COVID-19:

BBC Production Guidance FOR THE BBC AND SUBSIDIARIES

UPDATED NOV 5th 2021

1. Editorial considerations ............................................................................................................... 1

2. Commissioners .............................................................................................................................. 1

3. People ............................................................................................................................................ 1

3.1. Inclusivity: Disability...................................................................................................................... 2

3.2. High Risk Individuals ..................................................................................................................... 3

3.3. Contributors .................................................................................................................................... 3

3.4. Visitors .............................................................................................................................................. 4

4. Working with Children ................................................................................................................. 4

5. Temperature Screening ................................................................................................................ 5

6. Lateral Flow Tests ......................................................................................................................... 5

7. Hygiene and Cleaning ................................................................................................................... 5

8. Ventilation ..................................................................................................................................... 6

9. Social Distancing (Work patterns and 2m separation) ............... Error! Bookmark not defined.

9.1. The Official ‘Contact Tracing’ Body ................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

9.2. NHS COVID Apps (UK) ................................................................................................................. 9

9.3. Close Contact Cohorts (CCCs) ................................................................................................... 9

10. Travel ........................................................................................................................................... 10

11.1. International Travel .................................................................................................................... 12

11. Mental Health and Well-being ................................................................................................... 12

12. Performance and Audiences ...................................................................................................... 13

13. Location Filming / Recording .................................................................................................... 15

14. Filming / Recording in People’s Home...................................................................................... 16

14.1. Presenter filming/recording from their own home where BBC have provided kit (no

crew involved) .............................................................................................................................................. 17

14.2. Other members of the household, including children, using filming/recording

equipment provided by the BBC ............................................................................................................ 18

15. Newsgathering ............................................................................................................................ 18

16. Working in technical spaces e.g. studios and galleries

17. Equipment, Technical Kit and Vehicles ..................................................................................... 20

17.1. Sending equipment .................................................................................................................... 20

18. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Face Coverings .................................................... 21

18.1. Face Coverings ............................................................................................................................. 22

18.2. Gloves ............................................................................................................................................. 23

19. Post Production........................................................................................................................... 23

20. Other considerations .................................................................................................................. 23

Updated November

2021 1

This Production filming / recording guidance does not replace your production risk assessment.

Template on Safety Hub: RIS-1822 can be used as a starting point to support you. The guidance in this

document is designed to support you in ensuring your risk assessment is suitable and sufficient.

These guidelines are based on the practical application of the latest industry, HSE and UK Gov

guidance applied to a production setting. You should always check for the latest guidance from your

national government whilst risk assessment and planning your production.

You must monitor your production to ensure the controls are being followed or if they need to be

reviewed. The ‘COVID-19 Production Monitoring Checklist’ has been designed to support you in your

responsibilities to monitor safety on your production. You should undertake these monitoring checks

regularly and record them on Safety Hub.

Some links in this guide are available on internal BBC pages only. If you require access, please discuss

with your BBC contact.

Editorial considerations

Managing COVID risks on production may have an impact on scheduling, resources and planning time.

Your production risk assessment (RA) must include COVID-19 controls in line with the Government’s

guidance.

RIS 1822 (Filming/Recording on Location), RIS 1759 (Newsgathering) & RIS 8974 (Filming/Recording

at COVID19 Test Sites) are templates on Safety Hub to support you with risk assessing your

production.

Commissioners

Consider health and safety (physical & mental) risks at the commissioning stage – as Commissioners,

you have moral, legal and financial obligations, and an obligation to protect the BBC’s reputation.

Before placing a commission, the Commissioner must ensure:

1. The independent production has sufficient skills, knowledge & experience to do the work safely;

you must ensure they are vetted by BBC Safety before work starts.

2. The independent production’s plans consider safety and have arrangements in place to reduce

the exposure and spread of COVID-19, as well as realistic timescales, sufficient budget and

access to safety expertise (if required). To help the Commissioner with this responsibility, please

see the Independent Productions – COVID-19 Checklist/Questionnaire.

People

• Confirm the COVID health status of everyone involved and regularly check that their health

status hasn’t changed. Please use the COVID-19 Self-Declaration Form on myRisks COVID-19

page under ‘useful documents’ (there are separate forms for BBC Public Service, Studios, and

International). This form is also available online via a request.

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2021 2

• Avoid filming / recording with anyone self-isolating unless this can be done remotely without

compromising their health or isolation, or the health of the film crew. User generated content

(UGC) would be the most appropriate and practical method of filming in this scenario.

• If someone develops symptoms whilst at work they should go home immediately and inform their

line manager. Managers should follow the Manager’s Checklist for UK staff or international staff

for next steps and to ensure reporting is made.

• Those self-isolating should do so in accordance with the current Government advice and follow

the BBC reporting procedure. You need to report self-isolation even if you are well and working

from home. By law, employers must not knowingly require or encourage someone who is being

required to self-isolate to come to work.

3.1. Inclusivity: Disability

This applies to staff or visitors who have either a disability or predetermined medical condition.

To adequately support these people during the pandemic, it’s important that a relevant risk

assessment is undertaken prior to working at a BBC premises. Technically, this conversation should

consider involving the following individuals:-

• Member of Staff or Visitor

• Line Manager or BBC Contact

Training Note. If you have responsibility for managing staff, Inclusive Conversations for Leaders:

Disability course is available.

• Building or Environmental Manager who has responsibility for that site. For example, at a BBC

building this would be a named BBC Workplace / Interserve representative.

For BBC staff, following the initial conversation, if additional guidance is required to ensure individual

is safe and supported in the context of the COVID restrictions, the Manager should engage with

Manager Advice (Internal: 0477, External: 0370 024 3477, International: +44121 567 6477. Select

option 2 followed by option 4). This would establish whether there is a need for an Occupational Health

referral to help consider any adjustments, support or other arrangements regarding their role.

BBC’s Access Services is another option (for non-medical but practical advice with adjustments related

to physical or mental health).

This risk assessment should consider the following areas, in relation to physical and mental health

impact:

• Preserving social distancing

• Use of hand hygiene stations

• Temperature screening

• Use of face coverings

• Navigation around the site

• Travel to/from location

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2021 3

• Ventilation

• Fire evacuation

If you encounter any issues with this process, please contact the D&I lead (Disability Workforce

Strategy) for the BBC.

To further consider impacts on mental health and well-being, please refer to the specific section below

for advice and support.

