Union Helps Expand Smoke Regulations Protecting Minors

Minors on set in Georgia — even those not covered by a SAG-AFTRA contract — will be better protected, thanks in part to the efforts of SAG-AFTRA’s National Field Services and the Atlanta Local. The union worked with the Georgia Department of Labor to tighten regulations concerning the use of atmospheric smoke, fog and haze on sets with minor performers.

Under the new rules, which went into effect Feb. 3, children under the age of 2 may not be exposed to atmospheric smoke at all, while there are daily time limits for exposure of older children: 30 minutes for those between the ages 2–9, 60 minutes for those between 9–16, and 90 minutes for those between 16–18. Although productions previously had to disclose the compounds being used, there is now an additional requirement that they use an aerosol particle-monitoring device to ensure the levels are consistent with allowable standards.

Last year, when the Georgia Department of Labor wanted to revamp its regulations for minors on set, SAG-AFTRA stepped up, sending representatives to hearings and other meetings, and sharing information on the protections in its contracts and beyond. SAG-AFTRA input was crucial because the union’s representatives visit sets around the country every day and advocate for performers’ issues and concerns.

With the success in Georgia, SAG-AFTRA will continue to push for enhanced protections for performers around the country.

This item originally featured in the SAG-AFTRA magazine spring 2020 issue.