Health & Safety

The Perfomance Textiles Association - Pertexa (formally MUTA)

Complete Events is a member of Pertexa, the marquee hirers' trade association. Pertexa's codes of practice cover the full extent of Health & Safety issues applicable to the industry.

Structures

• Our structures have to conform with wind loading stipulations
• Special care is taken to heat structures in Winter to prevent snow loading
• Materials used in construction must conform with current British Standards of Fire Retardancy

Ancillary Equipment

The code also deals with the supply of ancillary equipment including flooring, heating, linings, furniture and lighting.

Risk Assessment/Method Statements

Complete Events has a general Risk Assessment / Method Statement document within its Health & Safety Policy. Occasionally specific documents are drawn up for site specific risk assessment.

Liaison with Authorities

Complete Events is used to working alongside and in collaboration with the various agencies involved with safety. These include:

• Environmental Health
• Fire Officers
• Security
• Facilities Management
• Civil/Structural Engineers
• Paramedic/Ambulance Services
• Police

Reducing Risk

When working with structures at events there are a number of guidelines which can be followed to reduce risk and help improve safety.

1. Structures should be properly maintained whilst in service to ensure their structural integrity in windy/inclement conditions
2. Work should be carried out in accordance with previously agreed plans and schedules - last minute changes are often not well thought through
3. Structures should have adequate exits in case of an emergency evacuation
4. Adequate anchoring should be carried out and regularly inspected
5. The structure should not be tampered with without prior consultation with the marquee contractor. This refers especially to:
   • Attempting to move the structure
   • Exits
   • Wall bracing
   • Anchoring points
   • Removal of walls
   • Additional loading on cross rafters
   • Introduction of flammable materials
   • Flooring systems
   • Electrical and mechanical equipment
6. Positive action should be taken to ensure that any underground services (gas/electric/water etc) are identified and avoided