When it comes to event planning and putting together an event budget, security is always a top priority. This includes the safety of your guests and staff, as well as the venue or location, plus elements such as crowd control barriers, temporary fencing and electrical equipment.
In Australia, there are specific regulations in place for organisers of events, which must be adhered to in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips to help you choose the right security and safety equipment for your next event.
1. Temporary Fencing
Whether you are putting on a large-scale event or a community festival, temporary fencing is one of the most important items that you will need to have on hand. This fencing will surround the event boundaries and help to keep guests safe.
Fencing allows you to manage crowds, as well as control access to certain areas. It also provides a physical barrier between your event and the surrounding area, which can help to direct outside traffic and deter crime. There are a number of reasons as to why your outdoor event needs temporary fencing.
Portable fencing is ideal for events as it is easy to assemble and quick to remove afterwards. This makes it cost-effective for small events or short festivals. Another advantage is its versatility, as temporary fencing can be customised to adapt to changing crowd sizes and the flow of foot traffic at different times of the day.
For small events or one-off festivals, hiring temporary fencing may be the most cost-effective option. If you require temporary fencing and crowd control barriers frequently for your events, owning your own is a wise investment.
Always take care to install your fence safely and conduct regular maintenance checks. Temporary fencing must also meet Australian standards and specifications to ensure they are safe to use at your event.
2. Crowd Control Barriers
Event safety is paramount to ensuring the health and safety of both employees and attendees. If you are responsible for an event, you need to understand and identify the safety risks during the entire event planning process.
One way to improve event safety is to use crowd control barriers.
Crowd control barriers are physical barriers that are used to direct and control pedestrian traffic flow. They are often used in event venues, such as stadiums and arenas, to direct ticket holders to their seats.
There are many uses for crowd control barriers at events:
- Barriers and signage help to direct foot traffic.
- Create a safe path for event staff, such as security personnel and first responders.
- Queue people in an orderly fashion, prevent confusion and minimise the risk of accidental injuries.
- Create designated areas for activities, which can help to improve flow and prevent overcrowding at events.
- They are also useful for blocking off areas that are not safe for guests.
By using crowd control barriers, event organisers can take steps to improve the safety of both event staff and attendees.
3. Clear Signage
Signage is an important safety consideration for events. Signs and banners can help guests find their way around the event area, and they can also provide information about potential hazards or emergency exits.
- You will need to have signs posted around the event area to indicate exits, bathrooms, and other important locations like First Aid.
- In addition, you may want to consider using signage, along with fencing and crowd control barriers, to direct foot traffic flow or create designated areas for queuing.
- Barrier signage is also a great way to promote your brand or advertising space for sponsors.
By taking these event planning precautions, you can help ensure your event’s success and safety for all involved.
4. Security Guards and Event Management Personnel
Assessing health and safety risks is an essential step if you are organising an event. With restrictions lifted, the events industry is seeing a surge in bookings and it is more important than ever to ensure the safety of guests, staff and suppliers.
- External security measures include fencing and crowd control barriers. Physical barriers are the first step to protecting events from financial losses, due to intruders, theft or damage.
- Depending on the size and scope of your event, you may need to hire security guards or other security personnel. External security can help with crowd control and ensure any potential problems are dealt with quickly.
- For ticketed events, a security presence can also ensure the safety of workers at entry points.
Having adequate security measures in place can help to maintain order, mitigate risks and ensure occupational health and safety regulations are met.
5. Water Stations
No matter what kind of event you’re planning, it’s important to have water stations set up around the area. This is especially important in summer when temperatures are high and people are more likely to become dehydrated.
Water stations should be located in strategic places so that they are easily accessible and clearly marked so that people can easily find them.
- By providing water stations, event organizers can help protect the health and safety of attendees.
6. Toilets
This is an obvious one, but adequate toilet facilities are crucial for any event, whether it is a small gathering or a large festival. Not only do toilets provide a necessary service for attendees, but they also play an important role in keeping people safe and comfortable at events.
- Event planners should take care to ensure that there are enough toilets for everyone attending.
- In some cases, portable toilets may be necessary to supplement the existing facilities.
- Toilets should be placed in strategic locations so that they’re easily accessible to everyone, with adequate provision for people with disabilities.
- In addition, there should be signs directing people to the nearest toilet facility.
- Event organisers should also consider renting fencing or crowd control barriers to create a queue for the toilets.
With careful planning, event organisers can ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
7. First Aid and Event Safety Plan
It’s critical that you have a First Aid station set up at your event in case any guests experience a medical emergency.
- First aid kits should be readily available at all events, in case of illness, accidents or injuries.
- There should also be a designated First Aid area where trained staff can provide assistance.
- In addition, it’s important to have security measures in place in case of an emergency. This includes having fencing or crowd control barriers to direct guests in an orderly fashion, as well as having a plan for evacuating the premises if necessary.
Having a well-thought-out emergency plan is critical for ensuring the safety of all guests at your event.
8. Food and Beverage Options
Not so much a safety piece, but food options are important to consider when you are planning an event. If your event is going to be longer than a few hours, you should consider providing food options for guests. This can be anything from simple snacks to full meals.
Planning ahead for food options will ensure your event runs smoothly and everyone leaves happy:
- Make sure to consider the dietary requirements of your crowd and target audience.
- Offer a range that will appeal to your audience, including vegetarian and vegan options.
- Ensure vendors display clear signage regarding food allergies and other dietary restrictions.
- Food trucks are a popular choice for smaller communities and large events as they provide a variety of food options.
- For alcohol, it is best to work with a licensed bartender or server. They will be able to handle ID checks and ensure that guests are not over-serving themselves.
- Fencing and crowd control barriers can help to create a designated area for food trucks and caterers.
- They can also be helpful in managing lines and easier for guests to find what they are looking for.
- Marking out a seating area with crowd control barriers is also a good idea, as this gives people a safe place to enjoy their meal away from the crowds.
TTFS’ Event Safety Equipment and Fencing for Your Next Event
Planning ahead for safety and security will ensure that your event schedule runs smoothly and everyone enjoys themselves. By following these tips, you can create a safe environment for staff and guests.
It’s important to note that the list above is not exhaustive – there may be other event safety requirements that apply. Always consult with your local council and experts so that your event plan covers all necessary precautions.
At TTFS, our temporary fencing and crowd control barriers are designed for fast installation once on site. Contact the Temporary Fencing experts on 1300 841 782 to ensure your temporary fencing is right for you, your workers, and guests at your next event.