Extra Health & Safety checks are to be taken out on fairground rides this summer

It is an excellent experience for young and old families to go to theme parks and fairgrounds. The rides there are designed to be exhilarating and a whole of fun. Many people fondly remember being taken to these places when they were younger.

Health and safety on fairground rides are essential. The last thing anyone wants when they go to a theme park or a travelling fairground in their local town is to get injured or lose their life just by going on one of the many fun rides. Sadly though, that is what is still happening. As well as costing these businesses money by driving customers away, it is leaving those customers feeling more nervous about using the rides.

Why New Regulations and Inspections of Fairground Rides and Theme Parks Are Crucial

When members of the public are involved, along with workers, health and safety can’t be afforded to skip. That is why the HSE has taken action to make changes.

If you are concerned about your own business or want to know the measures being taken to ensure your safety if you are a regular of fairgrounds and theme parks, you will find out all you need to know in the following post from the team here at Number 8 Events.

A spate of recent incidents involving certain rides at theme parks and fairgrounds has led to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) deciding to carry out additional inspections of a wide variety of rides thanks to incidents in Barnsley, Hull, Cardiff, Barrow, and London. This inspection campaign has been devised to encourage and promote the safe use of many popular rides.

What Kind of Rides are being Targeted Under the New Inspection Rules?

The specific type of rides being targeted by these new inspection rules is Star Flyers, high-speed lifts, Twists, Crazy Frogs, and Round Ups that are used by travelling theme park and fairground sites. These rules will be thoroughly inspected to ensure they are safe for passengers, workers, and ride operators to use and correctly operate and maintain.

Incidents Involving Cerain Theme Park and Fairground Rides Have Led to Disaster

The increase in inspections of these rides is due to the alarming number of incidents involving these types of rides at theme parks and fairgrounds. Many are already under investigation by the HSE.

There are currently several incidents still being investigated by the HSE. Two involve Twist Rides at Barrow’s Cavendish Park and Winter Wonderland in Cardiff in August 2021 and November 2022, respectively.

There have also been investigations into incidents involving high-speed rides in October 2019, West Drayton’s Yiewsley Wood in April 2018, Brockwell Park in London and Barnsley’s Penny Pie Park that both happened in August 2019.

Then there is an incident that the HSE is aware of that occurred on a Star Flyer ride in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, at Planet Fun in July 2021, as well as another intervention led by the organisation involving a Crazy Frog ride’s control system used for restraining passengers needing improvements because it was inadequate.

What Can Happen?

Suppose the HSE inspectors working on behalf of the National Fairground Inspection Team, or NFIT, identify ongoing risks of serious injuries. In that case, encouragement action must be taken by the Enforcement Management Model outlined by the HSE.

Various enforcement options are open to the HSE, such as providing relevant information regarding their findings in writing or face-to-face, serving Prohibition and Improvement notices and, in the worst-case scenario, prosecution. The main goal of the work the inspectors will be carrying out is to help identify potential risks and educate owners and operators of the rides on why these are dangerous.

There will be 100 inspections conducted of rides up and down the country.

According to an HSE inspector, an incorrect operation or failure of a ride can cause dangerous consequences. The organisation recognises that because of recent incidents involving problems, including the ride operators that were prosecuted after a fatal incident involving inflatable devices occurred in March 2016, the public is better aware of potential dangers and injuries when devices and machinery are not set up, operated or even maintained properly in-line with good practice standards and the manufacturer guidelines. Therefore, the aim is to tackle these issues head-on and reduce the likelihood of incidents occurring in the future.

When Do the New Inspections Start?

From 24 April, the HSE will start carrying out 100 specifically targeted inspections of fairground rides and the programme is scheduled to be completed by September. This inspection programme follows the organisation’s continued efforts to further the intervention work it had undertaken during previous years, addressing safety issues within the fairground and theme park industry.

Rather than looking to close or put fairgrounds and theme parks out of business, it aims to help them. Fairgrounds and theme parks must understand the new regulations and inspections and endeavour to make the adjustments and improvements necessary to ensure rides are safe.

Summary

So, whether you run a fairground or theme park, if you have any rides noted in the above article, you should be aware that you will be expected to undergo further inspections to ensure your rides are safe. The best thing to do is to work with the authorities rather than try to make a fuss about it. The benefits are great. It is an important job that needs to be done.

