Heat Safety on Film Sets: How to Protect Cast and Crew During Extreme Temperatures
With summer temperatures rising and productions continuing outdoors, heat-related risks on film sets are becoming a serious concern. A new health and safety protocol, approved by industry unions in July 2025, now treats outdoor film sets as mobile construction sites, requiring all productions to adopt heat prevention measures during high-temperature periods.
This guide outlines practical steps to keep your film crew safe from heat stress, and ensure compliance with the new summer heat policy for audiovisual productions.
Why Heat Safety Matters on Set
Working long hours under direct sunlight, especially during heatwaves, can lead to serious health issues—ranging from exhaustion to life-threatening stroke. Outdoor film sets are often intense, fast-paced environments where physical and mental fatigue already runs high. When combined with high heat and humidity, the risk multiplies quickly.
Starting July 16 through August 31, productions are expected to take specific actions to reduce heat exposure. These requirements align with workplace safety rules already applied in the construction industry.
How to Apply the 2025 Heat Safety Protocol on Your Film Set
Adjusting your shooting schedule is the first and most effective step. Avoid filming between 12:00 and 16:00, when solar radiation peaks. If you must shoot during this time, rotate high-exposure tasks and reduce workload intensity. Breaks should be scheduled every hour, with at least 10–15 minutes of rest in shaded areas. If temperatures exceed 34°C (93°F) and humidity is high, extend break times or consider suspending activities.
Cooling areas must be available on set. These should be shaded, ventilated tents stocked with cold water, electrolyte drinks, and ice towels. Each department should have easy access to these zones to avoid delays or overcrowding.
Encourage regular hydration. Crews should drink at least 250 ml every 30 minutes, regardless of thirst. Provide refillable bottles and multiple refill stations to make this easy.
Use a digital thermometer and hygrometer to monitor temperature and humidity throughout the day. Record environmental conditions 2–3 times daily and inform the safety supervisor. If readings are above risk thresholds, implement immediate mitigations.
Wardrobe and costume teams should also provide UV-protective gear for technicians (hats, bandanas, UV sleeves) and ensure actors have access to umbrellas, fans, and cooling sprays between takes.
Educate department heads and crew on the early warning signs of heat stress—such as dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, confusion, or lack of sweat in extreme heat. All team members should know what to do in case of symptoms, including pausing work and calling for medical attention if needed.
Track and Document
It’s now recommended to maintain a heat log on outdoor sets. This includes temperature readings, humidity levels, any work interruptions, and related safety actions. This documentation is not only good practice—it ensures transparency with unions and protects both production timelines and crew wellbeing.
Heat safety is now a shared responsibility on set. By planning ahead and applying these simple but essential measures, your team stays productive, protected, and compliant with 2025 industry regulations. For more support on implementing heat protocols on film sets, get in touch with our H&S team at Framinia.
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