fire safety regulations for film productions in Essex: How to Navigate Requirements for a Safe Set in 2025
Introduction
fire safety regulations for film productions in Essex set the scene for everything a producer, location manager or responsible person must organise before filming begins. In this guide you will learn who is legally responsible, which practical controls to put in place for sets and special effects, how to work with local authorities and the fire and rescue service, and what paperwork and training to keep on file to demonstrate compliance.
Failure to follow these duties can lead to enforcement action, fines or prosecution, and it puts cast and crew at risk. For official responsibilities see GOV.UK guidance on workplace fire safety responsibilities.
Why these fire safety regulations matter on location
When you film in Essex, you operate inside the framework of UK fire law and local enforcement. The responsible person must carry out and record a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and take reasonable steps to reduce risk. Treat fire safety planning for a film shoot like any other critical production task.
The film environment creates unique hazards. Temporary sets, props, fuels, lighting rigs and pyrotechnics all add complexity. Planning must be proportionate, documented and communicated to everyone on site to reduce the chance of incident and enforcement action.
fire safety regulations for film productions in Essex: legal duties and who is responsible
The single most important question to answer early is: who is the responsible person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005? In practice this will be the production company, location owner or the person in control of the premises at the time of filming. That dutyholder must make and record a fire risk assessment and ensure adequate precautions are in place. For the statutory text see Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Local enforcement lies with the fire and rescue service or local authority, depending on the area and premises type. Recent changes under the Building Safety Act have increased expectations about recording and sharing fire safety information; review the updated guidance at GOV.UK: Building Safety Act fire safety responsibilities.
Practical steps for the dutyholder
Nominate a named fire safety lead for the production. Ensure there is a single point of contact who oversees fire safety decisions and documentation.
Record a full fire risk assessment and keep it on site. The assessment must be suitable, sufficient and accessible to staff and enforcement officers.
Share responsibilities where premises are multi-occupied and coordinate plans with other responsible people. For guidance on enforcement and cooperation see Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order guidance.
Pre-production planning: risk assessment and permissions
A thorough fire risk assessment starts at pre-production. Visit the location and list the hazards that filming will introduce or change. Typical hazards include additional electrical loads, temporary heating, cooking on set, combustible set materials, fog or smoke machines, and pyrotechnics.
If your work will use special effects, consult HSE guidance and engage competent specialists. HSE sets out controls for planning and managing special effects, smoke and vapour, explosives and pyrotechnics. See HSE guidance on special effects.
Obtain permissions early
Seek permission from the landowner or local authority for public spaces. Provide clear schedules and safety documentation to reduce the chance of last-minute changes.
Check whether permits are required for pyrotechnics or fireworks and contact the relevant licensing authority. Treat pyrotechnics as a regulated activity and plan for licensing, storage and competent operatives.
Notify the local fire and rescue service of large or higher-risk shoots where required. Early liaison helps with access planning, water supply and emergency response coordination.
Controlling hazards on set: practical measures
Control measures must be proportionate to the assessed risks. Start with simple, effective steps that reduce likelihood and limit consequences.
Limit combustible materials. Use non-combustible scenery where possible. If timber or fabrics are necessary, treat them with flame retardants and keep amounts minimal. Store unused set materials away from ignition sources.
Manage electrical loads. Ensure electrical installations and temporary power runs are designed and installed by competent electricians. Avoid overloading circuits and protect cables from damage in high-traffic areas.
Control heat and naked flames. Designate strict procedures for any live flame, cooking or heaters. Use a dedicated fire marshal to oversee hot works and ensure an appropriate fire extinguisher is immediately available. BBC studio guidance can be useful: BBC fire precautions for studios.
Special effects and pyrotechnics. Always use qualified pyrotechnicians for controlled explosions, squibs or theatrical pyrotechnics. They must plan the effect, complete effect-specific risk assessments, and manage storage and transport. See HSE special effects guidance and consider bodies such as the British Pyrotechnists Association.
On-site positioning of fire safety equipment. Place extinguishers, fire blankets and breathing apparatus where they are accessible but out of camera shot. Ensure exits remain unobstructed and signposted. Clearly mark which items are props to avoid confusion during an incident.
Emergency planning and liaison with emergency services
Plan for the worst while working to prevent incidents. An emergency plan should set out evacuation procedures, muster points, contact numbers and arrangements for first aid. Appoint and train fire marshals and run at least one evacuation drill during production.
Liaise with the local fire and rescue service early for large shoots or those with heightened risk. They can advise on access for appliances, water supplies and emergency vehicle parking. Arrange a pre-shoot briefing where appropriate so the fire service understands the set layout and special effects schedule.
