Temporary grandstands

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1 Guidance note Temporary grandstands This information sheet provides advice to employers and contractors when planning, designing, erecting, using and dismantling a temporary grandstand. February 2011 Background Temporary grandstands are generally used for sporting, entertainment or agricultural events. They can be used in a variety of shapes depending on the nature and size of the event, weather, type of spectator (adult, child or disabled person) and terrain. As the key function of temporary grandstands is to accommodate many sitting or standing people on tiered viewing platforms, it is critical that all people involved in the planning, design, erection, use and dismantling of temporary grandstands recognise and control the hazards in each of these phases. Unlike permanent structures, temporary grandstands create more risks as they are usually: planned in a shorter period of time made of lightweight components rapidly assembled and dismantled made of flexible connections (eg tube and coupler types that use swivel couplers for connections that are not rigid) designed and constructed differently on each occasion to suit various client requirements. How to use the table The table below lists some of the main hazards during the planning, designing, erecting, using and dismantling stages of temporary grandstands. It also includes the possible consequence (eg falling from the structure) of the hazard and provides a list of recommended controls. Note: This table relates to major and obvious issues and is not exhaustive. This document covers: Planning and design Inadequate event documentation Erecting and dismantling Inadequate entry and exit Poor lighting Accelerating work due to time restrictions Not following manufacturer specifications on the limitations of components or using structurally damaged components (eg vertical, horizontal, bracing and tying members) Inexperienced workers Worker fatigue Malfunction of equipment (eg welding machines, drills, wenches) Difficult environmental conditions (eg weather and location) Operation Inadequate entry and exit Falling objects Fire or explosion caused by lightning or electrical circuits/power loss leading to system failure. GUI0119/01/

2 Planning and design Inadequate event documentation Poor, inadequate or unqualified information on structural drawings Unguarded tiers or work platforms The grandstand may not be suitable for the type of event. The grandstand is built on an unsafe surface. Temporary grandstand can collapse and injure people in it or nearby. Workers and people using the temporary grandstand can fall from height. If a temporary grandstand is required, planning should include documents such as: event s purpose and scope schedule of temporary grandstands drawings for temporary grandstands and amenities (eg toilets, wash basins, drinking fountains). These drawings should include a Building Commission Occupancy Permit and a copy of Certificate of Compliance Design details of first aid facilities emergency procedure manual Siting Permit safe work method statements (SWMS) for high risk construction work including: - the risk of a person falling more than two metres - work on or adjacent to roadways or railways in use - work in, over or adjacent to water - if powered mobile machinery and equipment is to be used. SWMS should be included in drawings and erection and dismantling work plans. program for site inductions and inspections. Occupancy permits If temporary grandstands are planned, an occupancy permit (issued by a municipal building surveyor) is required. The documentation listed above will help with your application. Councils and shires can provide information on their permit requirements. The design team should: include competent persons (eg structural engineers or a person experienced in the design of temporary grandstands) who know the forces a temporary grandstand has to withstand and how it can be erected safely consult the client (usually the event organiser) about potential safety issues that could arise from the type and duration of event. The design team should ensure appropriate controls are considered such as: railings and barriers for the public and workers elevating work platforms/fall arrest systems for workers. 2

3 Erecting and dismantling Poor erection/ dismantling sequence Unguarded tiers Narrow or slippery entry and exit Poor lighting Accelerating work due to time restrictions Not following manufacturer specifications on use of components or using structurally damaged components (eg vertical, horizontal, bracing and tying members) Workers not familiar with working: at height with grandstand components in accordance with SWMS Worker fatigue causing loss of concentration and short cuts to safe work practice Malfunction of equipment (eg welding machines, drills, wenches) Temporary grandstand can collapse and injure workers and people in it or nearby. Workers can fall from height. Workers can slip or fall, resulting in injury. Workers can slip or fall, resulting in injury. affected, putting users and people near it at risk of serious injury. affected, putting workers and people nearby at risk of serious injury. Workers can injure themselves and others if they are inexperienced. of the grandstand can be affected, putting workers and people nearby at risk of serious injury. Workers are at risk of death or serious injury (eg lacerations, crush injuries, burns) if equipment malfunctions. Ensure the grandstand is stable against overturning or sliding in wind at all times. Install temporary guardrails/other edge protection as recommended by the designer. Install separate entry/exit points that are well drained. Lighting must comply with: - Building Code of Australia - AS/NZS 3000: Wiring rules - AS/NZS 3002: Electrical installations Shows and carnivals. Install emergency lighting in the event of power failures. Ensure the project is adequately planned (eg set realistic timeframes), executed and monitored. Allow extra time for delays (eg difficult weather conditions are unsuitable to work in). Always follow manufacturer specifications. Regularly inspect components. If they are damaged, do not use them. Contact suppliers/manufacturers for advice if needed. Ensure workers are adequately inducted and trained. Workers must understand and be able to demonstrate the ability to work in accordance with SWMS. Inexperienced or new workers must be supervised at all times. Ensure workers are not working long shifts or too many extra hours. Ensure workers are given regular breaks throughout each shift and amenities are provided. Ensure tasks can be realistically completed in the required timeframe. Alternate workers tasks to reduce repetition. Ensure workers understand and are capable of the set tasks. Ensure equipment is safe and adequate when it is purchased and before use. Regularly inspect equipment and maintain or repair if necessary. Follow manufacturer specifications when using equipment. 3

