, Dublin Metropolitan Region, Harcourt Street headquarters and Dublin City Council, who will in turn advise on the need for Garda assistance at any given film location.

Please note that a Traffic Management Operative must have completed the CSCS Sign Lighting & Guarding At Roadworks Training Ticket (SLG) and have a valid Safe Pass Card.

Garda personnel assigned through The Office of the Garda Assistant Commissioner, Dublin Metropolitan Region, Harcourt Street headquarters are at all times operating under the direction of Garda Management and not the production company that requested Garda assistance.

All non-public duty Garda costs incurred will be borne by the production company. Details of all charges are available upon request from the Office of the Garda Assistant Commissioner, Dublin Metropolitan Region, Harcourt Street headquarters.

Security issues relating to cast, crew, equipment and sites (i.e. sets, unit base, crew parking, stand-by vehicles parking) in use by the production company are the sole responsibility of the production company.

The TFI Leap Card is a contactless smart card for automated fare collection overseen by Transport for Ireland. See https://about.leapcard.ie/about for more information. Prices start at €2 per 90-minute trip.

For detailed information on rail, bike, bus and tram transport information, please see https://www.dublinpublictransport.ie/

A safety file will be provided to include:

  • Company safety statement
  • Risk assessments and method statements
  • Extinguisher/staff training.
  • Electrical installation records to IS 10101/RECI
  • Emergency Lighting Records to IS 3217/Fire detection and alarm system to IS 3218 as appropriate.
  • Portable Appliance Testing Certification (PAT Certs)
  • Lining Materials (staging/marquees/furniture, etc.) within the last 5 years to a recognised EU standard.
  • Bespoke Installation materials within the last 5 years to a recognised EU standard.
  • Fire Fighting Equipment to IS 291; gas apparatus to IS 820/RGI signed off.
  • Please note this is a non-exhaustive list, and your Health and Safety officer should advise on local conditions
  • Copies of permits and decision notices, copies of vendors’ essential documentation

Section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires that employers and those who control workplaces to any extent must identify the hazards in the workplaces under their control and assess the risks to safety and health at work presented by these hazards.

Employers must analyse and document workplace risks and how to address them. When assessing risk includes carefully inspecting anything in the workplace that could endanger your employees, other employees, or other people (including customers, visitors, and members of the public). This helps you to determine the extent of the risk and decide whether it is acceptable or whether additional precautions are required to prevent injury.

Every employer is required to manage safety and health at work to prevent accidents and ill health. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to:

  1. Identify the hazards
  2. Carry out a Risk Assessment
  3. Prepare a written Safety Statement
  4. Must be specific to the job/task/location

See the Health and Safety Authority, A Guide to Risk Assessments and Safety Statements

Road Markings are regulated under the Department of Transport, Chapter 7 and should be read in conjunction with other relevant chapters.

Road markings may be defined as markings on the surface of the road for the control, warning, guidance or information of road users. They may be used to supplement upright signs, or they may be used alone.
Road markings may be classified as follows:

  1. Transverse markings, which are at right angles (or thereabouts) to the centre line of the carriageway;
  2. Longitudinal markings (including double line systems);
  3. Hatched markings;
  4. Worded and diagrammatic markings;
  5. Markings indicating parking and loading requirements;
  6. Bus and tram markings;
  7. Cycle track markings;
  8. Yellow box markings, and
  9. Road studs.

All requests for temporary covering of road markings must be submitted in writing and accompany a Road Closure application form and a Traffic Management Plan.

For further guidance, please see: Safety Statement and Risk Assessment – Health and Safety Authority (hsa.ie)

Employers must have a written Safety Statement, based on the hazard identification and Risk Assessment carried out, which specifies how they are going to manage and secure the safety, health and welfare of all employees at work.

