Temporary Structures (Including Stages, Lighting Columns, Marquees, and so on)

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) apply to all construction projects, including those undertaken in the entertainment industry. These projects now include live events.

CDM 2015 integrates health and safety into the management of event construction projects.

A construction phase plan should be completed for any event with temporary demountable structures. Further guidance can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/entertainment/cdm-2015/index.htm

Marquees should be situated at least 3 metres apart and have adequate emergency lighting and escape routes.

Calculations can be undertaken to determine maximum capacity of a temporary structure. Please see http://www.hse.gov.uk/event-safety/venue-site-design.htm for further guidance.

Staging and Marquee fabrics should be inherently or durably flame retardant (certificate of compliance may be required).

All temporary demountable structures should be installed and signed off as safe by the competent person. For all events on HBC land the Event Organiser will be required to submit a completed 'sign off' form. This should be submitted before the start of the event to eventsadmin@hastings.gov.uk.

Regular site checks of supporting poles/frames/guys/stakes and anchorages should be undertaken by a competent person particularly in windy or inclement weather.

Temporary structures should further comply with:

• The 'National Outdoor Events Association Code of Practice for Outdoor Events', and;
• The Institution of Structural Engineers guidance on temporary demountable structures.

Arrangements should be made to stop unauthorised persons gaining access to/interfering with equipment and structures, and so on when the event is open to the public.

All staging and/or structures should be positioned so as not to obstruct any entrances or exits from the site. The open edges at the side and rear of any performance platform should be guarded to prevent people falling off. Secure, safe flights of steps or ramps should be provided to access the platform.

All staging and structures should be free from trip hazards and other physical hazards (i.e., sharp edges, points, protruding support members).