Would You Call Cut?
The Scenario
The art department is preparing to use a cleaning solvent to remove adhesive residue from a prop.
The solvent has been poured into a smaller, unlabelled bottle and left nearby so it can be used as required by the props team but no information about what the solvent is, or how to use it has been shared. The props assistant says they recognise the smell and say they’ve used it many time before without problems.
Filming isn't due to start for another 30 minutes, and the task will only take a few minutes.
What's your call?
Best answer: PAUSE & CHECK
An unidentified chemical shouldn't be used based on someone's familiarity with its smell. Establish its identity, review the relevant safety data sheet and risk assessment, and confirm suitable precautions are in place before proceeding.
If the substance can't be reliably identified, it mustn't be used.
Takeaway: A familiar smell isn't a substitute for knowing what you're handling.
Make the call!
Or you could just roll VT… but where’s the challenge in that? [02:40]