3.2. Clinically Vulnerable/People at Higher Risk from COVID-19

• Clinically extremely vulnerable individuals are no longer advised to shield. They should continue

to work from home where possible, and if they cannot work from home, they should now attend

their workplace in consultation with their line manager.

• If they travel by public transport, options to travel outside of peak hours should be offered.

• If you are working for the BBC outside of the UK, and your local government have different

categorisations for those at higher risk/ clinically extremely vulnerable people please contact

Safety Advice Line for advice.

• Guidance on risk assessing COVID-19 risks for a person who is at high risk from COVID-19 can be

found here.

3.3. Contributors

Risks to contributors must be considered as part of your production risk assessment.

• Consider whether the contributors are key to the content of the production and whether they

need to be onsite.

• Check the health status of the contributor (you may wish to use the COVID-19: Self-Declaration

Form on myRisks, or preferably, submit a request to use the online version).

• If they are a person at high risk from COVID-19, refer to the BBC guidance found here. If they are

a person at high risk from COVID-19, ensure that there is a method in place to enable them to

communicate this to the production in advance. A decision should be taken by senior

management as to whether they are key to the content and are required onsite. If they are

needed onsite, and are happy to be there, then social distancing and other COVID protocols must

be considered in the risk assessment. The process must be explained to them in advance and on

arrival to ensure they are happy and can follow it.

• Communicate with the contributor that the production and location is ‘COVID-Secure’ (i.e.

measures have been put in place to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to a low level).

Explain what they need to do/be aware of onsite and what the BBC production is doing to ensure

their safety and the safety of others. Encourage the contributor to raise any concerns or anxieties

they may have regarding COVID so these can be discussed.

• Consider their method of transport to attend the production, to ensure that they are not put at

any additional risk as a result of the production activity.

• Make sure the welfare of the contributor(s) is monitored onsite.

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3.4. Visitors

For BBC Buildings see the BBC Temporary Visitor Policy see the Gateway page here.

Working with Children

Whilst working with children and young people in the UK:

• BBC Child Protection Policy and code of conduct requirements must be adhered to as normal.

• If any of the children are at higher risk from COVID-19 then further risk assessment is required.

Speak to your safety advisor in this case and refer to the ‘Vulnerable groups’ section and the

‘Contributors’ section of this guidance document.

• Chaperones – the use of licensed chaperones as stated in the Chaperones section of the BBC

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy must be adhered to where possible. This should be

done in accordance with the requirements of social distancing, local area rules or restrictions and

other controls set out in COVID-19 Risk Assessments.

However due to the complexity of maintaining social distancing rules and limiting people on set,

you may still need to allow parents to accompany their children. This allows parents to assist with

other aspects required during preparing children and maintaining the correct social distance with

someone from their household, which can include hair, makeup, and clothing - under tutorial

when required. The use of parents in this role is only permissible when mitigating COVID-19

risks; the use of chaperones is preferable, but productions should use their discretion on this

when implementing COVID-19 controls.

− Parents fulfilling this role should be briefed around our safeguarding culture as normal with

chaperones.

− A member of the production team (if a chaperone is not present) should ensure that the

working hours and breaks of the child is monitored and recorded.

− The use of chaperones where available and at the discretion of the production team in

assessing their risks, would also be beneficial if parents/guardians are in place to oversee

and ensure compliance whilst observing COVID-19 requirements.

− This is not intended to be a long term replacement of the BBC chaperone policy.

• Children should be given appropriate briefings around the controls in place around protection

against COVID. This should include their responsibilities and a contact within the production

team if they have concerns or questions. This information should also be shared with parents /

guardians.

• Where tutoring is required, it should be undertaken in accordance with all measures outlined in

COVID19 controls and risk assessments.

• Children and young people may have experienced trauma, anxiety, and an increased exposure to

harm as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. There have also been reported spikes in domestic

abuse, especially domestic violence incidents and online grooming of children and young people

during this time on social media. If you become aware of a concern, please raise it in the usual

manner (you can find out how to do this via Gateway - Working with children), or refer to the

NSPCC for further guidance.

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2021 5

• For face covering requirements see the ‘Face Covering’ section below. Children are exempt from

the mandatory use of face coverings depending on their age which differs across the UK. You

should refer to the relevant government websites for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and

Wales for guidance.

• UK Guidance

• Scotland Guidance

• Wales Guidance

• NI Guidance

• Please check local guidance if you are outside of the UK.

• If the child is operating on the production within a Close Contact Cohort (CCC) (see section below

for details), antigen testing will be required as one of the control measures. In this case children

should also be tested, and this can only be done with parental consent.

• Any children included within a CCC should follow the same system and procedure as all others.

Where the child or parent/guardian does not feel comfortable with the antigen testing (required

for the CCC) then this should be raised with the safeguarding team and safety advisor and

alternative measures/roles can be considered to enable the child to take part in the production

but not be within the CCC.

• International – some principles may still apply but please consult with the safeguarding team for

further guidance.

• Further details available via Gateway - Working with children or contact the BBC Safeguarding

Team: safeguarding@bbc.co.uk.

Temperature Screening

Temperature screening is taking place across BBC buildings and is also expected to be carried out on a

production where there are more than 8 people. A temperature screening procedure should be

established to ensure everyone has their temperature checked before commencing work.

Anyone with a raised temperature should return home and inform their line manager.

Further information on temperature screening is available for the UK and for international locations.

Lateral Flow Tests

Lateral flow tests (LFTs) may be useful in some circumstances and can identify some asymptomatic

cases. It should be noted that if someone has a negative test it does not mean they are not infectious

(like most tests they have limitations). LFTs do not replace PCR testing for close contact cohorts

(CCCs) and all other controls must continue to be followed, regardless of a negative LFT. Those

residing in the UK can use the GOV scheme and order the tests here. The BBC encourages staff to take

up the twice weekly LFTs offered by the Government where possible.

Hygiene and Cleaning

Make arrangements to ensure good hand hygiene. It is recommended this is reiterated during the day.

BBC buildings will have cleaning arrangements in place; check with the area you are using for

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assurance . For non-BBC venues seek assurance in advance that suitable cleaning arrangements have

been made before the crew arrive onsite e.g. deep clean, regular cleaning of touch points. If there

aren’t any arrangements in place then this needs to be organised by the production.

• Wash hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds, using soap and warm water. The NHS hand

washing guide can be found via this link.

• If soap and water are unavailable use hand sanitiser gel (at least 60% alcohol content).

• Wash your hands before and after eating, drinking, or smoking, and as soon as you get home.

