Event health and safety - topics

Key topics for event organisers are signposted here. Please read the topic areas that apply to your event, from both lists, along with the general guidance on events page. 

The first topics covered, ‘2024/25…’, reflect guidance from the Health and Safety Executive and are topic areas of national concern.  The ‘Other topic areas’ reflect health and safety areas often found to be locally inadequate.

Please note the topic links below take you to external sites or service providers. These links have been useful to others in the past. Cheltenham Borough Council holds no responsibility for their content and does not provide them as a business endorsement or recommendation.  Please let us know if links are broken or you have a suggestion.

2024/25 - Topic areas

Animal attractions

Infection and disease can be passed easily from animals to humans so controls are needed.  Events involving animals should expect an officer visit to establish compliance. Event organisers also need to ensure all animal welfare needs are met.

Crowd management

Safety and a good customer experience is dependent on crowd management. Crowd safety consultants are available. Please do an internet search, if required. Where large crowds are expected then attendance at the Safety Advisory Group is advised. 

Electrical safety 

Electrocution happens fast and can be deadly.  Greater risks are present in hospitality including the outdoor event environment.  Ensure everyone is safe.

Fireworks

A high risk, dangerous and polluting activity.  Organisers must ensure the safety of the display.  They should also clearly communicate the event details to any animal owners nearby to help ensure animal welfare.

Gas including LPG and solid fuel safety

Explosions and fires frequently occur from poor gas storage and handling of cylinders or canisters, in mobile or temporary units.  Event organisers must ensure liquified petroleum gas (LPG) is always handled and stored correctly on their site.

Incomplete combustion (including from solid fuel as well as gas) creates Carbon Monoxide and risks asphyxiation, illness, and death.  Ensure effective combustion to minimise risk.  Officers may visit event catering to establish gas safety.

Violence at work 

Suitable security measures and procedures need to be in place for your event.  This will include protecting lone and night workers.

Waste and entrapment

Commercial bins can be used as shelter.  Deaths have occurred as a result.

Other topic areas

Adverse weather plan

An adverse weather plan should cover the response required for various weather dependent scenarios.

Sufficient wind anchorage is required for all small structures (e.g. gazebo, inflatables) and large ones.  Such structures should be protected from general weather conditions and anchored down in-line with manufactures requirements.

A handheld anemometer for assessment of local weather conditions is normally required where structures are present.

Attractions

Organisers need to be happy with the safety of the attractions the offer.

  • Bouncy Castles/Inflatables HSE.  Hiring or buying means the same responsibility.  Ensure play inflatables meet recognised health and safety standards and are correctly set up including effective anchorage.  If located outside checks for wind speed with an anemometer are expected. Inspection/checks should take place on the set up and an annual inspection is required.  The annual inspection maybe undertaken by PIPA . Inflatables should be built to BS EN 14960 standards.
  • Fairground rides HSE guidance to be followed.

First Aid 

Different sizes and types of events have different risks. Assess your requirements and know your RIDDOR is right.

Responsibility for health and safety 

Who is ultimately responsible for Health and Safety and who has delegated responsibility for the different areas of the event?  This should be clearly understood and stated.  See more in under our general guidance for event safety.

Security

Often required for larger events but could be needed for many reasons.  Look to the detail of your needs and plan.

Structures

The risks of collapse and overturning must be addressed for all structures, at all stages of set-up, use and take-down.

Terrorism

Prepare your event and your employees and volunteers:

Welfare 

Matters for both your customers/ attendees and your staff / volunteers. Ensure adequate and suitable toilets and wash hand facilities