This is intended only to highlight certain general principles contained in Appendix B - Electrical Safety. It is necessary for the entire Appendix to be read for a clear understanding of electrical safety as applied to film and television production.

  1. The Gaffer/Lighting Director and/or the Generator Operator are in charge of all temporary power distribution systems for film or video production. They should be consulted prior to the use of any electrical system.
  2. Under no circumstances should anyone, other than a trained technician or the designer of a fixture, attempt an "on the spot" repair to electrical equipment.
  3. Stay clear of lighting fixtures and lamps.
  4. Care should be taken not to walk on, or drive over, electrical cables.
  5. The Electrical Department should have an Emergency Lighting System available to adequately light an escape route in the event of a blackout.
  6. During an extreme electrical storm the Generator Operator may determine whether it is necessary to power down.

Section 182 of O. Reg. 213/91 prescribes the qualifications required to do electrical work during construction activities and recognizes training programs developed by MTCU such as Entertainment Industry Power Technician.

An Entertainment Industry Power Technician evaluates job requirements, plans, builds, installs, maintains and disassembles power distribution (main and sub-distribution), implements temporary power supplies, installs, controls and disassembles lighting, manages portable power supplies and maintains batteries. These individuals should have a mechanical aptitude and "hands on" skills and should be able to use many different types of hand and power and testing equipment. Such work may be performed on temporary installations up to, but not including, hardware connection to the power system of permanent buildings.

For more information on the "Entertainment Industry Power Technician Trade, 269E" please contact:
Ministry of Education
General Inquiries: 1-800-387-5656