The Safety Statement should specify:

  • The hazards identified and specific risks assessed
  • The protective and preventive measures taken and the resources provided
  • The emergency plans and procedures
  • The duties of the employees
  • The names, job titles and positions of anyone assigned safety responsibilities

The Safety Statement should be brought to the attention of:

  • Employees at least annually, or when there are any changes
  • Newly recruited employees upon the commencement of employment
  • Other persons at the place of work who may be exposed to any specific risk

The employer must review the Safety Statement if:

  • There is a significant change to the matters it relates to
  • There is any other reason to believe that it is no longer valid
  • An inspector directs the Statement to be amended

Every employer must ensure that:

  • All contractors providing services to the employer have an up-to-date Safety Statement
  • A copy of the Safety Statement is kept available for inspection at or near the place of work
  • If an employer who employs 3 or fewer employees is engaged in an activity for which there is a Code of Practice for that type of activity, they can fulfil their duty to Safety Statements by complying with such Code of Practice.
  • The Safety Statement is required by law under Section 20 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure it is fit for the organisation under his/her control. An Authority inspector may review a Safety Statement during an inspection of a workplace. If they that it is inadequate, they can direct an employer to revise it within 30 days.

Regulation of security services is controlled under the Private Security Services Act 2004, which is the primary legislation under which the Private Security Authority operates. The Act was amended by Part 4 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 and by the Private Security Services (Amendment) Act 2021, and the Private Security (Licensing and Qualifications) Regulations 2022.

  • All Security Guard personnel on location must be licensed by the Private Security Authority with the correct category of license to cover their assigned duties on location.
  • Identity Badge. The identification card or licence card held by the employee is to be visibly worn (subject to certain exemptions) by operational security staff whilst on duty, the design and conditions of which are as specified from time to time by the Private Security Authority.
  • The production company should also ensure that security staff are positioned to liaise with members of the public; they should have strong communication skills and the call sheet for the day, so they can answer general queries from members of the public/residents.
  • Security companies licensed under the PSA must also provide a risk assessment for the project/production.

Appropriate signage must be put in place to mark the location and identification of emergency escape routes, first aid facilities and the location and identification of fire-fighting equipment. These signboards must be permanent in nature. These signboards must be made of shock and weather-resistant material and installed at a suitable height and position. Specific signboards to be used, with respect to items such as flammable materials and emergency escape routes, are set out in Schedule 9 to the SHWW (GA) Regulations 2007.

Safety Signage as per Chapter 1 of Part 7 and Schedule 9 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 set out requirements for safety signs and signals which must be used at all workplaces when hazards cannot be avoided or adequately reduced and provide guidance to safety and health practitioners, employers, managers, employees on safety signs at places of work. Signage used is required to be a specific colour and shape.

Overview of requirements:

  • Signboards use a combination of shapes, colours and a symbol or pictogram.
  • Signboards should not contain text, as the symbols or pictograms should be understood independently of literacy or language ability.
  • Only information authorised in the Regulations may be displayed on safety signs at workplaces.
  • Employees must be provided with information and instructions. Where there is a risk because of traffic, signs should be put in place.
  • Where hazards cannot be avoided or reduced, employers must put in place appropriate signs.
  • The number and position of signs will depend on the extent of the danger or on the zone to be covered.
  • Safety signs must never be a substitute for necessary protective measures.
  • The risk assessment and safety statement should identify the necessary signage required in the place of work.
  • The objective of the system of safety signs is to draw attention rapidly and unambiguously to specific hazards.
  • The effectiveness of safety signage is dependent on the provision of full information.
  • “Filming in Progress” signs should be placed around the film location when working in the public domain.
  • Emergency lighting signage should always be visible, and if signage is used not during daylight hours, lighting should be provided so that the emergency lighting is visible
  • Emergency exit and emergency directional signage shall comply with I.S. EN ISO 7010:2020/A6:2023

Note: Text may be included on a supplementary signboard provided that it does not adversely affect the effectiveness of the safety signboard.

  • All stunts, special effects (including weather effects and wet downs) and pyrotechnics must be under the direct control of a named qualified stunt coordinator or special effects operative and regulated under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
  • Pyro documentation needs to be provided to the Dublin Fire Prevention Office 4 weeks in advance of your shoot date.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • any form of running, jumping, climbing, balancing, or falling actions that are required of actors or stunt personnel;
  • any fight scenes;
  • any use of real or prop weapons;
  • any use of edged or piercing props;
  • any scenes involving the driving of vehicles;
  • any operation of potentially dangerous equipment;
  • any scenes involving animals;
  • any use of pyrotechnics, explosives, squibs, or fire;
  • any scenes involving potential water hazards;
  • any scenes involving potentially hazardous materials
  • Helium balloons

A qualified stunt coordinator must be in charge of all aspects of the planned stunt, including planning, site selection, preparation, testing, rehearsal, modification, and recommendation of the qualified personnel and equipment to be utilised to perform the stunt.

