Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

CIV recognises that to keep people safe they must wear the most appropriate PPE. Depending on the task correct PPE should be used at all times. Minimum site requirements for bump-in /out are hi-vis tops/vests and enclosed footwear.

However it is expected that contractors at all times are conscious of their surrounding and wear the most appropriate personal protective equipment.  If using power tools hearing and eye protection may be required.

Housekeeping CIV recognises slips and trips are common causes of workplace injury and have the potential to injure contractors and others at events. Good housekeeping and a clean site is essential in providing a safe workplace. Trip and slip hazards should be eliminated or cordoned off. It is everyone’s responsibility to clean up after themselves. Typical Hazards Trips are commonly caused by tripping hazards on the floor, narrow thoroughfares or slippery surfaces, For example:

• Cluttered untidy storage areas.
• Inappropriate footwear, e.g. worn or no tread.
• Obstacles on floor, e.g. equipment, boxes, cords, chains.
• Polished or slippery floor surfaces, e.g. entrances, exits, landings and stairs.
• Poor housekeeping, e.g. objects on floor.
• Poor lighting, especially at night.
• Raised or exposed floor coverings, e.g. carpet edges.
• Raised or uneven platforms and ramps, e.g. stand edges.
• Spills or leaks, e.g. food or drink, burst pipes or oil from machinery.
• Tent supports and guy ropes.
• Weather (wet grass).

The Show Manager will assist and minimise the risk to contractors by requiring them to assess their risks and manage slip and trip hazards using the highest practicable level of control.

Vehicles CIV recognises that the combination of pedestrian traffic and vehicles in our workplaces presents real potential for injuries, fatalities and property damage. Whilst traffic movement at events is generally slower than that on public roads 10 KPH, the risk is generally greater due to a large number of people and vehicles on site, busy move in and move out phases, lack of designated roads and pathways and a high number of pedestrians moving throughout the venue. Key traffic hazards at events include:

• Inexperienced/unlicensed drivers
• Cluttered aisle ways
• Forklifts and scissor lifts
• Trucks and delivery vans
• Drivers unaware of traffic management plan
• Pallet jacks
• High traffic levels in loading areas
• Load dock access
• Inexperienced and untrained spotters
• Poor visibility (night time)
• Pedestrians and vehicles in the same space
• Poorly maintained vehicles
• Speeding vehicles
• No safe work procedures for drivers
• Wet weather
• Venue layout and visibility around corners
• Workers vehicles

Key risk areas at events include:

• Public roads surrounding the venues
• Venue roadways
• Stock loading/unloading areas
• Venue car parks

The Show Manager will assist in minimising the risk to contractors by requiring them to assess their own risks for managing traffic movement by ensuring all vehicles onsite travel at no faster than walking pace – 10 KPH. Vehicles are to be parked out of traffic paths where ever possible and all loads are to be secure –double check.

Emergency Evacuation CIV recognises emergency plans and procedures are required should there be a need for the rapid evacuation of people from its shows in the event of an emergency. Everyone is required when at shows to plan and note an emergency “exit path” in case of an emergency. Take note of site evacuation instructions and site maps.  

Electrical CIV recognises that electrical hazards can cause fatal electrical shocks, fires and explosions and is committed to managing electrical risks at shows. Contractors should ensure all leads and extension cords are tested and tagged prior to entering a show. It is the contractor’s responsibility to isolate any damaged leads and cords immediately and inform the Show Manager of the hazard. On informing the Show Manager a joint solution will be actioned. Typical Electrical Hazards

• Leads placed across traffic areas

Common sources of electrical shock or injury include:

• Burns from surfaces, e.g. Hot lights
• Equipment close to electrical overhead wires
• Inadvertent contact with exposed or hidden electrical cables
• Inexperienced and unlicensed electrical workers
• Unauthorised modifications to electrical equipment
• Not isolating circuits, e.g. Lock out/tag out before commencing work
• Temporary wiring installed inappropriately, e.g. Strung from trees
• Working on live power circuits
• Working with untested portable electrical equipment.
• Leads placed where they present a trip hazard

Working at Heights CIV recognises that many accidents occur when people fall when working at heights and should only use ladders if safe to do so. It is expected that everyone, if working above 2 metres must use safety control measures. All ladders must be safely used on stable level ground with locking devices in place. There will be no overreaching, or standing on the top rung. It is expected Contractors will get assistance to stabilise ladders as required. There must be 3 points of contact at all times.

Structures / Gazebos / Schell Scheme Construction CIV recognises the hazards associated with temporary structures not being secured properly. A gazebo lifted and moved by wind could easily be turned into a missile causing serious injury. Safety considerations in relation to the use of these structures need to be advised to the client or Show Manager. This includes the weight of items that may be hung from the structure. Contractors providing temporary structures such as marquees / gazebos etc, must ensure they are secured to the extent that they can safely withstand heavy wind. Long tent pegs (not short ones originally supplied in many cases) should be used and legs to be secured with weights e,g. sand, water, concrete or metal. These weights must be securely attached to the legs. In heavy gusty wind conditions it may be necessary to remove sides to allow the wind to go through the structure.  

Manual Handling CIV recognises that manual handling is a key risk at shows and is responsible for over one third of all workplace injuries, including muscle, ligament and tendon tears, disc prolapses and general muscle strains. All manual handling activities are to be managed using control measures from the highest practicable level of control by contractors. Manual handling may be defined as any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move or hold or restrain any object. Contractors at shows are at risk of injury due to the heavy and awkward nature of the workplace, the nature of the equipment and the volume of equipment handled, often in a relatively tight timeframe. Common injury sources include:

• Working with awkward postures
• Inexperienced workers
• Carrying loads long distances
• Laying matting and carpets
• Carrying loads with one hand
• Carrying large boxes with no handles
• Lifting boxes repeatedly
• Handling Heavy equipment (caravans)
• Handling awkward stands or boards

Vehicle Parking Onsite

Parking vehicles in proper areas is very important. At each show we have vehicles parked in incorrect areas and left unattended, usually resulting in frustration for others and people trying to manoeuvre vehicles and vans around these vehicles. This can result in risking both personal injury and potential property damage.

Vehicles should be parked on your designated site only. If they need to be parked temporarily close by then you need to be close by. If for any reason you need to leave your vehicle unattended for a short period of time your mobile phone number should be clearly displayed on the dashboard.