• Apply hand sanitiser or wash hands after touching hot spots e.g. lift buttons, handrails, or kitchen

facilities.

• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, nose or face covering if you have not recently washed your

hands.

• If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow (not your hands). Dispose of

the tissue straight away and wash your hands.

• Specific roles/responsibilities to support in reinforcing key messages around hygiene and social

distancing. Appropriate signs and messaging for key hygiene and distancing messages, e.g. in

daily crew briefings.

• If localised cleaning is required at a BBC building in the UK dial 0490 to contact Workplace or

contact the local contract cleaner. Inform them if specialist COVID-19 cleaning is required and

contact your safety advisor. If you are based in one of our international bureaux, please contact

your Bureau Manager.

• Guidance for cleaning after a suspected case of COVID-19 is available for the UK and for

international bureaux.

• If in buildings where cleaning regimes are unknown, access to WCs should be planned in advance.

Where possible establish your own arrangements so that you can manage the cleaning and

access. Where this is not possible any shared arrangements should include access controls, such

as each person wiping handles or using hand sanitiser pumps on the way in and out, to avoid

unnecessary contact with surfaces. Alcohol wipes or sanitiser should be used.

• Establish regular cleaning of the area and equipment considering the types of surfaces that are

present.

Ventilation

Provide adequate ventilation where people are in enclosed spaces. This can be natural ventilation

(opening windows, doors, and vents), mechanical ventilation (fans and ducts), or a combination of both.

Additional guidance can be found on Government guidance on ventilation and the HSE guidance on

ventilation and air conditioning. The CIBSE COVID-19 ventilation guidance can also be referred to.

Speak to your safety advisor for advice.

Social Distancing (Work patterns and 2m separation)

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On Productions and in critical areas in BBC buildings all of our colleagues, contractors and visitors

should continue to maintain 2m from each other wherever possible. This is to protect their health, and

to protect BBC output.

BBC offices are being managed differently - there is no longer a requirement to maintain 2m from others. BBC

offices will have their own risk assessments and people using that space will be briefed before they return. Any

concerns individuals should discuss with their line manager/ team leader. The return will be gradual and the BBC

proceeds with caution.

Where it is not possible to maintain social distancing where it is required by the BBC, the options

should be discussed with your team leader and safety advisor and the activity will be subject to specific

risk assessment and controls.

Note. The measures identified below should be additional to the standard arrangements around

returning to work such as individuals not demonstrating symptoms of COVID-19. Furthermore, work

for individuals who fall into higher risk categories requires further consideration and risk assessment.

(See ‘People’ section above).

• All BBC staff, visitors and contributors etc. should continue to maintain a minimum of a 2 metre

(6 feet) distance from any other individual at all times, and where this is not possible the activity

will be subject to specific risk assessment and controls.

• Online interviews, user generated content (UGC), delivered equipment (following delivery

protocols – see below) where necessary for contributors / presenters to use etc. can be considered

in the first instance.

• When the need for crew is editorially justified, there should be clear rationalisation for the

number of crew needed on the production. Alternative filming/recording techniques or

production methods should be explored and considered to reduce the number of people onsite.

Any overall reduction in people should not have a negative impact on other, non COVID-19

safety related, aspects of the production.

• Reduce the number of people in any particular area of production as far as practicable. This may

mean moving some functions to a space outside of the area.

• Where staff cannot work alone on location try and keep the same team together to avoid

multiple contacts, keeping the teams as small as possible.

• Work patterns may also enable small groups (cohorts) of people who don’t come into contact

with other groups.

• Stagger arrivals and departures to work via departments or individuals should be considered to

help manage social distancing.

• Stagger lunch breaks etc. to reduce numbers.

• Plan the task in order to keep the activity time involved as short as possible. Consider carrying

out the work at a planned time e.g. beginning or end of the day so that fewer people are present.

• If a mid-shift / day set change is required, try to plan it at a scheduled break e.g. lunch or remove

non-essential crew / cast from the area.

• Outdoor filming / recording is preferable, however if you need to film/record indoors aim for a

large open space with good ventilation e.g. open windows & large dock / stage type doors. Avoid

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small rooms where possible. You should take into account the weather, stability of temporary

structures and equipment that may be affected by such measures.

• Consider using building features to separate people e.g. windows, glass door, screen – bear in

mind that a screen in an interior area e.g. an edit suite, porta cabin, etc. can provide a false sense

of safety and it must be used in conjunction with other measures. The screen must also be

considered in line with fire regulations and must not impede an exit route.

• The use of boom or fixed microphones to be considered over lapel/personal mics in order to

avoid contact, reduce the need for handling and maintain 2m distancing.

• Avoid passing objects or documents between people or touching shared surfaces (e.g. door-

handles, table-tops, consent forms etc.) without cleaning and maintaining 2m separation.

Documentation can be emailed and read on personal devices and applications such as ‘DocuSign’

utilised.

• Try to plan the work so that people do not face each other - using back-to-back or side-to-side

working instead whenever possible. E.g. If it is a set flat one lifts with the face one side of the flat

and the other places their face on the opposite side so that they can spot the route for one

another.

• Change the working space / or adjust the lifting method / tasks to remove the requirement for

staff to work face to face… but remember work should be carried out safely do not increase the

risk by introducing awkward stances, postures etc.

• Wearing a face covering as a control measure on a specific risk assessment. N95 or FFP2/3 masks

should only be used in a clinical environment or if required for the specific task e.g. spraying,

cutting timber, etc. See section below regarding PPE and face coverings.

• Those persons at higher risk from COVID-19 should follow BBC guidance on risk assessing for

clinically vulnerable groups.

9.1. Contact Tracing

It legal requirement to isolate if told do so by NHS Test and Trace / Test and Protect. The following

information is relevant to the UK (Government guidance).

If a member of your production tests positive for COVID then you should immediately identify any close

workplace contacts and ask them to self-isolate. Use the Manager’s checklist to respond appropriately

and ensuring reporting is made.

A contact is a person who has been close to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. You can be a

contact any time from 2 days before the person who tested positive developed their symptoms (or, if they did not

have any symptoms, from 2 days before the date their positive test was taken), and up to 10 days after, as this is

when they can pass the infection on to others. A risk assessment may be undertaken to determine this, but a

contact can be:

• anyone who lives in the same household as another person who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested

positive for COVID-19

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• anyone who has had any of the following types of contact with someone who has tested positive for

COVID-19:

• face-to-face contact including being coughed on or having a face-to-face conversation within

one metre

• been within one metre for one minute or longer without face-to-face contact

• been within 2 metres of someone for more than 15 minutes (either as a one-off contact, or added

up together over one day)

A person may also be a close contact if they have travelled in the same vehicle or plane as a person who has

tested positive for COVID-19.