When a Producer requires a performer to perform a stunt or stunt-related activity, an individual qualified by training and/or experience in planning, setting up, and/or performance of the type of stunt involved must be engaged and present on the set. No performer without the requisite training and/or experience shall be required to perform a stunt or stunt-related activity without an opportunity for prior consultation by the performer with a qualified individual. A performer must consent to participation in the stunt before its performance.

Advance notice is to be given to stunt personnel in order to plan a safe stunt. If changes are made to these plans, the Producer is to provide sufficient time to safely accommodate the changes and obtain faculty approval for the changes.

Smoke/Snow Effects​
A safety data sheet (SDS) is a document that must be provided to you with all hazardous chemicals. It provides useful information on chemical hazards, advice on safe handling, use and storage, and the emergency measures to be followed in case of an accident.

Safety Data Sheets are to be available for all chemical / hazardous products used; these products are to be stored, handled, and used by competent persons only and segregated and disposed of as hazardous waste as appropriate.

A Safety Data Sheet/Material Data Sheet for the substance must be sent to the Film Officer/ Fire Brigade in advance of the special effect.

Please use non-toxic, mineral oil or water-based vapour fluids.

Fire/Smoke/Flame effects​

See Gas usage.

All fire, smoke and flame effects must be planned with your SFX team and done in consultation with the Dublin Fire Brigade.

Please Provide;

  1. Address of stunt location.
  2. Start time/ end time of stunt and testing
  3. Date of Stunt and any practice sessions for SFX
  4. Name and number of SFX supervisor
  5. Name and number of the Location Manager
  6. Name and address of Production Office
  7. Risk Assessment
  8. Detailed outline of the proposed stunt
  9. Number of SFX Crew and Safety Persons on site, and contact numbers
  10. Details of Medic on site
  11. Communication procedures
  12. Details of equipment to be used, including Fire Prevention measures
  13. Method statement including pictures of all rigs/plant, and other equipment to be used.
  14.  Details of exclusion zones
  15. Name of gas engineer, company name, plus phone number.
  16. Site plan map
  17. Stunt production schedule- with timings
  18. Any other information Dublin Fire Brigade may request.

 

Screen Ireland’s ‘Green Filming’ website includes useful information that can be adopted by production companies and the departments within a production company.

Production companies should outline what measures they will take to reduce their carbon footprint for the duration of the production. How they will manage waste and inform all crew on measures to be implemented by each department to ensure the production is sustainable? A sustainability directory is available through the Screen Greening website.

See Sustainable Filming Making for more information.

Considerations for reducing carbon footprint in a production in the office and studio environment:

  • Use LED lighting where possible
  • Switch off applicable (that can be switched off) at the end of the day instead of leaving on standby – Use ‘power save mode’ on appliances where possible
  • Unplug phone chargers when phones are charged
  • Try to communicate electronically rather than using a hard copy
  • When necessary to print, print using a double-sided setting and ‘Echo’ setting
  • Purchase and use recycled goods where possible
  • Use rechargeable batteries
  • Ensure heating is efficient, and identify means of reducing heating consumption
  • Segregate waste and recycle waste
  • Use bulk containers for drinking water rather than individual small plastic bottles of water, and use compostable water cups.

Art and Construction Department considerations;

  • Set dressing (greens) to be recycled, not left at the location, or disposed of in general waste.
  • The production designer and the construction manager should consider the life cycle of materials to be used for building/creation of sets (cradle to grave!)
  • Can materials used be easily recycled and or reused for future set builds?
  • Can recycled materials be used to construct sets?
  • Only print what has to be printed
  • Minimise the use of colour when printing
  • Use water-based paints for sets
  • Use paints saved from landfills, such as Rediscover Paint | Rediscovery Centre
  • Share drawings electronically where possible
  • After striking sets, use a contractor that will recycle all timber waste materials, and others
  • Using the services of charity shops and second-hand shops for clothes and soft furnishings, making the most of the “circular economy”

Temporary Structures may include raised seating areas, tents, marquees, stage sets, sound towers, camera platforms, film sets, elevated screens, etc.