In addition to ensuring your rides are safe and you are likely to avoid potentially life-threatening accidents and incidents from happening, the confidence the public will have in your fairground or theme park will increase exponentially. After all, they will be able to see that you take their health and safety seriously and will be more likely to come to your attractions and have a go on your rides. It will also help you avoid fines, closure, legal action, and any other negative consequences.

by Mark

Fire Risk Assessments: Understanding Your Responsibilities in the Workplace

Fire risk assessments play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of employees and visitors in the workplace. These assessments are essential for identifying potential fire hazards, implementing preventive measures, and formulating emergency plans. Employers can mitigate risks and protect lives by conducting thorough and regular fire risk assessments. This blog will delve into the key aspects of fire risk assessments and explore your responsibilities as an employer or business owner.

The Importance of Fire Risk Assessments

Fire risk assessments serve as a fundamental tool in creating a safe working environment. They help identify potential fire hazards, evaluate the level of risk, and determine appropriate control measures. Assessments also assist in establishing emergency procedures and educating employees on fire safety. By prioritising fire risk assessments, businesses can reduce the likelihood of fire incidents and safeguard the well-being of their workforce.

Fires can cause devastating consequences in the workplace, including injuries, loss of life, property damage, and financial losses. By conducting thorough fire risk assessments, you can proactively identify potential hazards and implement effective measures to prevent fires or minimise their impact.

Fire risk assessments are not only about complying with legal requirements; they also demonstrate your commitment to the safety of your employees and visitors. By investing in fire risk assessments, you prioritize their well-being and create a culture of safety within your organisation.

Legal Obligations and Regulatory Framework

Understanding the legal requirements surrounding fire risk assessments is crucial. In the United Kingdom, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 outlines the responsibilities of employers, business owners, and responsible persons. According to the legislation, a fire risk assessment must be carried out in all non-domestic premises. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in penalties, legal action, and, most importantly, increased risks to life and property.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places the responsibility of fire safety on the "responsible person." This could be the employer, business owner, landlord, or any person with control over the premises. It is their duty to ensure that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is conducted and appropriate measures are in place to mitigate risks.

The responsible person must appoint competent individuals to carry out fire risk assessments or acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct the assessments themselves. Compliance with the legislation is not just a legal requirement; it is a moral obligation to protect the well-being of all individuals within the workplace.

Identifying Fire Hazards

The first step in conducting a fire risk assessment is to identify potential fire hazards within the workplace. This can include electrical equipment, flammable substances, faulty wiring, blocked escape routes, or inadequate fire protection systems. By conducting a thorough inspection of the premises, including both internal and external areas, you can identify and address any hazards that may contribute to the outbreak or spread of a fire.

During the assessment, you should consider all areas of your premises, from the entrance to the workspace, storage areas, restrooms, and break rooms. Look for potential ignition sources, combustible materials, and any obstructions that may hinder evacuation or firefighting efforts.

Common fire hazards include faulty electrical equipment, overloaded power sockets, improper storage of flammable substances, blocked fire exits, and inadequate fire suppression systems. By identifying these hazards, you can take appropriate measures to eliminate or control them effectively.

Evaluating and Controlling Risks

Once fire hazards have been identified, the next step is to assess and evaluate the associated risks. This involves considering factors such as the likelihood of a fire occurring and the potential consequences if one were to

happen. By assigning a risk rating to each hazard, you can prioritise control measures accordingly. These measures may include implementing fire safety training, installing fire detection and suppression systems, maintaining emergency exits, and ensuring adequate signage.

Risk assessment involves evaluating the probability of a fire occurring based on the identified hazards and the potential impact it may have on people, property, and business operations. By understanding the risks, you can allocate resources effectively to implement appropriate control measures.

Control measures can range from simple actions, such as ensuring fire extinguishers are readily available and accessible, to more complex solutions like installing fire alarm systems and automatic sprinklers. It is crucial to consider the effectiveness, practicality, and cost of each control measure to ensure they are suitable for your specific workplace.

Formulating Emergency Plans

Having a well-defined emergency plan is essential to effectively respond to a fire incident. This includes establishing evacuation procedures, identifying assembly points, and designating responsibilities to key personnel. Regular drills and exercises should be conducted to familiarise employees with the emergency plan and ensure a swift and coordinated response in case of a fire. It is vital to regularly review and update the emergency plan to account for changes in the workplace or staff.

Emergency plans should outline clear procedures to evacuate the premises safely and efficiently. They should include designated escape routes, assembly points, and instructions for employees with disabilities or special needs. Regular drills help validate the effectiveness of the emergency plan and familiarise employees with the actions they need to take in an emergency.

