Health and Safety

Health and Safety Basics

  • Understanding regulations: These rules govern and oversee the safe operation of events and venues.
  • Risk assessment: Identify potential hazards and the actions required to reduce the risk they pose.
  • Insurance: Understanding the importance of public liability insurance and any other relevant covers.

Physical Safety

  • Equipment safety checks: Keeping equipment in good working order by regularly inspecting and maintaining it.
  • Safe handling of equipment: Understanding how to handle and operate equipment safely to prevent accidents or damage.
  • Manual handling: Understanding the correct techniques when lifting and moving heavy equipment.

Venue Safety

  • Fire safety procedures: Awareness of the principles of fire safety, including the correct action in the event of a fire.
  • Stage safety: Ensuring the stage and performance area is safe for those using it, including suitable guardrails, secure fittings and safe entry and exit points.
  • Audience safety: Considering the health and safety of the audience through appropriate crowd management and emergency procedures.

Noise Levels

  • Understanding sound levels: Recognising when sound levels are safe and when they risk causing hearing damage.
  • Use of PPE: Understanding when and how to use Personal Protective Equipment such as earplugs to protect against high noise levels.
  • Sound checks: Regular sound checks can help manage volume and reduce risk.

Personal Wellbeing

  • Preventing vocal strain: Maintaining good vocal health through correct technique and resting periods.
  • Stress management: Balancing professional demands with rest and relaxation to manage stress effectively.
  • Maintaining physical health: The importance of physical fitness and a healthy diet in maintaining energy and stamina for performance.

Legislation

  • Understanding legislation: Familiarity with health and safety laws that apply to the music industry, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, and the Event Safety Guide (Purple Guide).
  • Responsibility: Knowing who has legal responsibility for health and safety, and what happens when these responsibilities are not met.
  • Legal consequences: Becoming aware of the potential legal implications of failing to adhere to health safety regulations, including fines and even imprisonment in extreme cases.