Videotaping
A stationary video camera should be kept in operation for a period of
typically 5-6 hr per day. The camera should be located approximately 100
feet away from the operation, under observation and at an elevation that
ensures that equipment and personnel will not obstruct the view. This ensures
capturing enough of the observed activities and their surrounding environment
for a more complete analysis of the tapes. The rather remote location
of the camera also helps to reduce the possible distraction caused by
the presence of the video camera and the taping operation. Checking on the
camera should be done approximately every 2 hr or when batteries and tapes
have to be changed. A hand-held video camera should be used for close-up
shots taken from different angles to complement the data gathered by the
stationary camera. Critical activities, equipment movements, material handling,
craft-machine interference, and travel time of individuals and equipment
are typical operations that should be recorded by both cameras.