A temporary structure may also include the temporary use of an existing structure not normally so used or not known to be suitable for the temporary use. Also included are modifications to existing structures for temporary use or the use of existing structures to support banners, signage, lighting etc. or the application of unusually high loads to existing structures during the construction or dismantling periods (e.g. crane bases, forklifts).

Temporary StructureReceiving Dept.Due Date
Structural detail to include
Drawings
Specifications
Calculations
Planning Department
Building Control Division
Block 4, Floor 2
Civic Offices
Wood Quay
Dublin 8
28 days before filming
The certificate from the structural engineer in relation to the erection of temporary structuresPlanning Department
Building Control Division
Block 4, Floor 2
Civic Offices
Wood Quay Dublin 8
24 hours before filming commences
  • Requirement to engage an independent inspecting and certifying Engineer
  • The Production Company should engage a Chartered Structural Engineer at the outset to advise on all matters relating to temporary structures.
  • The duties of this Engineer should include:
  • Ensuring that relevant manufacturers’ information is available for all temporary structures and that no temporary structures have been omitted
  • Ensuring that calculations are available for all but the simplest temporary structures
  • Ensuring that calculations have been subject to independent checks by an appropriately qualified and experienced person. If this is the case, another detailed check is not required, although the Engineer should satisfy himself that the design assumptions are appropriate for the proposed location. He should
  • Also, brief checks on overall stability should be carried out.
  • Ensuring that there are no critical structural items and that the structural systems chosen have sufficient redundancy. Particular attention is required for moving parts of structures or structural elements that are suspended by motors, chains, slings, etc.
  • Ensuring that the temporary structure is appropriate for its proposed use
  • Establishing that the temporary structure is subject to a regime of inspection that ensures that components are not distorted, bent or otherwise rendered unfit for purpose
  • ensuring that the temporary structure can be safely built at the proposed location
  • inspecting during and after construction and ensuring that the structure has been erected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and in accordance with any conditions or limitations imposed by the calculations
  • ensuring that site conditions (e.g. sloping ground) do not compromise the performance or safety of the proposed structure
  • advising on secondary structural issues or issues arising during construction
  • certification that all temporary structures have been erected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the relevant Code of Practice
  • liaison with the relevant Local Authority engineer
  • Preparation of risk assessments for temporary structures
  • inspections during performance, if required; monitoring of wind and contingency measures in the event of high winds
  • ensuring that non-structural aspects of temporary structures do not constitute a hazard, e.g. sharp fins from galvanising, finger traps from barriers on uneven ground, barriers of insufficient height, etc.
  • ensuring that items of structure about which he has a concern or query, that may not be included in the above list or not part of his remit, are dealt with satisfactorily by the appropriate authority (e.g. lamp posts, sign gantries, cranes, jetties, gangways, etc.)
  • All fabrics to have a Certificate of Flame Retardancy dated within the last 5 years
  • Applications for Temporary Road Closures must be made a minimum of 6 weeks before the proposed closure date
  • Only appropriately trained and competent operatives, supervisors, managers or other competent persons should be engaged in the assessment, design, installation, maintenance and removal of TTM.
  • Training requirements are outlined in the Temporary Traffic Management Design Guidance and Temporary Traffic Management Operations Guidance documents. Employers shall ensure that employees are competent to undertake their assigned roles in relation to the mix of training, experience and knowledge that the employee possesses.
  • The Employer shall determine the necessary training, experience and knowledge requirements having regard to the size or hazards (or both of them) of the tasks to be undertaken.
  • It is the responsibility of the TTM Designer to comply with the requirements described in this Chapter and to use relevant road design principles, where appropriate, to provide a safe working area and provide a safe and efficient flow of traffic through or around the works. Only signs complying with the Traffic Signs Manual shall be used to maintain consistency for road users when encountering TTM. The principles outlined apply to all roadworks which affect a public road and are applicable regardless of who carries out the works.
  • Ensure a detailed understanding of the works being undertaken to adequately cater for the number of required TTM phases within the design.
  • Consider how the implementation and removal of TTM will be carried out. Some major TTM will require a road or lane closure to actually implement the final TTM.
  • Identify any particular hazards to the road worker or road user, during the installation, operation and removal of the TTM and, by using these guidelines, minimise the risks.
  • Consult with all relevant parties such as the Road Authority, An Garda Síochána, etc. Ensure sufficient timeframes are allowed to comply with the statutory requirements of obtaining a road opening licence and/or a road closure order from the Road Authority. If the works are on or affecting a National Road, then consultation with TII shall be required.
  • This will require planning, as these agencies require notification and time to consider the design.
  • Liaise with bus operators. Inform bus operators and consult with An Garda Síochána if moving or suspending a bus stop.
  • When considering the closing of cycle tracks, footways, lay-bys, parking areas and loading bays, alternatives may need to be provided, with associated signage.
  • Consider whether a roadworks speed limit would be appropriate. If so, consult with the Road Authority and arrange to follow the procedures for seeking a Roadworks Speed Limit Order
  • Filmmakers must ensure that Dublin City Council is kept fully informed of the intentions of the production company.
  • Productions should nominate a member of the crew to liaise with the relevant agencies and services; that person should be an experienced Location Manager or Unit Production Manager, where possible.
  • Filming is to take place at the stated locations, dates and times only as per your permit.
  • Filming in progress signs should be used, with the signs clearly posted in public view. The notice should be large enough that those passing by will clearly see it.
  • Dublin City Council must be credited in the production titles for their assistance in the making of the programme/film/series, and the DCC logo included where possible. Please contact Dublin City Council’s Film Office Team for the Council Logo in various formats, or download it from www.dublincity.ie/filming
  • This decision notice does not apply to Grand Canal Square or Henrietta Street, or Council-owned Parkland.
  • This decision notice does not permit you to film outside Department of Justice properties, Department of Defence properties, any national embassies, any national consulate offices, or airports.

