Safety guidelines
It would be impossible for us to provide a complete list of safety advice because this will vary with every type of event and venue. Here are some ideas to help you think through the safety of your event – the possible causes of harm and what precautions you might take to keep things safe. Please take the time to read them thoroughly.
Venue
- Do not exceed the safety capacity of the venue.
- Fire exits must be free from obstructions at all times.
- Ensure the venue is suitable for your event. Does it have adequate lighting, sanitary facilities and good access?
- Are there adequate and suitable facilities for disabled people?
- Will there be adequate parking and will you need car parking stewards?
- Make sure that your event is adequately supervised or marshalled and provide new or inexperienced helpers with information and instructions.
- Allow enough space between/around activities or stalls for safe evacuation of the site.
Equipment
- Ensure all portable electrical equipment has been tested and is safe to use.
- Locate equipment safely to avoid trailing cables.
- Ensure all equipment is in good repair and is operated only by people who are competent to use it.
- Check the stability and strength of trestle tables before piling them up!
- Avoid lifting heavy loads – provide trolleys where appropriate.
First aid and emergency measures
- Ensure you have adequate emergency and first aid procedures for your type of event (e.g. what will you do in event of a fire?).
- Do you need to notify the police or fire brigade?
- Will you need a qualified first-aider or will a first aid box be adequate?
- Make sure there is a telephone available.
- Make sure you know where turn-off valves and fire extinguishers are located.
Food and refreshments
- It is the legal responsibility of anyone selling or processing food to do so safely and hygienically, so ensure that at least one helper has a foundation level food hygiene certificate.
- If no one has this certificate, ensure that all food handlers have read the Food Standards Agency’s leaflet Guide to Food Hygiene.
- If there is BBQ food, follow the guidance in the Food Standard Agency’s leaflet Beat the Barbecue Bugs.
- Label food which contains nuts or other allergens.
- Keep children and animals out of food preparation areas.
- Provide appropriate protective clothing (e.g. plastic gloves, aprons, etc).
Children
- Ensure children are adequately supervised.
- Never allow children under 16 to collect money from the public without an adult.
- Do you need to make provision for lost children at your event?
Money matters
- Keep money in a lockable box.
- Take care of your personal security when carrying money. If possible, don’t go alone. Make sure that no one puts their personal safety in jeopardy by tackling a thief.
- Only collect sponsorship or donations from people you know and trust.
Waste
- Finally, don’t forget to dispose of any rubbish or waste material safely!
- Avoid use of hazardous cleaning chemicals. Provide protective clothing where appropriate
Health and Safety at Work Act
- Remember that the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 applies to volunteers as well as to paid workers.
- You will need to consider whether and how your event could be harmful – to organisers, guests, volunteers, and the public – and think how you can minimise any risk.
Insurance
- We therefore strongly recommend that you check that you have adequate insurance (e.g. public liability insurance) and that you take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of all concerned.
- It is the responsibility of those joining in activities to ensure that they are fit enough to take part.
- Barnardo’s cannot accept responsibility for accident, injury, loss or damage as a result of your event.