Safety Tips for SAG-AFTRA Broadcasters

While it is the responsibility of the employer to maintain a safe working environment for you, personal care can also help in keeping everyone safe during this time of abundant caution.

General Tips for Members

• Respectfully refrain from shaking hands or hugging anyone.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth with the elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you are not able to access a sink for handwashing.
• Bring wipes for your work space, door handle and/or frequently touched spots.
• Carry your own pen.
• During breaks, take a moment to wash your hands. In fact, plan to wash your hands hourly and more, if needed.
• Don’t gather in large groups.
• Practice social distancing — keep six feet away from people to the extent possible.

Tips for Broadcasters

• Common areas in broadcast facilities should be cleaned/sanitized regularly. Studios should be cleaned/sanitized before and after each shift.
• Use disposable covers to protect mics or boom mics to avoid touching. Lip microphones should not be shared. 
• Conduct interviews by phone or video when possible.
• Limit sharing of equipment as much as possible. Shared equipment should be disinfected after each use.
• Use disinfecting towelettes to wipe down equipment before and after use.
• Regularly wipe down cell phone.
• Get your own food and water and social distance from others while dining.
• Bring your own makeup, brushes or sponges.
• Ask your employer about the possibility of setting up a home studio.
• Man-on-the-street interviews should be avoided when possible unless equipment is available to maintain a safe distance.
• Reporters should not conduct in-person interviews with individuals who are known to have been exposed or have been diagnosed with COVID-19. All such interviews must be conducted with the use of phone, video-chat, etc. 
• All other interviews shall be done in conformity with the social distancing rules established by the CDC, especially trying to conform to a six-foot distance between people when possible. If unable to do so, alternatives to in-person interviews must be performed. i.e., use of phone, video-chat, etc.
• If assigned to a press conference, you must make arrangements to conform with social distancing rules or monitor the conference remotely.
• Assignments to hotspots should be avoided, and most employers are following this rule. If assigned to go into a hotspot, you must be provided a haz-mat suit, respirator and proper training.

For additional personal protective precautions and recommendations for community preparedness, visit the CDC website here.

Resources for Broadcasters

• Dart Center
• Poynter
• Global Investigative Journalism Network