Roads and Traffic

  • It is recognised that audiovisual production companies must act in a responsible and professional manner. However, all producers/Location managers need to take their surroundings into consideration and must not
    • Obstruct others from carrying out their business;
    • Cause a disturbance or safety hazard, or impede the mobility of pedestrians, goods or services without adequate prior consultation.
    • Dublin City Council has a duty of care towards residents and businesses and will exercise control if a particular production is causing an unreasonable nuisance.
    • The selection of film locations that may have the potential to affect normal traffic flow should only be done in consultation with An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council’s Roads and Traffic Department.
  • If required, all road closures must be applied for and agreed to in advance of filming.
  • There must be no interference with vehicular or pedestrian traffic unless specifically applied for and a Traffic Management Plan is received and approved by An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council.
  • Parking permits and suspension of parking if required must be applied for and permits granted prior to the commencement of filming.
  • Positioning of vehicle applications and equipment, if required, must be made and granted prior to commencement of filming.
  • Only essential services and prop vehicles are to be parked at the location. Cast, crew and talent parking should be arranged off-site.

Notice and Consultation

  • Notify the relevant Garda station/s.
  • An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council have the right to terminate any permits granted, should prior agreements not be adhered to.
  • Any filming undertaken is the responsibility of the applicant. Adequate notice must be given to An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council when making any arrangements.
  • Any additional requirements of the statutory agencies must be resolved directly with them prior to holding the filming.
  • All consultations with businesses/residents and other premises are to be completed prior to the commencement of filming.

Set Dressing and Structures

  • The requirements of DCC’s Building Control Section must be complied with in full, and the certificate of the structural engineer, in relation to the erection of temporary structures, must be submitted to [email protected] prior to commencement of the production.

Health and Safety

  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Paramedics (Ps) and Advanced Paramedics (APs) must be registered with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council in order to legally practice in Ireland. The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) maintains a statutory register of all pre-hospital emergency care practitioners who meet the required standards.
  • The applicant must satisfy themselves that the person responsible for drawing up and implementing the Health and Safety Statement and Risk Assessment Plan for their filming is competent to do so. Sole responsibility lies with the applicant to ensure that all elements of the plans are carried out as stated in the documentation submitted to Dublin City Council for the duration of the filming.
  • Dublin City Council bears no responsibility for the management of safety for the duration of the filming
  • The applicant must comply with all Health and Safety Legislation, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Health and Welfare at Work Act (Construction) 2013, Health and Welfare at Work Act (General) 2007, Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003. All regulations made thereunder, and all other relevant legislation, regulations and approved Codes of Practice, are to ensure the safe running of this production.