9.2. NHS COVID Apps (UK)

If you choose to download the NHS COVID-19 application on your smart phone and receive a

notification to self-isolate then you must self-isolate in line with Government guidance and let your

manager know.

For information on the app please refer to the guidance for England and Wales, Scotland and Northern

Ireland respectively.

When using the NHS COVID-19 app:

• Always keep your phone with you.

• Note that storing you phone in a locker of bag next to someone else’s may cause the app to

identify you as a close contact if the other person subsequently has a positive test. You can

disable the tracing function on the app in this case.

• Turn off the contact tracing function if you are working within 2m AND separated by a suitable

Perspex screen. (Definition of a ‘contact’ for England/Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland).

• If you are contacted by NHS Test and Trace/Test and Protect or identified by the NHS app as

requiring to isolate, then you must isolate.

9.3. Close Contact Cohorts (CCCs)

For some productions particular editorial and/or technical requirements may mean it isn’t always

possible to maintain 2m social distancing. For example a script may have been reviewed with COVID in

mind but retain content that necessarily requires cast to be in close contact. For such circumstances

the industry has established (in consultation with DCMS) the use of ‘close contact cohorts’. These are

fixed teams supported by Close Contact Services) additional screening and isolation measures to

reduce COVID-19 transmission risk.

Industry guidance on how to operate CCCs has been agreed in consultation with DCMS. It is important

that you read and understand this guidance fully. CCCs should always be as few and as small as

possible, and be in existence for the shortest time possible. In addition, CCCs should only be formed

when all other mitigations have been considered and discounted as appropriate for the situation. If

you are considering a CCC for your production, ensure sign off at senior management level and talk to

your safety advisor. Where children are part of a CCC please see ‘Working with Children’ section above.

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In some cases production requirements have supported the use of ‘bubbles’ of cast and/or crew living

and working together 24/7 with additional screening. This is a different model to the CCC and is

significantly more disruptive for bubble members and expensive for the production. This model should

therefore only be considered in special circumstances, especially as government rules are relaxed more

widely.

Hair, Costume and Make-up Close contact services such as hair, make-up and costume, remain higher

risk for the transmission of COVID. Despite government changes to isolation rules close contact work

also continues to carry a higher operational risk due to potential loss of staff to isolation (see 10.4 para

4 below). Performers should therefore continue to do their own hair, make-up and costume fitting

where practicable. This will enable 2m social distancing and so reduce the risk of virus transmission as

well as minimising operational risks. .

Where hair/makeup/costume (HMC) instruction and supervision is needed, this should be done from

2m with any instances of close contact recorded to assist contact tracing. What constitutes a close

contact can be found in the government guidance here.

Where it is not possible for someone to do their own hair, make-up or costume and the production

decides it is necessary to move to direct application despite operational and health considerations, a

risk assessment should be carried out to identify additional controls to minimise risk of transmission.

The risk assessment should include consideration of the following:

• Working in fixed teams.

• Is it appropriate to include the HMC artist/designer in a close contact cohort, especially if a

fixed team will be operating for a significant period/duration.

• Provision and use of PPE.

• Supporting individuals at higher risk from COVID.

• Enhanced cleaning and hygiene.

• Layout and organisation of workplace and workstations to facilitate social distancing as much

as possible.

• Scheduling to avoid pinch points and congregation.

• Use of self-declaration and screening – e.g. LFTs.

• Is ventilation adequate in accordance with government guidance on COVID and ventilation?

(see section 8 above)

The BBC COVID checklist – Hair, Costume, Make-Up should be used as a guide to inform the risk

assessment.

Travel

For travel within the UK, consult your country guidance. Within England, for example, you should

continue to plan ahead and travel safely where possible. This also applies to independent productions

commissioned by the BBC.

• Consider the use of local crew and contributors to reduce travel.

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• Consider use of bicycles or walking where possible in the first instance.

• If public transport has to be used try to schedule people so they are travelling at quieter times of

day, use quieter stations and stops, keep changes to a minimum and book tickets online in

advance or pay by contactless. Hand hygiene should be followed and physical contact avoided

where possible, try to face away from other people and keep the time you spend near others as

short as possible. For further information on the UK guidance see: Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer

travel guidance for passengers: Public transport.

In the UK, in some nations, it remains a legal requirement to wear a face covering on public

transport (and at transport hubs) and in taxis and private hire vehicles. Ensure you check your

National Guidance before travelling. You will be breaking the law if you fail to do so and could be

fined, unless you are exempt on medical, or other grounds.

If you are required to use public transport or a taxi or private hire vehicle as part of BBC business

during the course of your working day, face coverings will be available for use in line with

government advice. A face covering is not personal protective equipment.

If you are based outside of the UK you should follow the local guidance for public transport use,

as set out by your government, but wearing a face covering is highly recommended for BBC staff.

Also refer to the FAQs on Gateway regarding using public transport.

• If a vehicle is required follow Government guidance and avoid multiple occupancy vehicles where

it is safe to do so.

Consider additional safety measures:

− Keep the number of people in the vehicle to a minimum and as distanced within the vehicle

space as much as possible.

− Minimise time travelling together.

− Devise mitigation measures where colleagues cannot maintain social distancing guidelines

to minimise the risk of transmission, including:

i) clear signage to outline social distancing measures in place

ii) single person or contactless refuelling where possible. If disposable plastic gloves are

available on the forecourt these should be used, but if not, hands should be sanitised

after using the fuel pump.

iii) using physical screening, provided this does not compromise safety, for example,

through reducing visibility (if you are considering this measure please discuss with

your safety advisor and BBC Insurance).

iv) travel side-by-side or behind others facing away from each other.

v) Ask the driver and passengers to wear a face covering.

− Use a fixed pairing system to avoid multiple contacts (share the transport with the same

person each time).

− Making sure vehicles are well-ventilated to increase the flow of air, for example, by opening

windows.

− Ensure regular cleaning of vehicles, in particular between different users.

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− Wipe down vehicle touch points.

• Wash hands before and after using any public transport, including taxis or shared vehicles.

• Make arrangements to ensure those travelling can observe good personal hygiene (for example

sanitising wipes and hand gel).

