Temporary Demountable Structures

Temporary Demountable Structures

Depending upon the nature of the event, you may require some temporary demountable structures.

Temporary demountable structures are widely used for a variety of functions at public and private events and can be found at exhibitions, sporting events, musical concerts and social occasions. Some may hold substantial numbers of people during events and structural safety is extremely important.

 

Structures

You will need to identify any temporary demountable structures on your site, this may include anything from the following list;

  • Gazebos
  • Tents and marquees
  • Hospitality units
  • Seating grandstands
  • Stages
  • Mixer structures
  • Screen and audio supports
  • Fire and security watch towers
  • Lighting and scenery support grids
  • Viewing platforms (including those for wheelchair users)
  • Broadcast studios
  • Camera positions
  • Access and egress systems
  • Bridges
  • Signage support

It is important that all structures used for an event have been professionally designed and manufactured for the purposes to be used at events, structures such as domestic garden gazebos have not been designed for this purpose and can be a much higher risk to the public at events.

If you intend to hire structures ensure that the supplier is reputable and has experience of supplying the equipment you require.

Your event plan must contain specific information regarding the structure such as fire retardancy certificate, structural calculations, method statements, risk assessments and wind speed limitations.

Any structures erected as part of the event will be required to be signed off for use by a competent person stating that structure conforms to current legislation/industry standards deemed necessary to make the structure safe.

 

Wind Speed Monitoring

Weather conditions and location is an important factor when developing a site plan and locations for temporary demountable structures to minimise any potential risks caused by the weather.
During your event wind speeds must be initially measured and then periodically measured where there are temporary structures. Monitoring arrangements will need to consider each individual situation.

Observations should be hourly unless it is felt there is an increase in wind speed at which the following action levels should be considered.

The example matrix below demonstrates how event organisers can plan and quickly resolve any potential hazards;

Temporary Structure

Operational max gust Speed 1st action – 75% maximum gust

2nd action 90% maximum gust

e.g. Pop up Gazebo e.g. 22.5mph weighted e.g. 17mph – Remove sides and remain at structure to assess

e.g. 20mph – evacuate immediate area around structure and dismantle