FIRE & ELECTRICAL SAFETY


A GO-TO EVENTS GUIDE


Event Safety Plan provides advice for firms exhibiting at events on how to keep their employees safe, and comply with fire and electrical safety procedures.


Every event needs to comply with health and safety legislation. Anyone responsible for, or working at, an event should be aware of the correct fire and electrical safety procedures to protect themselves, their co- workers and the public.


ELECTRICAL SAFETY


AND EQUIPMENT Misused electrical equipment can cause serious harm. In light of this it is important to ensure that any electrical equipment used is fit for purpose and suitable for the supply provided. Also, make sure that whoever is using the equipment is trained to do so safely — they must be able to prove that they are suitably qualified and have a risk assessment for the work being carried out. There is a range of recognised standards that apply to work on electrical equipment, installations and supplies which you may need to ensure are adhered to.


POWER SUPPLY AND


DISTRIBUTION Your power supply may be the mains supply of the venue. In this case, request up to date documentation on the condition and capacity of the electrical supply. You will also need to know the layout of the venue and its electrical distribution and what the provisions are for emergency power.


If you have a subcontractor managing the distribution of electricity across your event, then they should provide


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you with documentation of this as well as adequate risk assessments and safety documents.


For temporary power supplies such as a generator, you’ll need to make sure the generator is in good condition, safe to use, suitably positioned away from people and structures and can only be accessed by authorised individuals. Also, ensure you have sufficient fuel which is safely stored and that you have an emergency alternative supply of power.


I HAVE A STAND AT AN EXHIBITION — WHAT DO I


NEED TO KNOW? Make sure any equipment you will be plugging in, such as laptops and demonstration equipment, is safe to use — do you know when it was last checked or tested? Also have a good look at any cables and sockets provided by the venue — are there any worrying signs of damage? If so report the damage and ask for alternative provision.


Is the electrical supply competently managed? Ask if their electrical certificate is up to date and if there is sufficient capacity for the load you need to draw.


FIRE SAFETY Every precaution should be taken to prevent a fire, and emergency procedures should be carefully planned. Event organisers should carry out a fire risk assessment and


put in place all necessary measures to reduce the fire risk. These measures and the persons responsible should be documented. Sufficient fire detection and warning systems must be in place and fire fighting equipment must be in good condition.


Local Fire and Rescue authorities are an excellent source of advice and can help you to complete a fire assessment of your event and venue, prior to the event.


EVENT SAFETY PLANNING Risk assessments should be completed for all elements of your event. Each risk assessment must be carried out by someone with enough knowledge and experience to adequately assess the risks. When it comes to electrical and fire safety you may decide that someone with more training and expertise is needed.


For electrical safety, you may want to consult a contractor or electrician, and for fire safety, you may want to contact your Local Fire and Rescue authority for further advice. You must develop a thorough, concise and continually updated safety plan outlining emergency procedures and incident reporting based on your completed risk assessments.


Accurate risk assessments and a comprehensive event safety plan will minimise the health and safety risks at your event.


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