Power management at events
You need to manage power for you event site - to ensure you have an adequate supply and that all uses of power are appropriately managed.
Many events require power - for lights entertainment amusement activities and a range of other elements.
Industry standards
You need to ensure the following issues relating to power are managed monitored and controlled prior to and during your event.
This list is not exclusive. When doing your risk assessment and event planning refer to the Industry Standard for Electrical Installation on Construction Sites issued by Worksafe.
Consider the following:
- ensure that a 10 amp 1.0 millimetre square heavy duty lead is a maximum 25 metres in length to the power source. This doesn’t mean that another lead can be co-joined to reach the distance required. It means that either the power source is bought closer to the powered site or the powered site is brought closer to the power source
- ensure all electrical leads provided by event participants have been tagged and tested by an electrician prior to the event.
- all electrical tools should be tagged and tested by an electrician and checked regularly.
- ensure that electrical leads and connections are waterproof
- ensure electrical leads are not trip hazards
- ensure electrical leads are not coiled twisted or tied
- determine how will the mains power distribution boards and generators be made inaccessible to the public
- the risk assessment should identify any trip hazards and ensure that generators and fuel are not accessible to the public.
If your event is run solely from mains power think about arranging a back-up generator in case of a power outage.
If a Division 2 Occupancy Permit (POPE) has been issued and the event is partly or wholly supported by mains power then a generator is required to be on site as a back-up power.
Fire management and prevention
The management of fire is an important element to manage for any event.
Working with children at events
In 2006 the Victorian Government introduced a new checking system to help protect children under 18 years of age from physical or sexual harm.
Extreme weather and events
Your risk management plan needs to address 'weather' and what procedures are in place on the event day in the event of extreme weather.
Events near or on the water
If you are planning to stage your event near or on a waterway, beach or swimming pool, then there are several risk factors that you need to consider.
Gas safety for events
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is the fuel used by many catering vendors for heating and cooling purposes.
Handling and storage of fuel at events
You must comply with the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and other relevant Australian Standards for handling and storing fuel at your event.
Fireworks, pyrotechnics and Worksafe at events
If you propose using fireworks or any form of pyrotechnics at your event, there are a number of steps you need to be aware of including detailing the management of these activities in your risk management plan.
Understanding risk management for events
No matter the nature or size of your event, your event will have risks and hazards. It is your responsibility as the event organiser, to identify and manage these.
Developing your event Risk Assessment
A risk management plan is a document that identifies and specifies an approach required to manage risks associated with your event.
Insurance requirements for events
Event organisers must provide insurance and complete a Form of Indemnity, in addition to developing a risk assessment and risk management plan.
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for events
Any risks defined as part of your event's risk assessment as ‘High Risk Construction Work’ and undertaken by a contractor require a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS).
Public protection for event sites
It is your responsibility as event organiser to provide a site that is safe for the public, event staff, volunteers and contractors at all stages of the event.
Constructions, structures and the Victorian Regulations
Some event sites may be deemed ‘construction sites’ which means you must meet Victorian Construction Regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations 2007.
Safely managing smaller structures at events
All structures no matter how big or how small, need to be safely secured. An umbrella can, if not become airborne in windy conditions if it is not properly secured.
Stages and platforms
Stages and platforms are relatively common at events. It is important to understand your obligations as the event organiser for the construction of your stage and/or platform.
Inflatable land-based devices at events
Jumping castles or inflatable land-borne devices are a popular addition to parties, school fetes, sporting activities, community festivals and events.
Power management planning
Understanding your event's power needs is critical to the overall success of your event. To ensure power is managed effectively, you will need a Power Management Plan.