PLASA has released the Lightning Guidance for Outdoor Events, a handbook that provides practical advice on managing lightning risk, crowd safety and the protection of temporary structures, electrical equipment and power systems.
The guidance aims to assist those involved in the production and management of outdoor events in making informed decisions when faced with threats from lightning strikes.
“The dangers of lightning are widely understood, however the level of threat at outdoor events where large crowds gather is often overlooked,” says PLASA in a statement. “This has been a growing concern due to the increase of outdoor events and number of people exposed.”
To create the guidance, PLASA worked alongside The Event Safety Shop, Star Events Ltd, IMG, Omega Red Group, Aggreko, Ken Law Safety Ltd, BBC Safety, the Emergency Planning College, Howard Eaton Lighting, Anderson Bradshaw Ltd, the National Outdoor Events Association, the University of Reading and Lee Valley Leisure Trust; as well as respected industry consultants, James Eade and Tom Goode.
Nicky Greet, PLASA’s director of membership, skills and technical, comments: “PLASA is proud to issue this guidance, helping to raise health & safety awareness across the live entertainment industry. And, we are grateful to all the organisations and individuals who contributed to this crucial document, which should become an essential part of planning as the festival and event sectors continue to grow.”
The Lightning Guidance for Outdoor Events is available to download at www.plasa.org/lightning-guidance.