• The time to travel to a filming / recording location must be ‘reasonable’, taking into account the

work and time spent at the location i.e. the time at location would be greater than the time taken

to travel there.

• If you are planning a shoot/record where there is the need to overnight you need to consider your

interaction with others in the accommodation, during meal times etc to ensure you are following

social distancing and other controls.

10.1. International Travel

The UK Government no longer operate a traffic light travel system and the rules for travel will depend

on you vaccination status. You can find more information in regards to the rules and vaccination

status on the Government Page.

See respective guidance for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Note. If anyone within the production or deployment has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90

days, there is a risk that their fit to fly PCR test will come back positive, despite recovering from the virus. If

they receive a positive result before they fly out, they will need to remain in their home country and may

need to isolate again. If they receive the positive result before their journey home, they will need to remain

at their destination country until they test negative and they may be required to isolate depending on local

guidelines. This risk should be factored into your planning.

There are currently no exemptions for BBC staff under the rules for return into England apart from

those for Broadcast Critical Engineering Staff, details can be found here.

BBC Safety have produced a very useful International Travel Checklist on myRisks. There is also a

template risk assessment ‘International Travel for News Teams during COVID’ (RIS 5428) on Safety

Hub which can assist teams travelling overseas to create their risk assessment.

Quarantine Exemption

This has been reinstated in late September 2021 and applies to journalists, television production or

high end television production and film. The exemption, via DCMS, applies to England but not to

Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland at present, and would mean that the person granted the

exemption would not need to self-isolate on return (provided they do not have symptoms and have not

been deemed a close contact etc). Guidance from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is due

The general UK Government guidance on travel exemptions is also available for reference.

Mental Health and Well-being

There are a number of considerations regarding the mental health of all those returning to production,

including contributors:

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• People may experience anxiety on return to production. Be vigilant for signs that anyone is not

coping.

• Consider the nature of the content that production teams are working on – identify any risks to

psychological safety and put appropriate control measures in place. See Work Related Mental

Health guidance on myRisks.

• Signpost to the BBC health and wellbeing support, including the Employee Assistance

Programme, as needed.

• Organise trauma briefings for teams if working with potentially traumatic content – contact your

safety adviser for details.

• Ensure the psychological safety and mental health of contributors is protected. Refer to the BBC

Safety guidance and Editorial Policy Guidance on Working with vulnerable contributors or

contributors at risk of vulnerability.

• The Government has published guidance on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of

coronavirus (COVID-19).

• There are BBC training courses available ‘conversations with colleagues’ and ‘supporting teams’

to assist in supporting people at this difficult time.

Performance and Audiences

Legal restrictions on social distancing have been removed and events can take place with crowds and full

capacity venues. A socially distanced audience is recommended but where your production requires a non-

socially distanced audience, you must assess the risks from COVID transmission and record your controls in your

risk assessment.

The following guidance is aligned with the latest UK Government and HSE guidance.

If you are the organiser of the event/audience then you must read the UK Gov Guidance for planning safe

Events and attractions for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland before planning begins.

If you are planning a production with an audience outside of the UK, please contact your Safety Advisor.

Productions can use the Audiences Checklist (COVID) to help with COVID19 planning and risk assessment for

audiences.

Adequate Ventilation

For premises controlled by BBC:

You should meet the requirements of the guidance from the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers

(CIBSE). For an overview of the requirements, please refer to footnote in this guide.

For premises not controlled by BBC:

For venues that are not under BBC control, you should coordinate with the venue management to understand

and seek assurance that their ventilation controls meet government, HSE guidance and CIBSE standard. If this is

not clear you will need to consider what alternative controls are needed to ensure ventilation is adequate. There

are examples on the HSE pages of improving ventilation to reduce transmission of the virus.

HSE Guidance for assessing fresh air ventilation in the workplace: current guide here.

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The British Occupational Hygiene Society has worked in collaboration with the HSE develop a freely available

tool for assessing general ventilation and COVID-19 transmission.

If you can’t improve ventilation, consider whether it is safer to limit the number of people in these spaces.

LFT Checks of audiences

Where BBC are responsible for the audience:

As a condition of audience entry (for non-socially distanced audiences), all guests (age 18 and over) will need do

provide a negative COVID-19 LFT result (taken within the 24 hours prior to attending the Event) from a UK

Government-approved test provider (either via a home kit or via a test centre), with certification shown via email

or text.

Where BBC are not responsible for the audience:

As BBC cannot mandate LFT checks for venues that choose not to do it, your production risk assessment should

consider risks to your crew particularly those who may be interacting with audience members. Your production

risk assessment should consider use of LFT for crew.

Check with your local government to ensure your audience plans are in line with current requirements.

Contact Tracing

Where BBC are responsible for the audience:

You are no longer required to keep audience details. You you are advised to continue to display an NHS QR code

for customers wishing to check in using the app. You do not have to ask customers to check in, or turn them away

if they refuse.

If you display an NHS QR code, you should also have a system to collect (and securely store) names and contact

details for those who ask to check in but who do not have access to a smartphone or who prefer not to use the

app.

Where BBC are not responsible for the audience:

The organiser will be responsible for any test and trace arrangements for their audience.

Face coverings for audience members within BBC responsibility

Your risk assessment should consider the benefits of face coverings and current local government requirements.

Where face coverings are not mandated by local government advice, they are encouraged and supported as a

way of controlling transmission of the virus.

Production staff mixing with audience members

Productions should plan to keep staff separate from audience members whether the audience is under BBC

control or not.

Where production staff may come in close contact with members of the audience (e.g. audience services) these

team members should not mix with the production teams where possible and should keep 2m social distance

from the audience.

Further control measure for staff who mix with the audience should be put in place if social distancing is not

being observed as a primary control e.g. keeping time in close contact to a minimum, use screens/barriers to

separate people, reduce number of people workers have contact with, negative LFTs on arrival.

For international teams please follow local government guidance and speak to your safety advisor.

Contributing Audience

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For an audience which will be contributing to the production, i.e. audience member acting as ‘contributor’, risk

assess whether or not they should undertake the same protocols as staff/crew, or managed as an audience.

Regional requirements

You should also make sure any control measures you identify by your risk assessment take account of the public

health regulations and guidance for the nation you are working in. Find the latest advice for England, Scotland

and Wales.

Further Guidance

• BBC COVID-19: Orchestras and Choirs Production Guidance has been produced collaboratively by the

Orchestra and BBC Safety

• The cinema guidance is available, as is specific guidance for drive-in performances.

