Guidance for event organisers
This advice is intended for people or organisations arranging social events or gatherings.
Assisting if someone is injured in a terrorist attack
Recent terrorist attacks have demonstrated a willingness from members of the public to administer first aid to those who have been injured, regardless of any dangers that may be present. Whilst members of the public should not be discouraged from doing this, there must be due regard for their safety.
Therefore, the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) has released a series of new materials, developed in collaboration with medical professionals and lead government departments, which aim to improve the survival rates of someone who is injured as a result of a terrorist attack.
Administering first aid at the earliest opportunity, and certainly within the first few minutes, can improve the survivability of a person with immediate life-threatening injuries. The new counter-terrorism first aid products have been designed to complement existing first aid guidance and provisions.
What’s available?
A 10-minute, self-delivered presentation on First Aid during a terrorist attack and a short video to help people think about things to consider during an attack and when providing first aid so they can do so as safely as possible.
Information about Public Access Trauma (PAcT) First Aid Kits which support the treatment of immediate life-threatening injuries, such as major bleeding and those who are unresponsive with absent or abnormal breathing. Whilst these kits have been introduced by NaCTSO, they can be used for a variety of scenarios and not just terrorism-related. Organisations are strongly encouraged to install PAcT First Aid Kits within their premises.
First Aid guidance for organisations, which outlines advice to help them increase their First Aid preparedness. It complements Health and Safety Executive guidance on first aid within the workplace.
“Run, Hide, Tell”
The “Run, Hide, Tell” guidance remains the current advice for the public about the steps they can take to keep themselves safe in the rare event of a firearms or weapons attack.
Coronavirus
In light of the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, please read the government guidance for mass gatherings.
In line with the social distancing guidance, it is advised that gatherings/events should not take place. While the risks of transmitting COVID-19 at gatherings/events are relatively low, these steps will also allow emergency services that could have been deployed to these events to be prioritised in alleviating pressure on public services.
Please note that with immediate effect until 31 July 2020, we are unable to accept any event bookings to hire open spaces owned by Central Bedfordshire Council. This will be reviewed and updated as the situation evolves.
General guidance for organisers
Much of the guidance linked here is from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website. However, please note that the Purple Guide is the industry standard for events management and you should consult this wherever possible.
Contact the Safety Advisory Group
If you need specific advice or guidance on organising your event, please contact the Safety Advisory Group:
Telephone: 0300 300 4439
Email: sag@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
General event management
- The Purple Guide to Health, Safety, and Welfare at Music and Other Events
- Health and Safety Executive Event Safety Guidance
Aircraft and use of the skies
Alcohol, live entertainment, and noise management
- Alcohol and entertainment
- Temporary event licences
- Temporary event notices guidance
- Noise management (PDF 41.7KB)
- Noise control requirements and checklist (PDF 75.1KB)
Animals and events
Catering
- National Caterers Association (NCASS) for event organisers
- Food hygiene ratings (Food Standards Agency)
- NCASS gas safety for mobile caterers
Fireworks and special effects
Incidents and emergencies
- First aid
- Severe weather guidance for event organisers (PDF 2.5MB)
- Evacuation and fire
- NACTSO crowded place guidance
Risk assessments and fire safety
Temporary structures
- Temporary Structures - Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
- Temporary demountable structures - Stages, seating, marquees, etc.
- Accredited structural engineers
- Bouncy castles and inflatables
Terrorism
- Terrorism - protecting crowded places
- Counter terrorism protective security advice for major events
- The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO)
Transport and highways
Other useful guidance
- Electrical safety
- Barriers and fencing
- Drinking water
- Fairgrounds and amusement parks
- Venue site and design
- Managing your event
- Waste management
- Scaffolding
- Crowd management
Temporary toilets and sanitation provision
Public toilets and hand washing stations must be provided by the event organiser based on anticipated peak attendances at any one time. If you enter 'festival toilet calculator' into your internet search engine there are many companies that provide a free calculator based on number of attendees at your event.
As a general guide for events with a gate opening time of 6 hours or more:
- 1 female toilet per 100 people
- 1 male toilet per 500 + 1 urinal per 150
For events with a gate opening time of less than 6 hours duration:
- 1 female toilet per 120 people
- 1 male toilet per 600 + 1 urinal per 175
- Disabled: 1 toilet with hand washing facilities per 75 disabled people