Include contact details for local emergency responders in the site log and on production call sheets to ensure timely action in an emergency.
Training, competence and roles on set
Competence matters. Those performing high-risk tasks must be trained and competent for their role. This includes special effects technicians, prop masters handling fuels, vehicle drivers involved in stunts, and anyone nominated as a fire marshal.
Total Safe can support training needs for a production. For example, arrange Fire Marshal and fire extinguisher training for crew through Total Safe Fire Marshal and safety training for productions.
Appoint a competent person to support the responsible person if they lack the necessary knowledge. The Fire Safety Order recognises that competent help can be supplied by external consultants where required. For statutory reference see Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Documentation, permits and record-keeping
Good records show you took sensible precautions and can be vital evidence if things go wrong. Your paperwork should include a clear set of documents kept on site and available to enforcing authorities.
Essential documents to keep on file:
The full fire risk assessment (recorded and dated).
Method statements for special effects and hot works.
Details of permits and permissions from local authorities.
Training records for fire marshals and technicians.
A register of fire safety equipment checks and maintenance.
Changes introduced by the Building Safety Act require more complete recording of fire risk assessments and related actions; review guidance at GOV.UK: Building Safety Act fire safety responsibilities.
Total Safe fire safety services for locations can provide surveys, risk assessments and equipment maintenance if you need external support for complex sets or multi-location shoots.
Insurance, contractors and third-party suppliers
Make sure contractors and suppliers have appropriate insurance and that their risk management matches your production’s standards. Check certifications, previous experience working on film sets and references. When hiring pyrotechnicians or special effects houses, request written method statements and evidence of competence.
Communicate expectations in writing and include fire safety obligations in contracts so that everyone understands their role and liability during production.
Working with public locations and local councils in Essex
Filming in public spaces introduces additional layers of permission and control. Councils will expect details on crew numbers, vehicle movements, use of cranes or drones, and special effects. Provide them with a clear shooting schedule and safety documentation.
Councils may require site-specific conditions, including traffic management and environmental restrictions. Early engagement minimises the risk of last-minute refusals or imposed changes that affect safety.
Practical checklist for compliance on shoots in Essex
Use this quick checklist during pre-production to confirm essential actions have been taken.
Identify the responsible person and fire lead.
Record a full fire risk assessment and method statements.
Confirm permits for public land and pyrotechnics.
Engage competent special effects technicians.
Provide training for fire marshals and crew.
Locate and test firefighting equipment and emergency lighting.
Brief emergency services if the shoot is high risk.
Keep clear records and share them with key stakeholders. For sector-specific guidance see GOV.UK guidance on fire risk assessment for theatres and cinemas.
Conclusion: keeping your set safe and compliant in 2025
fire safety regulations for film productions in Essex require careful planning, competent people and thorough documentation. Start early, involve specialists for special effects and maintain clear lines of responsibility. By following these steps you will reduce risk, meet legal duties and create a safer environment for cast and crew.
If you need tailored support, Total Safe can help with risk assessments, training and equipment maintenance to ensure your production meets current standards. Contacting specialists early saves time and can prevent costly delays on location.
For authoritative guidance consult official sources such as the GOV.UK guidance on fire risk assessments for theatres and similar premises and HSE guidance on special effects.
External and internal resources referenced
Theatres and cinemas fire risk assessment guidance (GOV.UK)
National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)
Total Safe fire safety services
Total Safe training and courses (Fire Marshal training in Essex)
FAQ
Who is the responsible person for fire safety on a film set?
The responsible person is the employer, owner or person in control of the premises during filming. This dutyholder must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is made and recorded. See GOV.UK workplace fire safety responsibilities for details.
Do I need to notify the local fire and rescue service for a shoot using pyrotechnics?
Yes. You should involve the local fire and rescue service and other relevant authorities early for any shoot involving pyrotechnics, large temporary structures or other higher-risk activities. Refer to HSE special effects guidance for controls and contacts.
Where can I find sector-specific guidance for fire risk assessments on sets and studios?
The Home Office and GOV.UK publish guidance for theatres, cinemas and similar premises which is directly relevant to studio and location shoots. Use that guidance when preparing your fire risk assessment: GOV.UK fire risk assessment guidance.
Can Total Safe help with training and risk assessments for productions in Essex?
Yes. Total Safe offers practical Fire Marshal and fire safety training as well as fire risk assessments and equipment services tailored to filming environments. Book training with Total Safe.
What official bodies set the rules for special effects and pyrotechnics?
HSE sets regulatory expectations and provides detailed guidance on special effects, explosives and pyrotechnics. Licensing and storage requirements are also covered by HSE guidance and local licensing authorities. See HSE special effects guidance.
