HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDANCE:
FOR ALL EXHIBITORS
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STATEMENT:
It is the policy of MA Exhibitions Ltd to endeavour to seek the co-operation of all concerned to achieve the highest standards, in all aspects, of health & safety. MA Exhibitions Ltd and The Business Design Centre, within the scope of their own laid down Policies have a responsibility to ensure that safe working practices are maintained at all times, which includes ensuring that provision is made whereby persons other than The Business Design Centre or MA Exhibitions Ltd employees are reminded of their responsibilities whilst working at the venue.
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As an Exhibitor, Contractor or Agent you have a duty under The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and all of its component parts, to ensure that all personnel contracted by you are aware that they have a responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable, for the health, safety and welfare of all employees, and that any plant or systems of work which may be used are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health. This includes that all employees are provided with information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure not only their own health and safety but also that of others working or attending the vicinity.
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Under the current COSHH Regulations (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), exhibition stands are considered to be a workplace. It is therefore your responsibility to ensure that all your staff and subcontractors have received sufficient Health and Safety training and are provided with the correct protective clothing and equipment to enable them to carry out their work in a safe manner in accordance with COSHH and the Act.
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You are also required to have in your possession a copy of your own Health and Safety policy, a Risk Assessment and certificate of Liability Insurance and a copy of the Health and Safety policy document of each contractor employed by you which may be requested during the exhibition. You must also ensure that you have a copy of the Health and Safety Policy for each subcontractor employed by you excluding those appointed by the Organisers.
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Following are some of the principal areas, which need to be brought to your attention. If you have any queries, please contact: HSE National Information line on 08701 545 500.
GENERAL REGULATIONS:
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The exhibitor responsible for the stand should ensure that a suitable and sufficient assessment of risks to the health and safety of employees whilst they are at work has been carried out. It should also cover persons not in his employment, arising out of, or in connection with the part the exhibiting company is to play within the exhibition (i.e. during the exhibition build-up, open days & breakdown). Such an assessment should be recorded and reviewed as necessary.
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A person must be appointed who is responsible for health and safety matters on the stand. Their contact details should be detailed in your risk assessment.
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Operatives should wear suitable protective clothing relevant to their job which includes eye, hearing, foot and hand protection.
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During the build-up and breakdown periods your staff and sub-contractors should be constantly reminded by you of the need for vigilance regarding the health and safety of themselves and those working in their vicinity.
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You must ensure that portable power equipment is used for the purpose for which it was designed and that the safety guards and dust collection bags are correctly fitted and used.
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It is your responsibility to ensure that all equipment is PAT tested and pre-wired units comply with venue regulations before they are installed on site.
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You must ensure that portable electric tools are used with a minimum length of trailing leads and that such equipment is not left unattended with a live power supply to it.
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No electrical cables must be allowed to cross gangways, passageways and fire exits.
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Any work area must be maintained free from general waste materials that could present a hazard to operatives.
Any equipment being demonstrated (i.e.: operated as part of an exhibit) on the stand must be inherently safe and not create a hazard to staff or visitors at any time. Moving parts of machinery and other working equipment must be efficiently guarded to the UK Health & Safety standards, which is normal for its operation in an industrial setting.
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CDM REGULATIONS (CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN, MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS) 2015
Exhibitors need to ensure that their participation at an event is carried out safely.
The Construction, Design & Management (CDM) Regulations do not replace any existing law but are intended to provide a framework to help you ensure that your stand is constructed safely and help you understand your obligations.
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