IOSHers - what would you suggest? I am looking into carrying out a risk assessment and reviewing a HS policy statement for an historical annual event whichs attracts around 5000 thousand members of the public. The event involves display of fire based and firework activities carried out by around 900 'performers'. The event is held at night in a residential area on main traffic routes which have been closed to vehicles for the duration by relevany authorities. I was wondering what you considered to be the primarly legislation regarding the safe running of the event. The current HS Policy Statement has been based solely on HS legislation however the event is run completely on a voluntary basis therefore as i understand it HS leg cannot be applied if an incident were to occur. Presumablly there could be no criminal charges brought to the event organisers so any lawsuits would have to go through the civil courts. In terms of liability is there any connection to the local authority in terms of planning approval? The event involves much merry making but goes by relatively (serious) incident free. The organisers have been requested to produce an RA which is fine but I can't seem to be able to find out what leg applies - can you help? Remember the event is completely voluntary. No paid contract work is done. GC You thoughts would be appreciated.

I agree with the above post, if held in the UK, legislation would apply regardless whether it is a voluntary or non-profit making event. Cannot confirm all the legislation without given it some more thought but certainly the Health and SAfety at Work etc Act 1974 would apply, specifically sections 2,3, and 37.

I suspected this would probably be the case but remain to be convinced - There is no 'employer' other than a 'commitee' of fund raisers and the 'performers of acts involving fire' are actually untrained members of the public (around 900). There are no crowd barriers or access / egress points or any way to regulate attendance. The initial event last for around 2 hrs and no welfare facilities are provided to my knowledge(toilets etc) Ray, if as you say HS does apply can you point me in the direction of this source of info for reference purposes? Gary

Shetland 26 Jan?

Thanks, I'll have a look at the link! Oh and yes it is!

Hi Garfield Is a public event licence required and if so who applied – pin the HSWA tail on them for a start. If you have volunteered to be their agent, well done – but make sure you have PI just in case! Heaps of gratitude and goodwill may be considered as remuneration in circumstances such as charitable work. Regrettably the supermarkets don’t exchange such tokens so you will have to earn your keep as well. Presumably the LA knows of the event as it is happening on their land…. (and anyone else if the procession crosses their land as they are an ‘occupier’ and may be considered responsible as well) so there is another (district/city/borough and county organisation responsible for what they do or don’t as the case may be (remembering acts and omissions etc). I suspect the Police for highway and vehicular management will be involved… and knowing there will be fireworks no doubt the other officers will have a ‘foreseeable’ ear and eye open, so ditto. But at the end of the day it is going to rest on ‘negligence’ which will be the onus on the claimant to prove. All of the above may also be subject to HSWA but of course this is limited to criminal matters – unless it’s to do with… ah… um ….. your RA of course….. ho hum…. have fun. This is not an 'off putter' - go for it and keep safety sensible, but you would be wise to either be covered by PI or your own Public Liability or get under the umbrella of an employers Public Liability policy by formalising your goodwill. It does not need to be a contract per se (imho), just clarification that you are working for them and liability is not transfered to you. Steve

Garfield, establish what your role is early on, is it h&S co-ordinator if it is meet with as many of the people putting on the event, all those who have a role i.e people running the fire work display etc. and get them to produce the R/A's SSOW etc and ensure that tou are happy with wjat is happening, get them early so that you can share them with the committee or organisers. Meet with the police and any other officials so that you know them and there expectations. If your not happy with something sort it early and be there to advise and guide throughout the whole process. Good luck it will probibly be a well attended enjoyable day.

Yes, I agree that this type of RA must be sensible, after all the event in question has run since 1880 with no serious injuries recorded (emphasis on recorded!) Nevertheless want it to be in alignment with modern RA techniques and relevant HS legislation without inhibiting the fun and freedom of the event. I am actually one of the 'performers' so I am well aware of the hazards involved. I have PL and PI but thanks for the tip. Also working from HSG154 Crowd Safety and HSG195 Event Safety as guidance - Just to clarify to those who know the event, the scope of the RA does not include the 'activities' which can last for upto 48 hrs post main event. Cheers GLC

Spot on Twinklemel! I suspect the sales of 'annadin extra' may significantly rise! PS - I am not connected to the 'annadin'. :)

you might want to look at HSG 192 Charity and voluntary workers: a guide to health and safety at work