Consider appointing fire wardens or marshals who are trained to assist in the event of a fire. Their responsibilities may include guiding employees during evacuations, conducting headcounts, and ensuring that everyone has safely evacuated the premises.

Employee Training and Awareness

Ensuring that employees are adequately trained and aware of fire safety measures is a vital aspect of fire risk assessments. Training should cover topics such as fire prevention, evacuation procedures, proper use of firefighting equipment, and reporting of potential hazards. By promoting a culture of fire safety and encouraging employees to actively participate in maintaining a safe working environment, the risk of fire incidents can be significantly reduced.

Employee training is critical in fostering a fire-conscious culture within your organisation. Employees should be educated about the potential fire hazards in their work environment, how to identify them, and the appropriate actions to take in case of a fire.

Training sessions should cover topics such as fire extinguisher use, evacuation procedures, and the importance of reporting potential fire hazards promptly. Regular refresher courses and ongoing awareness campaigns will reinforce good fire safety practices among employees.

Engaging Professionals for Assistance

While conducting fire risk assessments can be carried out internally, engaging the services of fire safety professionals can provide invaluable expertise and ensure comprehensive evaluations. Fire safety consultants can offer guidance, perform detailed assessments, and provide recommendations tailored to the specific needs of your workplace. Their experience and knowledge can enhance the effectiveness of your fire risk assessment process and help you stay compliant with relevant regulations.

Fire safety professionals have extensive knowledge and experience in conducting fire risk assessments. They can identify potential hazards that may go unnoticed and provide expert advice on implementing control measures that comply with regulations and best practices.

Fire safety consultants can also assist in developing emergency plans, conducting fire safety training for employees, and performing periodic audits to ensure ongoing compliance. Their involvement can contribute to a more robust fire safety management system within your organisation.

Regular Review and Maintenance

Fire risk assessments should not be viewed as one-time tasks but rather as ongoing processes. Regular reviews are necessary to identify any changes in the workplace environment that may affect fire safety, such as new equipment, renovations, or staffing changes. Maintenance and testing of fire protection systems, including fire alarms, extinguishers, and sprinklers, should also be conducted at regular intervals to ensure they remain fully functional and effective.

Workplaces are dynamic environments that undergo constant changes. As a responsible person, it is your duty to periodically review your fire risk assessments to account for any modifications that may impact fire safety. This includes changes in layout, new processes, or the introduction of hazardous materials.

Maintenance of fire protection systems is crucial to their effectiveness. Regular inspections, testing, and servicing of fire alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, and other safety equipment should be carried out by competent individuals to ensure they are in proper working order.

Conclusion

Fire risk assessments are indispensable for safeguarding lives and protecting property in the workplace. By understanding your responsibilities as an employer or business owner, you can prioritise fire safety, identify potential hazards, and implement appropriate control measures. Regular assessments, employee training, and engagement with fire safety professionals are key elements in maintaining a safe working environment. By adhering to legal obligations, being proactive, and prioritising fire risk assessments, you can create a secure workplace for all.

by Mark

Event Traffic Management: A Comprehensive Guide to Ensuring Safety and Efficiency

Well-organised event traffic management is crucial to hosting a successful and safe event. Smooth traffic flow in and out of the event venue or location can leave your visitors with a lasting positive and lasting impression afterwards. At Number 8 Events, we can help you to organise a cost-effective, safe and well-planned traffic management plan from your initial consultation to traffic plan diagrams and everything else through the execution of the plan by our trained staff on the day.

Various avoidable issues like inadequate safety measures, poor directions, unprofessional marshalling and long queues can mar your event for all involved, from the organisers to participants and visitors. Regardless of the size of your event, we will handle all the essential details and liaise with police, highway agencies and local authorities, as well as attend all related Safety Advisory Group or SAG meetings.

The following guide will show how we will provide compressive event and traffic management services to ensure your event runs safely and efficiently.

Pre-Event Planning

Venue Access Points: We will ensure that all the venue access points are marked and left clear to avoid disruptions in the flow.

Traffic Flow: We will plan out the best direction for the traffic flow to ensure no accidents or long queues, where avoidable. This will stop attendees from becoming frustrated, especially when the event finishes and they want to go home.

Parking: We will assess how many attendees and vehicles will likely be at the event and create a temporary parking space, if necessary. If there is already a parking place for the venue, we will work hard to maintain reasonable control over that and make sure it is not overfilled.

