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Quality &
Safety
Introduction
Owen Brown provides a complete and professional service. We are fully
committed to the MUTA code of practice and we are fully conversant
with the demands of the current industry guidelines - Temporary Demountable
Structures Guidance on Design, Procurement and Use (March 1999). Copies
of this publication are available from The Institution of Structural
Engineers, 11 Upper Belgrave St, London SW1X 8BH. The Guide to Fire
Precautions in existing places of Entertainment (1997) and the Guide
to Safety at Sports Grounds (1997). We have provided below a synopsis
of the key considerations for anyone planning to use temporary structures.
Responsibility
Primary responsibility for the safety of persons attending an event
and of the users of temporary demountable structures lies with the
event organiser. He should therefore ensure that a competent contractor
is employed to design, supply and erect the structure. Once the
structure has been erected, a competent person who may be an employee
of the supplier of the structure or a person nominated by him must
carry out an independent erection check. Where a number of the erection
team carries out the check, evidence of competence should be made
available.
Definition
Large marquees are defined as pole marquees with a span greater
than 12m (40ft) or frame with a span greater than 9m. Large marquees
should be designed to remain stable for the design wind load specified
by CP3:Chapter V:Part 2: 1972 (manufactures before Aug 1995) or
BS6399:Part " 1995 or 199 (manufacture after June 1997)
The safety points above are examples only.
Owen Brown is a member of MUTA and conforms with its code of practice
which is enforced through its inspectorate. MUTA's self regulatory
status is recognised in the Institute of Structural Engineers Guidelines
- Temporary Demountable Structures.
Minimisations of Risk
All temporary structures must be of sound material and good construction,
i.e. properly put together and properly founded and supported. By
selecting a reputable supplier, risks associated with poor practice,
non-compliance with documentation, overloading, power or equipment
failure can be minimised. Contingency plans can be prepared to deal
with unexpected hazards, e.g. vehicle impact, extreme weather conditions,
fire or explosion.
Safety Guidelines/Good Practice
(1) To ensure safety in wind, having chosen the site, select
a suitable marquee and manage the risks whilst it is in service.
(2) Supply your chosen contractor with detailed plans/instructions
(3) Familiarise yourself with regulations (e.g. licensing
laws, Safety of Sports Grounds Act, Fire Precautions (workplace)
Regulations 1997) where these apply.
(4) Tents holding more than 50 persons should have at least
two exits.
(5) Maximum distance of travel to an exit from any point
should not exceed 24m. In structures over 50m consultation will
be required with the local licensing authorities.
(6) All doors should open outwards and, where they have to
be secured, they should be fitted with panic bolts or latches to
BS5725.
(7) All fabrics should be flame retardant and certified as
conforming to test 2 of BS5438 or Annex A of BS7 837
(8) Sufficient anchors are required to resist uplift forces.
These may be ground anchors, ballast or weights. Regular checks
should be made for ground movement.
(9) Where scaffold structures are used they should comply
with BS5973 and BS5975.
(10) Avoid last minute changes to plans.
NEW CORPORATE BROCHURE
If you would like us to send you a copy of our new
brochure please
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details.
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