• The Events Industry Forum (outdoor events and festivals)

• UK Music (music production)

• 7 Inclusive Principles for Arts & Cultural Organisations

• UK Government guidance on principles for safer singing

• COVID-19: Organised events guidance for local authorities

• For cafes and bars within premises

Overview of CIBSE Guidance for Ventilation: Good quality fresh air is a benchmark for each audience participation venue; CIBSE guidance

recommends a maximum CO2 concentration of 800 – 1000 ppm (10 l/s/person fresh air) for many activities. We should achieve a minimum of

10 l/s/person fresh air – maximum occupancy should not go beyond achieving this measure (numbers should be controlled and not

exceeded). Where the CO2 concentration is above 1000 ppm additional mechanical ventilation / increased natural air flow should be

considered (or numbers reduced). Multi-occupant spaces that are used regularly and are poorly ventilated (below 5 l/s/person of fresh air or

above 1500 ppm CO2 for prolonged periods) should not be used.

In spaces with low occupancy or where enhanced aerosol generation is likely (such as through aerobic exercise, singing or loud speech)

ventilation should be sufficient to maintain CO2 concentrations below 800ppm (typically 10-15 l/s/person. You should consider additional

mitigations such as reduced exposure (occupancy) times, the use of face coverings, restricting the size of groups and reducing the duration of

activities.

Location Filming / Recording

The number of people able to work at a given location will be affected by the following points and

should therefore be assessed to understand how best to minimise the risk for COVID transmission.

• Refer to the sections above as the points apply to all situations. The points that follow can be

considered in addition to those above.

• Outdoor filming/recording in a controlled area is preferable, however if indoors aim for a large

open space with good ventilation. Avoid small rooms where possible.

• Consider public access and the potential for drawing unwanted attention or crowds. Have a plan

to pause or relocate filming/recording rather than generate a crowd or allow confrontation to

develop.

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• Consider size of the space(s) where production, crew, contributors etc. will be required to work

the larger the space the better, smaller spaces with poor ventilation are high risk for COVID

transmission.

• Movement around the space and where activity will take place (for example large venue but all

work to take place in one section).

• Consider having areas for crew ‘holding’ to enable alternating teams in the working area.

• Establish welfare facilities with the provision of soap and water; stocked and cleaned regularly. If

this is a challenge alcohol wipes or gels should be provided.

• Confirm appropriate cleaning arrangements prior to gaining access and regular cleaning

provision whilst you are on site, additional resource may be required. Consider in communal

areas such as toilets and rest/eating areas too.

• Frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched regularly.

• As far as possible schedule phased work to prevent multiple departments requiring to work in the

same area at once.

• The mode of travel to and from location(s) should be guided by the principals that reduce

transmission and business continuity risk. Where vehicles journeys are involved driver fatigue

must be considered in conjunction with the above.

• Additional facilities such as greenrooms, dressing rooms, rehearsal space, refreshments, should

facilitate cleaning and maximising space and good ventilation..

• When planning set and location layout, minimise pinch points that require people to pass close to

each other. If using one way systems you must also consider impact on emergency access/exits.

• If you are filming/recording in spaces the public can access clearly mark filming area and provide

information on any restrictions in place, such as numbers of people in the area, at entrance/exit

points.

Filming / Recording in People’s Home

Note. Care homes should be considered separately due the vulnerability of the occupants, consult your

safety adviser.

• Filming/recording at someone’s home should be done remotely wherever possible with members

of the household conducting the production activities (under specific consideration and risk

assessment). UGC, delivered camera/technical equipment or alternative ways to capture content

must be utilised.

• If the household do not have adequate kit and kit needs to be sent to their home for them to use

please see section below ‘Sending Equipment’.

• Where it’s not possible to self-shoot or manage the production activity by members of the

household and therefore a crew is needed, filming / recording should take place in commercial /

business premises rather than someone’s home.

• Filming / recording in a presenters’/contributors’ garden or external space can be considered and

is preferable to filming inside the home. Ensure 2m distancing can be maintained at all times and

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2021 17

use minimal crew. Access to their garden/external space should be by a rear or side access (if

available) rather than through the living areas of their property. If the only way to access the

garden is through the house itself, further control measures must be established and identified

on the risk assessment and you should contact your safety advisor.

• If filming/recording outside check the weather and ensure you have a COVID secure wet/windy

weather plan.

• See ‘Working with Children’ section above if children are involved.

If you have considered all of the points above and entry into someone’s home is essential for the

production to go ahead, you must talk to your Safety Advisor AND obtain Senior Management sign-off

as there will be reputational risk, as well as safety risk. Once you have this, consideration must be given

to the following points:

• Establish that no one in the household has displayed symptoms (new, persistent cough or high

temperature) in the last 10 days etc.

• Establish whether any members of the household are at higher risk from COVID. If they are

clinically extremely vulnerable then do not enter their home.

• Keep the number of crew inside the house to a minimum and follow social distancing, hygiene

and cleaning procedures as outlined in your risk assessment (see sections above to assist). Also

keep time within the house to a minimum.

• Communicate and discuss with households prior to arrival, and on arrival, to ensure the

household understands the social distancing and hygiene measures that should be followed.

• Ask that households leave all internal doors open to minimise contact with door handles.

• Film/record in well-ventilated rooms wherever possible, keeping windows or doors open.

• Identify busy areas across the household where people travel to, from or through, for example,

stairs and corridors, and minimising movement within these areas.

• Take your own food and drink to households and have breaks outside where possible.

• Allocate the same crew to a household if a return is needed.

• Avoid transmission during attendance, for example, from sharing pens, documents and other

objects.

14.1. Presenter filming/recording from their own home where BBC have

provided kit (no crew involved)

• The presenter needs to make sure their home insurance/insurer is fine with them undertaking

filming at home. Please contact BBC Insurance for advice. Note. Presenter does not need to

insure BBC’s provided filming equipment.

• Presenter to be provided with a briefing or instruction on how to set up and operate equipment

remotely via video call. If technical support or instruction/training can only be done in person,

please contact the Safety Team for advice.

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2021 18

• Battery powered appliances reduce the risks associated with electricity significantly, but don’t

remove them completely. Note. Batteries (particularly modern lithium ones) can store a lot of

energy. If the terminals are shorted, the battery damaged, or charged badly, that energy can start

and sustain fires, even without oxygen.

• Any mains-powered electrical equipment is to be provided by a reputable supplier, checked for

damage on arrival and labelled with a current in date PAT cert.