Emergency Plans: It is crucial to plan for all possible outcomes, even rare ones. When an emergency occurs, we need to be able to act quickly to ensure it is dealt with in a calm, orderly and efficient way. We will ensure a clear communication chain and that local communities and all relevant parties know how to contact the emergency services and when they are required.

Communication Strategies

Public Announcements: It is essential to have a system to deliver critical public announcements before, during and after the event. Whether this is last-minute changes to routes, parking or how the traffic will be directed, we will ensure that all delegates, participants, spectators and visitors are informed.

Traffic Alerts: Traffic alerts and signage should be available and delivered to attendees throughout the event. These may be warnings about delays or changes in routes to and from the venue and parking.

Radio Communication: Radio communication is the best for all safety and event traffic management team members. We will use them to ensure everyone knows what is happening and when.

Emergency Communication: When emergencies arise, we will have emergency communication in place so that even those not part of the event traffic management team can stay in the loop and contact the emergency services if necessary.

Traffic Flow Management

Traffic Routing: An essential part of daily traffic flow management is ensuring that the traffic is routed safely and organised. This helps to avoid delays, disruptions, long queues and potential accidents.

Parking Management: Parking for your event needs to be managed just like all the other traffic. This will involve directing and guiding vehicles in and out of the parking areas and directing them around the designated parking areas so that they can find available parking spots. We will convey that information to all attendees when parking areas become full.

Pedestrian Management: It is just as essential to manage the flow of pedestrian traffic as vehicular traffic. We will plan the safest and most efficient routes to and from the venue for all pedestrians, whether by car, vehicle or on foot. We will ensure a steady flow to and from the venue and avoid accidents, especially in parts of the venue location with busy roads or parking areas.

Traffic Control Devices: traffic control devices like temporary traffic lights, cones and other equipment are required to ensure that traffic can be sufficiently controlled on the day. At Number 8 Events, we can provide various types of traffic control devices on the day, along with staff that know how to use them properly.

Staff Training

Traffic Management: All staff involved in event traffic management must be fully trained in the science and specifics of traffic management. All teams are suitably versed in planning, directing and controlling vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Communication: Clear and direct communication can often make all the difference between successful traffic management during an event and unsuccessful traffic management. At Number 8 Events, we can promise that our team are great communicators, with one another, with customers and event organisers, participants and delegates, visitors and members of the general public.

Emergency Response: Having effective and timely emergency response methods and plans in place is essential, and you need staff at the venue who know what to do and when during emergencies. At Number 8 Events, our staff have been fully trained to a high degree and have the necessary experience and expertise to help ensure emergencies are managed properly and safely.

Customer Service: customer service is critical, regardless of what kind of event you are hosting and what industry or sector it caters to. At Number 8 Events, customer service is something we don't cut corners with. Our staff are fully trained to deliver the best level of customer service and customer experience to you, the client, the event delegates and the general public.

Post-Event Evaluation

Traffic Management Effectiveness: Regardless of how long you have been involved in the business, as an event traffic management provider, it is always essential to have a full post-evaluation. This consists in assessing traffic management effectiveness. Was traffic managed effectively and efficiently enough? Were there any complaints, disruptions, delays, queues or accidents? How could these be avoided during future events? These are all questions we will ask after we have helped with event traffic management plans for your big day.

Communication Effectiveness: When lines of communication are not followed well enough, it can lead to issues throughout the day. As part of the post-event evaluation, we will examine whether the communication was managed effectively. This includes communication between our team, your team and your guests, delegates and visitors to the event. Where issues were a problem, we will look to rectify these in the future.

Staff Performance: All traffic event management services providers should evaluate their staff performance following every single event you offer their services for. Is there anything that your staff could have done better on the day? Were some staff members working harder and more efficiently than others? These are essential questions Number 8 Events will look to find answers to when we evaluate the performance of our staff after the event.

Feedback from Attendees: the opinion and views of anyone attending the event are essential. You want everyone attending your event to be happy and interested in doing it again. Therefore, as part of the post-event evaluation, it is necessary to listen to delegates. At Number 8 Events, we look at all comments and feedback from attendees to get a clear picture of where we excelled and where we failed. Did attendees raise any compliments, complaints or issues?

Conclusion

Event traffic management is crucial, and to ensure it is handled properly, you must have a clear plan. At number 8 Events, we understand this importance, and following the layout above, we will ensure that before, during and after your event, all traffic is managed in an orderly and efficient way to make sure all in attendance have an enjoyable, positive and safe experience.

by Mark

Health and Safety Essentials: Making Events Safe for Everyone

The beauty of events is that they change, moving with the times and developing through the years. If your event is to be a resounding success, you must also ensure how you manage safety changes by striving for continual improvement.