General

  • There must be no obstruction of access or egress to retail or other premises
  • No litter is to be created as a result of the filming
  • Noise should be kept to a minimum, and generators should be baffled or integrated with the location vehicle.
  • Noise levels should not be considered a nuisance, and consideration must be given to any noise-sensitive premises in the area.
  • Crew members should aim to dress professionally at all times, in all weathers. Dress codes imposed at particular locations for religious or other reasons must be adhered to.
  • Crew and cast should refrain from using lewd or offensive language.
  • Dublin City Council or An Garda Síochána reserves the right to suspend/terminate any and/or all proposed activities being held in the park/open space for reasons of public safety, congestion, nuisance or any other reason. Any such termination would be without any claim or liability on the statutory bodies. Dublin City Council reserves the right to cancel or withdraw consent at any time in parks/open spaces.
  • Dublin City Council may require the applicant to curtail, relocate or cancel a production on or before the booking date, in circumstances of emergency or other legitimate access requirements for which there is no satisfactory alternative arrangement that can be made.
Application TypeTimeline
Small/ Micro Productions10 Working days
Filming in Parks application10 Working days
Resident Letters notification1 – 3 Weeks, depending on location/impact of production
Temporary Structures Specifications28 days
Distribution of product – Sampling28 days
Henrietta Street permit and notification3-4 Weeks, depending on the impact of production
Large Productions3-4 Weeks
Commercial Filming application5 Working days
Parking Suspensions application5 Working days
Road Closures application6 Weeks
Positioning of Equipment or Vehicle7 working days

Unit bases support larger vehicles, which are supporting a production, usually within a few km of the filming location. The facilities manager is responsible for all facilities vehicles, including trucks for costume, makeup, hair, dining bus, dressing room trailers, temporary production offices at the unit base, and honey wagons. The transport coordinator may be responsible for obtaining standby trucks for lighting, grips, cameras, props, other departments, and honey wagons.

A unit-based request form is available to download on www.dublincityfilmoffice.ie/other-applications

The transport coordinator should inspect vehicles periodically and liaise with the facilities manager, as necessary.

  • The facilities manager should inspect vehicles daily and take appropriate action where necessary.
  • There should be provision for heating, depending on the time of year there may be a requirement for additional heating. If so, gas must not be used. Additional heaters should be approved by the transport coordinator. Gas must not be used in any trailer.
  • Operational smoke detectors to be fitted in all trailers.
  • Suitable services and maintained fire extinguishers are to be in all trailers. There must not be any cooking facilities in any trailer. There may be provision for a microwave and kettle. Where there is a microwave provided, a fire blanket must be provided, and a microwave included in the trailer risk assessment.
  • Steps for all trailers should be suitable, fit for purpose and secure. Secure rails should be provided on costume and makeup trailers.
  • Two-way trailers have a handle at the entrance and secure rails for honey wagons. Honey wagons should be cleaned and inspected daily by nominated operatives, nominated by the facilities manager.
  • The transport coordinator/ captain should inspect honey wagons at agreed intervals. All standby trucks and trailers should have adequate lighting within the units and adequate secure shelving or other equipment to ensure fit for purpose.
  • Adequate lighting at unit bases must be provided on all walkways during all hours of operation in darkness including set-up, shooting and wrap-up. The lights must remain on until the last person leaves the unit base.
  • For night work, the transport coordinator/ facilities manager should liaise with the location manager regarding the requirement for tower lights at the unit base and standby area(s)
  • On shooting days, set up the three-stream waste stations at the unit base and set

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (No. 10 of 2005) requires:

  • Employers manage and conduct their work activities in such a manner as to ensure the safety, health and welfare of employees.
  • A risk assessment is carried out by the employer or the person in control of the place of work.
  • Transport hazards that exist in the workplace must be assessed as part of this risk assessment, and appropriate steps taken to eliminate or reduce any risks found.

Note: Vehicles are defined as a Place of Work under the Act. Hence, under Section 8 of the Act, the employer must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that:

  • Vehicles are designed, provided and maintained in a safe condition and without risk to health
  • Safe means of access and egress to and from the vehicle are designed, provided and maintained
  • Systems of work are planned, organised, performed, maintained and revised as appropriate. For example, safe systems of work must be available for vehicle loading and unloading activities
  • Information, instruction, training and supervision are provided for all employees who operate work-related vehicles.

