Planning and preparation
Planning is an essential part of event success. When
planning your event it is important to remember that
each event is different, from the type and number of
people attending to the nature of the event.
The Event Safety Checklist is a guide to many of the
issues that must be considered when planning an
event.
Depending on the nature of your event some of these
issues may require more detailed attention.
Access and egress
Entry and exit areas are clear and easily accessible
for staff and expected crowd numbers
Entry and exit areas are adequate for emergency
exit and emergency services
Thoroughfares are well defined and clearly marked
Clearly defined areas for traffic which are separated
from pedestrian areas
Provisions for safe passage of emergency and other
vehicles through pedestrian traffic
Controlled traffic flow and adequate signage for
directions
Amenities
Adequate provision of toilets and hand washing
facilities
Availability of clean fresh water for both staff and
attendees
Adequate catering facilities, including clean up and
food preparation areas
Signage
Adequate signage for entries, exits, toilet facilities
etc.
Signage for any hazardous areas or substances
Clearly signed first aid and fire extinguisher
locations
Maintenance
Qualified and competent maintenance personnel
available to undertake any repairs required
Maintenance personnel have a contact person
(eg event co-ordinator) and means of communicating
with them
Records of any maintenance undertaken kept for
future reference
Fire prevention
Suitable fire extinguishers (carbon dioxide (CO
2
),
water, chemical) and blankets are in appropriate
areas, tested and in date
Personnel are trained in extinguisher and blanket
use
Ignition source areas are kept clear at all times and
easily accessible
Event Safety Checklist
Small to medium sized community events
Staff, volunteer and contractor training
Staff and volunteers are adequately inducted and
trained about the event (site specific)
Copies of applications, memos and any training
records are kept
Contractors are given a relevant, site specific
induction regarding the event
Contractors provide detailed information on safe
operating procedures and a current certificate of
currency
Electrical
Residual circuit devices (RCDs) are used where
required, including all hand held electrical
appliances and tools
All portable electrical equipment including leads are
tested (6 or 12 months in accordance with AS/NZS
3000:2000 Electrical Installations, known as the
Wiring Rules, and AS 3533 – Amusement Rides and
Devices). Tagging is also recommended
Electrical supply to temporary structures, festoon
and decorative lighting adheres to AS/NZS
3002:2008 Electrical installations - Shows and
carnivals
All leads, plugs, etc. are protected from weather
and other environmental conditions (eg water)
Evidence of electrical safety can be provided upon
request from an authorised person (eg tagging or
documentation)
Permits, licensing and registration (including but
not limited to)
Fireworks are only provided and used by
pyrotechnicians licensed by SafeWork SA
LPG/dangerous goods storage
Mobile plant (forklifts, cherry pickers etc.) are only
operated by licensed or certified operators
Scaffolding more than four metres in height erected
and dismantled by a person certified to do so
Liquor licenses
Utilities/site services
Location of all site underground services (power/
gas/mains etc.) and overhead powerlines identified
Relevant maintenance and event personnel have
maps and are aware of locations
Lighting
Adequate natural or artificial lighting provided for
setting up, conducting and dismantling the event
Portable lighting is tested and in date
Suitable emergency lighting is available
Staging and platforms
All seating, corporate boxes, overpasses, fences and
main stages are signed off by a certified rigger or
scaffolder. An engineer provides a signed certificate
to the event organiser prior to any usage to ensure
approved engineering and design standards are met
A person erecting scaffolding more than four
metres in height must hold a national certificate
of competency (scaffolding) in order to erect
and dismantle (refer to Permits, licensing and
registration)
Platforms are continuously monitored, particularly
in extreme weather conditions
Adequate access and egress around all staging and
platforms for event patrons and emergency services
Structures and marquees
The structure or marquee has been properly erected
Access to underground services is not obstructed
Above-ground services are identified during
installation and dismantling (eg overhead power
lines)
Suitable anchor mechanisms are used (weights/
stakes) that take into account adverse weather
conditions (eg high winds)
Anchor mechanisms are suitably protected
(eg against trips, impalement, traffic)
The ground is suitable for the anchor mechanisms
All guy ropes are in a sound condition
Workers are trained in safety procedure for severe
weather
Suitable exits are available and kept clear of
tripping hazards
Ladders
Ladders are well maintained and suitable for the
type of work being undertaken (eg electrical –
approved ladders only)
Assessments of whether work is suitable for a
ladder (eg can the person maintain three points of
contact?)
Assistance of a second person is provided where
required
Work at heights
Right type of equipment is used for the job
(eg ladder, cherry picker, scissor lift)
Only certified operators are used if cranes or
elevated work platforms (EWPs) are required
Evidence of compliance can be provided upon
request from an authorised person (eg log books
and certificate of competency)
Manual handling
All staff and volunteers are trained to assess each
task and use safe technique when lifting or carrying
Loads are delivered as close as possible to area
using vehicle or mechanical aid (eg trolleys, sack
trucks)
Light, small loads and physical aids (assistance from
second person or team lift where needed) are used
Staff and volunteers are trained in and use the
S-M-A-R-T Lifting technique where possible and
appropriate
1300 365 255
safework.sa.gov.au
@safeworksa
safeworksa
0961 - JAN 2018
S – size up the load
M – move in close
A – always bend the knees
R – raise object using your legs
T – turn using your feet
structures – see next section)
Amusement structures are not used or operated
unless a current certificate of registration issued by
SafeWork SA or a corresponding WHS regulator
can be provided.
All structures have current certificate of inspection
issued by a professional engineer and qualified
electrician
Appropriate space and suitable ground surface is
allocated for each ride, including access and egress
for patrons
There is appropriate fencing surrounding rides
There is appropriate soft-fall area for inflatable
structures
structures – see above)
LPG cylinders are secured to increase stability
LPG cylinders are clear of ignition sources and are
in a well ventilated area in accordance with AS/NZS
1596:2014 – the Storage and Handling of LP Gas
All LPG cylinders are checked to ensure they do not
exceed 10 years of the stamped test date
Compliance with AS/NZS 1596:2014 – the Storage
and Handling of LP Gas
A licence is held if keeping over 250 kilograms of
LPG in cylinders or tanks
Refer to Permits, licensing and registration
Appropriate exclusion zones are established
Weather conditions
Use current Australian Bureau of Meteorology
information to ascertain weather conditions
www.bom.gov.au
Weather conditions planned for and monitored eg
partitions, displays and signage well secured for
windy conditions, non-slip mats for wet conditions,
and shade, sunscreen and water provisions for heat
Wind speeds are monitored and amusement
structure operation ceased in accordance with
manufacturer’s specifications (inflatable structures
must cease operation when wind speed reaches
40 km per hour)
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
All tasks undertaken by staff and volunteers are
checked for the PPE required
PPE provided if needed (eg gloves, aprons, earplugs
etc.) and is in good condition and working order
Personnel are trained in using, maintaining and
storing PPE
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