Safety should be addressed at the senior management level, starting at the design/concept stages of your event and should be routinely considered throughout. It is not a standalone topic, and several factors will have a ripple effect, so the larger the project, the more care, thought, and expertise is required.

Whether it is ensuring that you have issued scopes of works to your contractors prior to quotation or ensuring that you have evidence of their competence prior to issuing a contract, there are key touch points throughout the event planning phases which should be ticked off.

Running a successful event involves teamwork, and your safety advisor should be regarded as a key project team member – making the most of their knowledge and expertise from the outset.

In order to help you achieve this, you could try the following:

  • Have a centralised risk register that all of the management team can contribute to so that all of the reasonably foreseeable significant hazards are identified across the team, as everyone has different experiences and knowledge to draw on
  • Once you have agreed on the risk register and written the first draft of your risk assessment, make sure that you identify who is responsible for the control measures and the timeframes in which they are to be completed
  • Use this event risk assessment as part of the checklist for running the event – creating standalone checklists if needed, ensuring that the risk assessment does not become an inactive document
  • Review event risk assessments throughout the event life cycle to ensure that what has been specified is being implemented, or otherwise, the risk assessment is updated accordingly

Finally, you should commit time and energy to monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of your control measures and reviewing this post-event at the senior level so that your approach can be varied for the next event. This influences the corporate memory and is key to ensuring colleagues learn from your successes and failures – and vice versa.

Over time, the cumulative effect of these small improvements will have a positive and meaningful effect on the success of your events.

by Mark

Why is Health and Safety Important in Event Planning?

As anyone in the event industry will tell you, no two events are the same and seemingly similar events (on paper) will often require a shift in approach and resources.

Variables such as the artist, audience profile, venue and weather conditions – in different combinations - can each influence the challenges you are likely to face.

Taking reasonable measures to prevent injury or ill health and having procedures in place if emergencies arise; means planning carefully to reduce the likelihood of accidents. At its best safety management should feature throughout each phase of your project.

Health and Safety Requirements and The Law

Most events, regardless of whether they are for profit, are considered work activities, with at least one employed person involved throughout. This means the employer has duties under the Health and Safety At Work etc. Act of 1974 and related subsidiary legislation. The following people have a responsibility under the Act for workers, as well as those who could be affected by the work activities being undertaken:

  • Event organiser
  • Venue owners
  • Contractors
  • Licensees
  • Promoters

As if keeping people safe isn’t reason enough, bear in mind that prosecution can lead to uninsured losses at levels specifically designed to affect your business by way of a deterrent.

Is this something you can afford to cut corners with?

What You Need for Health and Safety Planning for an Event

There are four key documents that event organisers have the responsibility to prepare during the event planning process:

  • A construction phase plan (where construction work takes place)
  • A risk assessment
  • An event safety plan and emergency plans – proportionate in detail – are likely to be required to adequately evidence how safety is being managed in relation to the project

Construction Phase Plan

Following the Construction, Design Management Regulations 2015 (CDM2015) the build and de-rig of an event site (where construction work takes place) is included in the scope of CDM2015 and as such a construction phase plan (CPP) must be compiled.

Construction work is a broad term but will generally include the assembly or disassembly of prefabricated elements (including such as shell schemes).

This document must lay out how the event organiser;

  • eliminates or controls risks so far as reasonably practicable
  • ensures work is effectively planned
  • appoints the right people and organisations at the right time
  • ensure everyone has adequate information, instruction, training and supervision as needed to carry out their jobs safely and without injury or ill-health
  • has systems in place to help parties cooperate and communicate with each other and coordinate their work
  • consults workers with a view to securing effective health, safety and welfare measures

Risk Assessment

Risk assessments are best done at the start of the project and developed through the planning stages, with new control measures agreed upon and added/removed as necessary. As the name suggests, the risk assessment will identify possible hazards and the control measures you plan to implement to reduce the likelihood of these causing injury or ill health.

