Hazer and Fog Machine Safety

[Steve Sherrick]

In researching haze machines for some upcoming shoots, I came across these documents from the Actor's Equity and it gave me some pause.

https://www.actorsequity.org/resourc...inalreport.pdf
https://www.actorsequity.org/resourc...moke-and-haze/

I'm still going through the fine details but wanted to know what everyone's thoughts are on these and whether you are following these guidelines and regulations? There's a lot in there and I have to admit, I've never seen anyone use one of the monitoring devices they talk about.

[Martin Konrad]

you guys live in a crazy country...
180 pages to fire up a smoke machine,
safety officers if you have a talent in high heels,
and during the lunch break its ok to buy a sub-machine gun

[Ethan Cooper]

To be fair, we can only legally possess semi-auto.

[Jake Wilganowski]

you guys live in a crazy country...
180 pages to fire up a smoke machine,
safety officers if you have a talent in high heels,
and during the lunch break its ok to buy a sub-machine gun

Yep pretty much

[Tom Gleeson]

Martin,

The report is not meant to be a manual for the use of smoke machines. It is a detailed report on the possible effects of aerosols and recommended procedures including the methodology used. This issue is not trivial if you are working on a theatrical or studio based production where you are exposed to this stuff for ten hours a day for possibly months on end. Steve, in relation to your question the report seems to be most concerned about theatrical productions where exposure is long term. I personnally would only be concerned if you have children on set, working in a closed set, planning on a pea soup effect and/or your going to need the aerosols over a long period. I would defer this question to your producers.

[Steve Sherrick]

What are your favorite machines? I've used this one on past shoots.

https://www.reelefx.com/product.1

Not familiar with the Rosco V-Hazer or others. I'm not sure of some of the brands that may have been used on sets where I was not directly involved with the fog/haze machines.

Best Hazer?

Best fog machine?

Hybrid?

Thanks!

[Jake Wilganowski]

I see the DF-50 on set often

[Andy Jarosz]

What are your favorite machines? I've used this one on past shoots.

https://www.reelefx.com/product.1

Not familiar with the Rosco V-Hazer or others. I'm not sure of some of the brands that may have been used on sets where I was not directly involved with the fog/haze machines.

Best Hazer?

Best fog machine?

Hybrid?

Thanks!

The DF-50 is a classic hazer, total workhorse.

For foggers, the most commonly used brands are Look Solutions and Hazebase, however I've seen Antari used as well.

[Alexander.M]

Has anyone used the Rosco Mini-V Fog Machine?

Also looking at purchasing a fog machine for smaller indie shoots.

[Andy Jarosz]

Has anyone used the Rosco Mini-V Fog Machine?

Also looking at purchasing a fog machine for smaller indie shoots.

I would look at a Z-1200II. Similar price, but higher output, DMX controllable, and adjustable output level.