Temporary structures for public events and local authorities

When events take place in public spaces—town squares, municipal parks, high streets—scrutiny of temporary infrastructure increases. Local authorities, safety advisory groups, and municipal regulators require clear evidence that structures pose no risk to the public or the surrounding urban environment.

Public safety and duty of care

The foremost priority for authorities is the Duty of Care toward attendees and non-attendees in the vicinity.

• Structural Certification: Public-facing events often require a Certificate of Structural Adequacy from a chartered or licensed engineer.
  • UK: Certification should reference BS EN 13782 for temporary structures.
  • US: Structures should comply with ASCE 7 for wind and load calculations and relevant IBC Chapter 31 requirements.
• Wind Management: Authorities will request a clear Wind Management Plan. This should define action levels for safety, such as when signage or branding must be removed or the structure evacuated.
  • UK: Guidance is provided by The Purple Guide and HSE Event Safety protocols.
  • US: The Event Safety Alliance (ESA) outlines operational protocols for public-facing events under variable weather conditions.

Crowd management and flow

Temporary structures must support safe movement and prevent bottlenecks in high-density public spaces.

• Ingress and Egress: Calculate exit widths based on anticipated flow rates, as advised in HSE’s Event Safety Guide (UK) or the ESA Event Safety Guide (US).
• Sightlines and Security: Ensure structures do not obstruct CCTV coverage or emergency vehicle access routes, including blue light routes in the UK or fire/emergency lanes in US city codes.

Working with councils, municipalities, and stakeholders

Successful public events require proactive communication with multiple stakeholders:

• Highway Departments/Transportation Authorities: Structures near roads may require vehicle-impact protection (concrete barriers or removable bollards).
• Environmental Health / Public Safety: Monitor noise, light pollution, and vibrations to protect residential areas.
• Landowners: Documentation should demonstrate that the ground (paving, turf, or soft landscaping) can bear ballast or stakes. Air-supported structures reduce point-loading and the risk of subterranean damage to pipes, cables, or utilities.

Reference:

• UK: HSE – Managing crowds safely
• US: Event Safety Alliance – Public Events Guidance

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