As already mentioned all events are unique, however, some common areas you should consider for your event include:

  • Are the welfare arrangements suitable onsite?
  • Are the ground conditions suitable and will they still be suitable after everything has been laid out?
  • Ingress and egress routes to transport hubs?
  • Is lighting sufficient in the event spaces, including ingress/egress? Will this still be suitable if there is a power failure?
  • Who has designed the temporary electrical system and who is testing and signing it off?
  • What controls are in place for food safety with caterers?
  • Is the event medical cover sufficient for the various phases (load in/out, live etc)
  • Is the noise going to be at an acceptable and safe level?
  • Are there site-specific hazards (trees, roads, power cables, buried cables)?
  • Has a fire risk assessment been undertaken?
  • Could the strobe lighting used in the event trigger photosensitive epilepsy?
  • At what windspeed will temporary structures tip or collapse?
  • What are the security risks, and how are they being managed?
  • What are the crowd risks during ingress, circulation and egress? How could this change during an emergency situation?
  • Is waste at the event going to be appropriately managed?

The key is to focus on foreseeable risks associated with your event and what is reasonably practicable to control them.

Some work tasks such as work at height involve absolute or strict liabilities, meaning there are certain codes of practice which will dictate how the risks should be controlled.

Emergency Plan

The last thing any event planner wants is to put into action their emergency plan. However, it is crucial to have one in place, though we should all take steps to reduce the likelihood of needing it!

Emergencies can range from bomb threats or fires to flooding and terror attack. How are you going to deal with specific emergencies if they occur? How are you going to get support from the emergency services when necessary?

All staff working at the event must be fully aware of your emergency plans. This will ensure that you have the resources needed to effectively implement your plan.

Ideally, you should wait until you have conducted your risk assessment before preparing your emergency plan. That way you will know about any possible problems that could affect the event and can you can better prepare to deal with them.

Event Safety Plan

The event safety plan is an important document you must complete when planning your event. This is the core of the planning documentation and central to how you communicate your event plans to stakeholders and contractors.

Depending on the kind of event you are planning, venues and local authorities will want to see this document while you are still in the planning stages of the event.

This document will also be important if anything does happen during your event, and you are involved in a prosecution or civil proceedings. The event safety plan can be used to prove that you did, everything so far as was reasonably practicable to deliver your event safely.

The average event safety plan will typically feature such as, but not limited to the following:

  • Overview of the event
  • Site plan
  • Insurances in place
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Stakeholders
  • Permissions and licences required
  • Structures on-site
  • Risk assessment/s
  • Emergency plan
  • Communication before, during and after the event
  • Power management
  • Toilets, drinking water, and waste disposal details
  • Accessibility
  • Fire safety
  • Noise management
  • Crowd safety arrangements
  • Traffic management
  • Security arrangements
  • Medical arrangements
  • Children and vulnerable adult safeguarding arrangements
  • Details about any amusements, attractions and displays
  • Management of bars and caterers/food safety on-site

Food and Alcohol Consumption Considerations

If your event, as most do, offers food and drink, there are added safety requirements you need to consider.

According to Gov.uk, if food and drink will be offered at your event, you need to:

  • Confirm that all food preparation and serving areas are in good condition, clean and tidy. This includes all the equipment and other facilities.
  • The food preparation areas and serving areas should also be in the best position to prevent contamination either by pests or waste
  • There should be adequate washing-up facilities – you need to consider the number of attendees there will be at your event
  • Is there going to be someone available to answer questions about the ingredients used in food, allergies and where the food has been sourced?

The local authority Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is a good way to ensure that food operators are registered with their local authority and what inspections they have received. You can check caterers here. If your event is going to take place in a venue where there will be access to food and drink prepared on-site, these are good questions to ask during the planning stages.

Managing Alcohol Consumption

If alcohol is going to be sold and served at your event, you need to be aware of the risks that come from people drinking too much and have an alcohol management plan in place. Here are some suggestions about what you can do:

  • If any of the alcohol will be provided for free, consider setting a limit on the number of tickets your attendees can have
  • Ensure experienced staff are employed who have a specific briefing onsite
  • Have a responsible drinking policy
  • Ensure that you adhere to the Think 21 or Challenge 25 Policy.
  • Have sufficient numbers of SIA Door Supervisors onsite
  • Make sure public transport links are available and there are other safe ways for people to get home at the end of the event.

Remember that if they consume alcohol at your event and have too much, they are your responsibility.

Conclusion

Managing health and safety throughout the life cycle of the event is vital to it running smoothly and it being a resounding success. Although it may seem like a tall order and more than a little intimidating, we hope this post has helped show that once you break it down and take a methodical approach, it is not nearly as stressful or complicated as it might seem.

Remember, it is a legal requirement that you follow appropriate health and safety procedures when planning an event.

If you need advice or help, you should always look to a professional team that has experience dealing with the health and safety aspects of events. Contact us today to plan your event efficiently.

by Mark