• Ideally only known, tested electrical supplies should be used that are RCD protected at the

consumer unit or as a minimum should be plugged into any socket via a plugin type RCD

protection device.

• Any complicated set ups, extension lead use or proximity to liquids / water and / or weather

should be considered and where necessary seek advice from BBC Safety Team at the planning

stage.

• If an adult contributor filming at home has children present in the home, the production should

establish that the children are under the supervision of another parent or carer while filming is

taking place. This should be recorded in your assessment. Adult contributors should be briefed

regarding the risks to children in particular associated with any rigging that has been set up in

the home, for example cables as trip hazards and hot lighting.

• If children are present in the household their safety must also be considered in relation to any

supplied electrical equipment (for example the type, size, placement, fixings, weight etc.). The

welfare of children should be prioritised if a presenter needs to divert their attention from their

child/children.

• There should be reasonable checks that any filming/recording activity does not affect home

schooling or the welfare of children.

14.2. Other members of the household, including children, using

filming/recording equipment provided by the BBC

• If it is technically viable and appropriately assessed for members of the household, including

children, to operate a camera or equipment for filming/recording purposes, instruction must be

provided in the safe use of the equipment. Where a child is to operate a camera, they are to be

given instruction remotely but with supervision from their parent/guardian and demonstrate the

use of the equipment.

• A rehearsal or test with their parent/guardian to help the child establish how the equipment

works.

• If the child is required to move around with the equipment, for example following parent from

room to room, the route must be rehearsed and checked for any obstructions and trip hazards

removed as the child’s spatial awareness is likely to be poorer than an adults, especially when

using any recording equipment

Newsgathering

Please see separate guidance: COVID-19: Newsgathering - General Deployment Guidance .

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2021 19

For further information and advice, please contact the High Risk and News Safety Team and for

Nations and Regions please contact your safety advisor.

A template risk assessment for ‘Newsgathering during COVID’ (RIS 1759) has been created on Safety

Hub which can be used to help with your risk assessment if relevant.

16. Working in technical spaces e.g. studios and galleries • The editorial team should consider the planned sequences and engage with the production at

the planning stage to help make sure the sequences are achievable.

• Establish how much physical space would be required to meet the production demand.

• Where possible factor in the reduced crew numbers and available filming/recording techniques

as identified in the earlier framework considerations.

• Where possible keep time in the space to a minimum (i.e. after the work task has finished, leave

working area and continue conversations over the phone/on zoom or skype)

• Plan access and deliveries and schedule so that you do not have large numbers of crew /

contractors arriving or working at the same time and allow additional time for this. Utilise all available

studio space to help allow people to maintain suitable distance.

• Where possible reduce turn-around and use other available spaces to avoid moving kit /

scenery etc. unnecessarily.

• Plan set design to reduce the requirement for close working where possible This must take into

account the rig and de-rig also (for example, modifying the set to reduce the manual handing demand

where multi-person lifts would otherwise be required).

• Where an activity due to the nature of the job or location is considered to be high risk for

COVID transmission even factoring in reasonable control measures, seek advice from senior manager

and your safety advisor before proceeding. Where operatives need to work in pairs, ‘buddy’ them

together and ensure that the same pair work together to avoid multiple contacts.

• Hand washing should be undertaken before entering the space and again on completion of

tasks – production, via the Engineering Manager, Studio Manager, Floor Manager or 1st AD, should

remind crew of the need for regular hand washing.COVID-19 control measures should be included in

Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) that are submitted by contractors to the relevant

BBC responsible person (E.g. Engineering Manager, Studio Manager, Floor Manager or 1st AD) before

arrival on to site.

• The BBC person should confirm that the contractor has adequate safety and welfare provisions

identified within the documentation. There may be the requirement for joint controls

measures. Where this is the case the arrangements should be clearly established.

• Contractors should arrive at the studio/on location with the appropriate equipment and

supplies, and their COVID-19 procedure (RAMS) should be available to view onsite.

• TV monitors can be used to aid in make-up and costume checks. Any materials or clothes

should be sent to the artist/presenter/contributor in advance so that handling is

reduced. Artists/presenters/contributors must follow the guidance on hair, costume and make-up.

• Where possible close contact such as attaching personal mics assisting with clothing and

wardrobe should be minimised.

• Consider individual storage for props and storage where they are limited to the individual using

them.

• Consider the digital provision of scripts and any associated training needs.

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• Video village set ups should factor in adequate distancing between people and where

possible consider individual TV monitors for key people. Sharing TV monitors is a potential risk factor

should be avoided where possible.

• Display appropriate signage on symptoms of COVID-19 and when not to come into work.

• Utilise all available space to help to maintain adequate separation as far as possible and if any

screens are already in place, best use of those should be made to aid separation.

• If possible use more than one space if it’s considered that it will help reduce the COVID

transmission or business continuity risk.

• Wipe down relevant areas at the beginning and end of a shift/work session, or if

space/equipment is passed between users (using alcohol based sanitising wipes).

17. Equipment, Technical Kit and Vehicles

• It is good practice to regularly wipe down touch points and equipment within your workspace/on

location (e.g. with alcohol based sanitising wipes), for example:

− faders, hardware controllers

− mice, keyboards, touchscreens,

− door handles, shared surfaces

− mobile phones & payment cards

− vehicles – door handles (outer and inner), window controls, door pocket, seatbelt and clip,

seat adjustment controls, steering wheel, horn, controls stalks, gear stick, central controls,

keys/power button.

• Where possible people should have dedicated work equipment.

• Keep non-work critical items in the workspace to a minimum.

• Wipe down relevant areas at the beginning and end of a shift/work session, or if

space/equipment is passed between users. Personal equipment (headsets, mics, radios etc.)

should be cleaned and disinfected before issue and then each day.

• Where radio mics are required establish a protocol for cleaning prior to issue and on return along

with instructions on how the presenter/contributor can fit the mic themselves.

• Further advice on best practice for technical areas and OB facilities (including use and cleaning of

mics etc.) can be found on the myRisks COVID page (under ‘useful documents’).

• Remote editing should be employed to help reduce numbers and avoid social contact.

• Where two people in a vehicle cannot be avoided, the passenger should sit in the rear, opposite

seat to the driver, and weather permitting good ventilation can be supported by opening the

windows. Contact points to be wiped down as identified above.

17.1 Sending equipment

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When sending camera equipment or other kit by courier to contributors the following should be

applied:

• Before sending out packages enquire if the recipient and anyone in their household are in good

health, or whether they are in a high risk category.

