Safety Officer

A suitably competent person should be appointed to act as the Safety Officer for the event with overall responsibility for safety matters (though overall responsibility for the event remains with the Event Management Team).

This person should be suitably trained and/or have experience or knowledge of safety matters appropriate for the event.
Personal experience and knowledge may be adequate for a small indoor event. For large and/or complex events you may need to employ professional help and advice. You can seek advice from the Environmental Health Team at Hastings Borough Council.

During the event the Safety Officer will have regard to the following:

• Be present on site,
• Be easily identifiable as the Safety Officer;
• Be in an identified location (e.g. Event Control);
• Not be engaged in any other duties or activities which would prevent them carrying out their  responsibilities associated with the event;
• Have the means to communicate with the Event Management Team.
• Undertake a site safety check before the event is opened to the Public;
• Monitor the continuing safety of the site throughout the event. This can include checking structures,  barriers, electrical supplies and installations or other equipment provided. 
• Have the authority, if necessary, to close the event or part of it at any time

A priority for every event organiser must be to remove or minimise every risk to Staff, Contractors, Event Participants and the General Public.

If organisers are in any doubt whatsoever about the safety of their event, it should not proceed.