Choosing the Right Safety Training for TV & Film Production

When operating in fast-paced environments like TV studios or live events, knowing which health and safety training to take can make a big difference. Two standout options are the Production Safety Passport (PSP) and IOSH Managing Safely: Productions & Live Events, both offered by Calvin Hanks and recognised across the industry.

1. What is the Production Safety Passport (PSP)?

A one-day, ScreenSkills‑approved programme tailored to X3.5 “Managing Health & Safety on a film or TV production” standards.

Designed primarily for people who manage departments or teams, such as Heads of Department, Production Managers, Unit Managers, and 1st Assistant Directors.

Covers:

• Safety culture and leadership responsibility

• Risk assessment basics: planning, monitoring, control

• Recording training in the ScreenSkills portal for lifelong credentials

Why PSP matters:

Completing a PSP‑approved course issues you a ScreenSkills certificate and code, portable proof of your training that you can use from production to production.

2. IOSH Managing Safely: Productions & Live Events

A three-day specialist version of IOSH's widely recognised Managing Safely programme

Crafted for managers and supervisors in TV, film, festivals, exhibitions, or theatre, including producers, directors, site managers, and event managers.

Includes:

• Core IOSH framework: risk assessment, control, legal responsibilities, performance measurement, incident investigation

• Industry‑specific modules on CDM duties, crowd control, stunts, special effects

• Evaluation through a 45-minute test and a practical risk assessment

• Delivered face‑to‑face or virtually, with in‑house group options

Why take this:

It's ideal for those who want broader health & safety leadership training enriched with sector-specific case studies and practical projects.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose PSP if you are:

1. In a leadership or supervisory role in production.

2. Looking for a short training commitment with industry‑wide recognition.

3. A freelancer wanting a portable qualification on your ScreenSkills profile.

Choose IOSH Managing Safely if you:

1. Are managing larger teams or entire events/productions.

2. Want a comprehensive program with structured assessments.

3. Aim to deepen your legal and operational safety knowledge with customization for stunts, special effects, crowd management, and CDM.

Scenarios

Freelance 1st Assistant Director → PSP: quick, essential certification, and recognisable across productions.

Production Manager for festivals → IOSH: deeper training on crowd interaction, legal frameworks, and incident management.

Safety supervisors across productions → Both: PSP for PS pass; IOSH for broader leadership and technical expertise.

Both PSP and IOSH Managing Safely are excellent routes toward building a safe and professional production environment.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re after a quick, passported qualification or a more in-depth leadership course, Calvin Hanks delivers industry-recognised training trusted across the production world.

• Book your Production Safety Passport (PSP) course for fast, practical certification tailored to the realities of film and TV sets.

• Enrol in IOSH Managing Safely: Productions & Live Events to gain a deeper understanding of health and safety in creative, live, and high-risk environments.

Get in touch to find out more and discuss the right course for your role.