Marquees are a popular choice for outdoor events and functions, providing a covered area for guests to enjoy. However, it's important to ensure that your marquee is safe for everyone to use. In this guide, we'll outline the key safety standards for marquees, so you can make sure your event goes smoothly and without any accidents.
1. Wind Loads
Wind loads refer to the amount of wind pressure that a marquee can withstand before collapsing. This is usually worked on average wind gusts, take into account areas that are prone to strong winds or storms and the time of year. Ask your marquee company if they have structural calculations, they will advise you on, and if necessary, take additional steps to secure it, such as using weights or extra guy ropes.
2. Fire Safety
Marquees can pose a fire risk, especially if they're made of flammable materials. To minimize this risk, ensure that your marquee is made of fire-resistant materials and that it has an appropriate fire exit strategy in place. It's also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand, just in case. Our cruck tents are designed to have the walls raised to create exits on the sides if weather permits.
3. Electrical Safety
Electrical safety is a crucial aspect of marquee safety. Make sure that any electrical equipment you use in your marquee is properly tested and certified. If you're using lights or heaters, ensure that they're positioned safely and not near any flammable materials. For our clients we can create power plans based on your supplier requirements, we'll only use tested equipment for your event and also ensure it's been properly installed.
4. Structural Stability
The structural stability of a marquee is essential for ensuring that it can withstand wind, rain, and other elements. Check that your marquee has been manufactured to the relevant industry standards and that it's being properly assembled and installed by a reputable company.
5. Access and Egress
Ensure that there are clear and accessible exits in your marquee, so that people can leave quickly and safely in an emergency. Make sure that any exits are well-lit, and that there are no obstacles blocking the way.
In conclusion, following these safety standards will help ensure that your marquee event is safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.
If you have any further safety questions regarding your event please do get in touch for advice.