• Establish the couriers’ delivery protocol and inform the recipient on what to expect i.e. the

courier/delivery driver is likely to leave the parcel on the doorstep, ring the doorbell/knock on

the door and step back to maintain social distancing of 2m. The courier will watch as the recipient

receives the package for security reasons and will then sign for the delivery on your behalf. This

approach should be adopted in all cases.

• The parcel should be sanitised/cleaned down before being handled/opened and the packaging

disposed of safely. Quarantining a package for 72hrs is mandatory if being sent to someone who

is clinically extremely vulnerable.

• Sanitise all the equipment with wipes (above 60% alcohol based) making sure hands are washed

before and after handling equipment – before sending and upon receiving/opening.

• After disinfecting the kit ensure that wipes/cleaning materials are safely disposed of and wash

hands thoroughly after the cleaning process too.

• (The process of receiving/cleaning/disposal/cleaning/hand-washing applies upon receipt of the

kit once returned to production at the office/at home.)

• If your risk assessment shows there is a risk of transmission via the kit being sent out then

consider sending alcohol based wipes.

18. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Face Coverings

There is no change to the use of PPE already being used in work activities to protect against non-

COVID-19 risks.

When managing the risk of COVID-19, additional PPE beyond what is usually worn is not beneficial.

The risk that COVID-19 presents needs to be managed through assessment of social distancing,

hygiene and fixed teams or partnering, and not through the use of PPE.

The exception is clinical settings, such as a hospital, or a small handful of other roles for which Public

Health England advises use of PPE. E.g. First responders and immigration enforcement officers.

Workplaces should not encourage the precautionary use of extra PPE to protect against COVID-19

outside clinical settings or when responding to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19.

Unless you are in a situation where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is very high, your risk

assessment should reflect the fact that the role of PPE in providing additional protection is extremely

limited.

Some locations may require the use of PPE as recommended by the host. Ensure all PPE is used

correctly and crew have been given the correct instructions on how to put on, use and dispose of the

equipment correctly. PPE such as masks and gloves are typically single use. Any masks need to be

correctly fitted (WHO mask fit guidance and HSE guidance) and facial hair should not be present in the

area of contact with the face. If RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) needs to be worn or other

Updated November

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equipment such as visors, aprons, gloves etc. you are likely to require additional authorisation and you

should contact your safety advisor.

Note. Some International Offices are being provided with face masks due to local guidance and for

emergency purposes.

18.1 Face Coverings

In the context of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, a face covering is something which safely

covers the nose and mouth. You can buy reusable or single-use face coverings. You may also use a

scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering but these must securely fit round the

side of the face. Face coverings are not classed as PPE (personal protective equipment).

A face covering is not the same as a face mask, such as the surgical masks or respirators used by health

and care workers. Similarly, face coverings are not the same as the PPE used to manage risks like dust

and spray in an industrial context.

Face coverings are instead largely intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of

infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of

transmission of virus that causes coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

There are some places in the UK and in other countries where wearing a face covering is required by

law. For when to wear a face covering read the respective guidance for England, Northern Ireland,

Scotland and Wales (The exemptions can also be found here). Face coverings may be required at your

UK filming location so check in advance. Exemptions for performers/presenters may be applicable

(speak to your safety advisor). Note. Face coverings should be replaced once filming or recording is

complete.

Face coverings are mandatory in all Nations in indoor settings apart from England. In England, we

continue to encourage people to wear a face covering when moving around and in communal areas at

a BBC place of work. For those who are exempt from wearing a face covering because of an

underlying health condition, there are sunflower lanyards available to wear on BBC sites.

When using a face covering, it is important to use it properly and wash your hands before putting it on

and taking it off.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before

putting a face covering on, and after removing it.

• Do not touch the front of the face covering, or the part of the face covering that has been in

contact with your mouth and nose.

• Change your face covering if it becomes damp, you’ve touched it or it is visibly dirty.

• Once removed, store reusable face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to

wash them.

• Make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched using normal household

cleaning products. If eating in a cafe, for example, it is important that you do not place the face

covering on the table.

• Continue to wash your hands regularly.

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• Wash your face covering regularly and follow the washing instructions for the fabric. You can use

your normal detergent. You can wash and dry it with other laundry. You must throw away your

face covering if it is damaged. If it’s not washable, dispose of it carefully in your usual waste at

home (not the recycling) or in a designated bin at a BBC workplace.

• BBC FAQs on Gateway for face coverings can be found here.

18.2 Gloves

Gloves are not effective in preventing the coronavirus infection and can present a false sense of safety

because gloves can carry the virus and can be transferred to surfaces, skin, etc. Regularly washing bare

hands offers more protection against catching COVID-19 than wearing gloves.

If you are based outside of the UK and are required to wear gloves by your local government, ensure

they are changed regularly and removed before touching your eyes, nose or mouth and before eating,

drinking or smoking.

Note. Wearing gloves for cleaning will help protect the skin from drying out as a result of the cleaning

products.

19 Post Production

• Wherever possible, editing should be undertaken remotely. Where this is unavoidable, follow

social distancing protocols (see ‘Social Distancing’ section).

• Minimal people in the edit suite to maintain 2m separation. as in other production areas.

• Suites to be cleaned down before and after use.

20 Other considerations

• When larger crews have been authorised, consider staggering call times, lunches etc. to help

manage social distancing on productions Production tea/coffee areas should be planned

following RA of numbers and venue requirements.

• Request crew bring packed lunches to a location/studio, or if catering is provided under strict

controls, no buffets are permitted. Each meal should be individually prepared and placed to allow

people to collect lunches whilst maintaining a minimum of 2m between people.

• Request crews bring their own cup/drink holder to reduce the need for shared cups and

disposable drinks holders.

• If filming is to take place in a clinical environment, as a general rule, do not enter any quarantined

zones (e.g. hospital treatment wards). If the editorial content requires the production to access

this type of environment senior management authorisation will be required and you should

contact you safety advisor.

• The NHS or your local healthcare provider may be struggling to obtain enough RPE and PPE

provision. Consider the editorial content when showing crew/cast/presenters in this type of

equipment. Note: Current guidance does not identify the need for most of our productions to use

this type of equipment – see above.

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• Consider psychological safety if shooting potentially distressing footage for

viewers/contributor/crew.

• Avoid using cash as payment – try to use contactless payment wherever possible.

• Refer to advice for first aiders where necessary.