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 299 of 2007)

  • Under Part 2 of these Regulations, which applies to fixed workplace premises, employers are required to ensure that pedestrians and vehicles can move safely and that traffic routes are clearly identified and appropriately dimensioned.
  • Traffic rules for mobile work equipment are also required. Safe means of access and egress to and from the vehicle are designed, provided and maintained
  • Systems of work are planned, organised, performed, maintained and revised as appropriate. For example, safe systems of work must be available for vehicle loading and unloading activities

Information, instruction, training and supervision must be provided for all employees who operate work-related vehicles

For more information, see: Driving For Work – An initiative of the Road Safety Authority, the Health and Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána

See also Sustainability.

The generation and management of waste is an everyday challenge, which people, businesses, industry and institutions must recognise and address. In our daily lives, we produce non-hazardous, hazardous and sometimes toxic wastes. These wastes have the potential to negatively impact our communities, our health and our environment and future generations if not managed appropriately.

Producers/UPM/LP/PM should determine measures that can be put in place to ensure the production is a sustainable one, reducing the threat to the environment and to human health. Companies should continuously be working towards a ‘leave no trace’ policy regarding all waste from production.

  • Efforts must be made to prevent and minimise waste and to support material sorting and recycling
  • Minimise waste which can’t be prevented and ensure it is managed and treated without causing environmental pollution
  • All waste should be segregated and disposed of by insured National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO) permit holders, to manage, remove and transport all waste. The permit must cover all types of waste being produced and cover the appropriate NWCPO waste management region.

The production should consult with the location manager and/ or production to establish production size, numbers of people, catering, compostable management, moves/ locations and ensure that ;

  • Design and price a three-stream waste management system to suit, including a Green Runner (GR) or other designated person who manages waste segregation throughout the working day
  • Recommend a wastewater management system specific to the needs of a production
  • On shooting days, set up the three-stream waste stations at the unit base and on-set
  • The production manages, supervises, and maintains the system to ensure optimal functionality
  • End-of-day clear-up and wrap-out at the end of each shooting day
  • All the waste is collected, transported, and disposed of under the NWCPO license.
  • Try to communicate electronically rather than using hard copy
  • When necessary to print, print using double-sided setting and ‘Echo’ setting – Purchase and use recycled goods where possible
  • Use rechargeable batteries
  • Ensure heating is efficient, and identify means of reducing heating consumption
  • Segregate waste and recycled waste
  • Use bulk containers for drinking water rather than individual small plastic bottles of water, and use compostable water cups.

Food Waste

  • Adequate arrangements and/or facilities for the hygienic storage and disposal of hazardous and/or inedible substances and waste (whether liquid or solid), must be available.
  • A suitable number and type of refuse bins must be provided. They must be provided with tight-fitting lids. They must be easy to clean. Bin liners should be used where possible.
  • There are specific rules for the storage and disposal of certain waste, such as animal by-products and cooking oil. Most local authorities now require the segregation of waste. The food stall operator should discuss this with their local authority if they intend to bring their waste home after trading, or with the event organiser/local authority if they intend to dispose of their waste during trading.
  • Waste must be stored in such a way that it does not put food at risk.
  • Bins may be required for customer use at the food stall. Bins must be emptied during trading if necessary, and refuse must be properly disposed of after trading.
  • Bins must be segregated from food storage during transport

Water pollution can be caused if wastewater from different departments is discharged straight to surface water drains, rivers, streams, or directly onto the ground. Wastewater can be generated from any trade or industry, including catering, facilities, costumes, and honey wagons (including sewage).

All wastewater must be disposed of through a licensed provider. Receipts for wastewater collected should be maintained by the production company, and/or HoD of a department and/or the contractor.

See Working around water

ISO 12402-5:2020-Personal flotation devices-Part 5: Buoyancy aids (level 50)-Safety requirements.
Buoyancy aids are required for all persons working 2 meters or less from the edges of lakes, rivers, canals and open water.

Yellow Warning = Proceed with caution
A status yellow weather warning is issued to advise those who are in danger of particular weather conditions due to their location or activities. It suggests that these individuals/productions take preventive measures. A status yellow notice does not immediately endanger the public due to expected weather conditions.