4 Difficult weather conditions Workers can slip and fall if the weather is wet. Workers can dehydrate or sustain heat exhaustion if working in heat. Ensure work is stopped in unsuitable weather conditions (eg rain, thunder, lightning, hail, sleet or in temperatures over 40 degrees). Provide a sheltered area for rest breaks from heat. Ensure water and sunscreen is available. Ensure workers wear appropriate clothing for working in heat (eg hats, t-shirts with sleeves). Ensure workers take regular breaks while working in heat to avoid heat exhaustion and dehydration. Inspect the structure after unsuitable weather (eg storms). Use during event Structural failure Ineffective guardrail systems Inadequate entry and exit affected, putting users and people nearby at risk of serious injury. Users can fall from seating/aisles at height. The dimensions of the entry/exit points may not cater for all disabled users and restrict people from evacuating safely in the event of an emergency. Verify structural safety for maximum loads if the wind load on the grandstand has been increased by: infill (eg used to restrict access or as a wind break) shielding erected against wind. Install 1100mm-high guardrails on the perimeter and openings. Measure the guardrail height from seat-level to ensure people standing on seats cannot fall. Install 900mm-high guardrails if the view is blocked (eg for wheelchairs). If guardrails have to be less than 900mm high, extend the floor beyond the guardrails to minimise the risk of a fall if the guardrails are breached. Arrange seating so a fall from the upper level cannot cause a domino effect at lower levels. This can be done by installing crash barriers for seated viewers and providing gaps between rows of seats for standing viewers. Install ramps and steps with non-slip surfaces on all levels. Ramps should: - have a slope of 1-15 (if this is not possible, 1-11) - be wide enough to allow uninterrupted movement for wheelchairs. Provide wheelchair access by other means (eg ramps or adequate slopes) if stairs alone are used. Ensure entry/exit signage can be seen by all viewers including those in wheelchairs. Provide separate emergency stairs for able-bodied viewers to prevent delays while evacuating wheelchairs during an exit. Keep exit and entry clear in case of emergency. Ensure surfaces are non-slip and securely fastened. 4

5 Objects falling from the grandstand Users passing underneath a grandstand can sustain loss of consciousness, lacerations or bruising when struck by falling objects. Fire or explosion caused by lightning or electrical circuits/ power loss leading to system failure Users are at risk of death or serious injury. Restrict access under the grandstand and consider the installation of a solid barrier infill between tiers. Ensure an alternative generator is installed to provide electricity if there is a power loss. Ensure there is adequate entry/exit for an effective evacuation procedure. Ensure there is a fire warden on site. Provide signage to alert users to emergency exits and what to do during a fire. Ensure there are accessible fire extinguishers on the premises. Further information Contact the WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Service on or go to worksafe.vic.gov.au Australian Standards AS/NZS 3000: Wiring rules AS/NZS 3002: Electrical installations Shows and carnivals. Other istructe.org abcb.gov.au The Institution of Structural Engineers: Temporary demountable structures Guidance on procurement, design and use Australian Building Codes Board The Building Code of Australia Note: This guidance material has been prepared using the best information available to the Victorian WorkCover Authority and should be used for general use only. Any information about legislative obligations or responsibilities included in this material is only applicable to the circumstances described in the material. You should always check the legislation referred to in this material and make your own judgement about what action you may need to take to ensure you have complied with the law. Accordingly, the Victorian WorkCover Authority cannot be held responsible and extends no warranties as to the suitability of the information for your specific circumstances; or actions taken by third parties as a result of information contained in the guidance material. 5