What PPE is required for industrial filming?
Short Answer:
The PPE required is whatever the site's risk assessment mandates — commonly a hard hat, hi-vis clothing, safety boots, and eye or ear protection, with gloves, masks, or specialist gear for particular hazards. Both crew and any on-camera talent must comply, and the site manager confirms the exact requirements before the shoot.
Overview
PPE on an industrial shoot is set by the site, not the crew. It is identified in pre-production through the risk assessment so everyone arrives with the correct equipment and can work legally and safely.
Detailed Explanation
Typical industrial PPE
Hard hat: protection from overhead and impact hazards.
Hi-vis clothing: visibility around vehicles and moving plant.
Safety boots: steel toe caps and slip resistance.
Eye protection: where debris, sparks, or chemicals are present.
Ear protection: in high-noise areas.
Site-specific gear: gloves, respirators, or FR clothing for particular risks.
Because talent on camera must also wear PPE, the wardrobe and framing are planned around it — safety compliance takes priority over the look, and the two are reconciled during the recce.
Example
Before a factory shoot, the risk assessment might specify hard hats, hi-vis, boots, and ear protection for all crew and any employees appearing on camera, all confirmed with the site manager in advance.