Quick answer: CDM 2015 applies to set construction in permanent studio facilities where construction work is significant and ongoing. COSHH applies to all wood dust generated during set builds — softwood WEL 5 mg/m³, hardwood 3 mg/m³ (Category 1A carcinogen), MDF 1 mg/m³. M-Class extraction is the minimum compliant specification for all woodworking on set builds. H-Class is required where hardwood is regularly processed. The production company as client under CDM 2015 carries corresponding duties regardless of whether the work is on a studio stage or a location.
Set construction for film and television production generates the same dust hazards as any commercial joinery or construction operation — but in an environment where the compliance framework is less consistently applied than on a regulated construction site. CDM 2015 applies to set construction in permanent studio facilities. COSHH applies to every operative generating dust on a set build.
Does CDM 2015 apply to set construction?
CDM 2015 applies to construction work — defined broadly enough to include the erection, alteration, conversion, fitting out and demolition of structures. Set construction in a permanent studio facility falls within this definition where the work is significant and ongoing. The threshold for notification to the HSE (F10 notice) is construction work lasting longer than 30 working days with more than 20 workers simultaneously, or exceeding 500 person-days. Large studio productions with significant set construction programmes may meet this threshold.
Below the notification threshold, CDM 2015 still applies — placing duties on the principal designer, principal contractor and individual contractors to manage health and safety risks including dust.
COSHH and wood dust on set builds
- Softwood dust WEL — 5 mg/m³ inhalable over 8 hours
- Hardwood dust WEL — 3 mg/m³ inhalable over 8 hours (Category 1A carcinogen)
- MDF dust WEL — 1 mg/m³ respirable
M-Class extraction is the minimum compliant specification for all woodworking operations on set builds. H-Class extraction is required where hardwood is regularly processed — oak, ash and walnut are frequently used on period and contemporary set dressing.
The specific compliance gaps in production environments
Dust extraction as an afterthought. In many production environments, dust extraction is not part of the set construction specification at the design stage. This approach consistently produces under-specified extraction and COSHH exposure that would not be accepted on a regulated construction site.
Mixing construction and non-construction personnel. Set builds often take place while other departments — rigging, electrics, props — work in adjacent or overlapping spaces. Wood dust generated without adequate extraction affects everyone in the studio, not just the carpenter generating it.
Strike operations. Striking a set generates dust from cutting, breaking and removing built set elements. Strike operations are often under-resourced on dust control compared to the build phase, despite generating equivalent or higher dust loads.
Practical effects and chemical residues
Practical effects — smoke, fog, artificial rain, foam, fire retardant compounds, fake snow — leave chemical residues that may be COSHH-controlled substances. Some practical effects compounds are not compatible with standard paper-bag vacuum filtration — wet recovery with chemical-resistant tanks is the correct specification for wet practical effects residues.
Equipment specification for production environments
For set construction woodworking: M-Class extraction with auto-start PTO socket, 110V for studio ring main compatibility. For hardwood-heavy set builds: H-Class with auto-clean filter. For practical effects cleanup: wet/dry vacuum with 35L+ tank and chemical-resistant construction. For studio floor maintenance: walk-behind scrubber dryers and battery sweepers.
Contact V-TUF to discuss equipment specification for your production or studio environment: 01522 787978
Further reading: Film and TV production equipment hub | CDM 2015 | COSHH Regulations 2002 | M-Class dust extraction | H-Class dust extraction | Choose the right machine for the job