Orange/Amber Warnings = Be Ready
Met Éireann issues an ORANGE level warning for wind speeds that have the potential to create hazardous, stormy conditions that could endanger people’s lives and property.

  • Avoid exposed coastal regions while the ORANGE warning is in effect.
  • When driving, keep an eye out for potential risks, including falling or fallen trees and strong crosswinds. Strong gusts can be especially dangerous for high-sided cars and motorcycles; slow down and offer additional room to bicyclists and pedestrians.
  • Recognise the local conditions in your area of production

Red Warnings = Production activity is not recommended
Severe weather warnings with a status of red are infrequent, but when they are, individuals and productions in the predicted affected areas should take precautions to protect their property and/or themselves.

  • It is the responsibility of the production company/ applicants to update their Risk Assessment on the issue of ALL Warnings

Permission for Water/ Standpipe Access for stunts and wet downs can be sought from the Dublin City Film Office. Please provide;

  1. A map of the street location and hydrant location, with a picture of the hydrant
  2. An approximation of how much water you will require for the scene.
  3. Any issues resulting from accessing standpipes should be immediately reported to Dublin City Council
  • A work permit is required for an employer to employ any person who is not a national of an EU/EEA State or who does not hold a current Irish passport. (The EEA comprises the European Union together with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein).
  • It is the responsibility of the producer to make sure that all incoming personnel have the appropriate work permits and visas (if needed) prior to entering the country. Applications for Work Permits should be made to the Work Permits Section of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
  • Visa Applications should also be made to the relevant overseas Irish Consulate or Embassy.

See also Weather Warnings, Working at height over water, and buoyancy aids.

A Water Safety Plan and Risk Assessment will be required from a “competent person”. Water Safety documents should include;

  • Water Zone Profile/Overview
  • Types of Watercraft in Use
  • Event/Production Activity Plan
  • Emergency Action Plan
  • Safety Boat Requirements (helm, crew minimum qualifications, flotation devices)
  • Safety Boat Equipment Requirements
  • Water Safety Officer (if required)
  • First Aid/ Medical Plan
  • Training Records on file
  • Recovery plan/ Rescue procedures
  • Launch plan (if required)
  • Aquatic resources available
  • Communication procedures
  • Weather/ Tide observations (if applicable)
  • Site-specific risk assessment

Examples of work activities that are classified as working at height:

  • Working on trestles
  • Working on a flat roof
  • Erecting false work or formwork
  • Working on a ladder
  • Working at ground level adjacent to an excavation;
  • Working on formwork within an excavation
  • Working near or adjacent to fragile materials

The Work at Height Regulations require employers to ensure that:

  • All work at height is properly planned and organised
  • A risk assessment is carried out for all work conducted at height
  • Appropriate work equipment is selected and used
  • People working at a height are competent
  • Equipment used for work at height is properly inspected and maintained
  • Risks from fragile surfaces are properly controlled 
  • The risk assessment should include a careful examination of what harm could be caused by working at height with a view to taking the effective steps to reduce the likelihood of this harm occurring, either through avoiding the activity or, where this is not reasonably practicable, by carrying it out in a safe manner using work equipment that is appropriate to the task and the level of risk.

Working at height over water

  • When work at height is carried out over or near water, then a site-specific assessment must be carried out by a competent person. The risks associated with water must also be considered during the selection of work equipment for this working at height. Factors such as water depth, tide changes, water flow and flood risks must be considered.
  • Employers must identify whether the greater risk of injury to the worker(s) is from falling from a height off the working platform or from drowning if the worker(s) or the platform falls into the water. The decision can then be made as to whether it is more appropriate to wear a suitable harness to address the fall risk or whether the risk of drowning would render the use of a harness unsafe.
  • If the risk assessment determines there is a greater risk of drowning, then appropriate life jackets / personal flotation devices should be worn and not harnesses. In this case, any risk from a fall from height should be controlled by means other than the use of harnesses.

Mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) (see Vehicles)

  • See the HAS guidance document on Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
  • A MEWP is a mobile machine. It is used to move persons to working positions where they are carrying out work from the work platform, with the intention that persons are getting on and off the work platform only at access positions at ground level or on the chassis. It consists at a minimum of a work platform with controls, an extending structure and a chassis.

The legal provisions governing MEWPs are contained in the:

If you require clarification or further information on anything covered on this page, please reach out and contact us!

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