fire risks associated with temporary structures in Essex events: how to identify and address them
Introduction
fire risks associated with temporary structures in Essex events can be significant, and in this guide you will learn how to spot hazards, assess risk, apply practical controls and meet legal duties so your event runs safely and compliantly. This article explains the responsibilities of organisers and responsible persons, gives step‑by‑step checks for marquees, stages and other temporary demountable structures, and sets out sensible mitigation measures you can apply on site.
Why temporary structures need special attention
Temporary structures are not the same as permanent buildings. They are often erected quickly, used for a short period and then dismantled. That means design, materials and installation quality can vary widely. In addition, temporary structures are commonly located outdoors or on uneven ground, and they may contain large numbers of people, cooking equipment or electrical installations. These factors raise the fire risk and complicate evacuation, so they must be considered during planning and on the day.
The law requires you to identify and manage these risks through a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.
Where the event is open to the public, or the structure houses sleeping accommodation or large crowds, guidance and specific controls apply. See gov.uk for more information.
How to spot fire risks associated with temporary structures in Essex events
Start by inspecting the structure itself. Check the fabric, frame and anchorage for signs of damage, poor maintenance or non‑compliant materials. Pay particular attention to coverings, linings and stage backdrops; they must be inherently or durably flame retardant and accompanied by certificates from the manufacturer.
Next, look at what is inside and around the structure. Common ignition sources include portable heaters, cooking equipment and temporary electrical installations. Fuel sources include seating, stalls, stock, packaging and waste. Remember that cluttered escape routes, trailing cables or piled rubbish can greatly increase the speed at which a fire spreads and the difficulty of evacuation. See gov.uk for guidance on assessing assembly places.
Also consider external hazards. Long grass or combustible vegetation under or near a marquee, nearby bonfires, or vehicle parking close to emergency exits can all worsen a fire scenario. Cut surrounding grass and remove cuttings before erection. Finally, ask for documentation. A competent contractor should provide design calculations, structural drawings and a safety certificate for the completed structure (see hastings.gov.uk).
Carry out a focused risk assessment for temporary demountable structures
A site‑specific risk assessment must consider the structure, its intended use, and the people who will be present. Follow a systematic five‑step approach: identify hazards, identify people at risk, evaluate and remove or reduce risks, record your findings, and review the assessment regularly.
Record the maximum permitted capacity and ensure you can demonstrate how it was calculated. Where cooking or open‑flame activities are planned, evaluate extraction, separation, and the risk of embers or grease fires. Finally, create a wind management plan for outdoor structures and set trigger points for evacuation or structure closure if weather becomes unsafe. Refer to hse.gov.uk for HSE advice on temporary demountable structures.
Practical on‑site checks to reduce fire risks
Confirm flame retardancy certificates for all fabrics and linings.
Check anchorage and ballast arrangements; avoid relying on soft ground alone.
Inspect electrical installations and test portable generators and distribution boards. Only use qualified electricians for temporary power supplies.
Ensure adequate means of escape, illuminated exit signage and clear routes to assembly points. Emergency lighting should be provided on escape routes inside temporary structures.
Place suitable portable firefighting equipment where staff can reach it quickly and ensure staff know how to use it.
Keep waste piles, packing and combustible materials clear of escape routes and service areas.
Restrict or prohibit smoking inside and close to temporary structures and provide designated, safe smoking zones away from ignition sources.
These actions are straightforward and improve safety immediately. They also demonstrate proactive compliance if a regulator inspects the site. See gov.uk for further practical checklists.
Managing people, procedures and emergency planning
People are the greatest variable at any event. Plan how crowds will move around structures and avoid pinch points. Provide trained fire marshals who understand the layout and evacuation routes. Run a briefing for contractors, traders and volunteers so everyone knows their responsibilities.
Develop a clear emergency plan that includes the alarm procedure, evacuation strategy, assembly points and arrangements for vulnerable people. Test the plan through a drill before public opening where practical, and record the exercise. Communication matters: ensure radios, public address systems and clear signage are available and in good working order.
In larger events, integrate the event management plan with local emergency services and the site’s safety adviser. The nfcc.org.uk provides checklists and templates to help ensure consistency and completeness in planning.
Selecting competent suppliers and contractors
Competence and documentation are central to safety. Use suppliers who can demonstrate experience with temporary demountable structures and who carry relevant insurance, membership of trade bodies and third‑party inspection schemes where appropriate.
Ask for: design drawings; structural calculations; certificates of flame retardancy; a safety certificate on completion; method statements for erection and dismantling; and records of inspections. For large or novel structures, insist on a structural engineer’s calculations and a competent person to monitor wind and weather conditions during the event. Local authority conditions often require these documents as part of the licensing process. See manchester.gov.uk.
Controls for specific risks: cooking, generators and heating
Cooking concessions can create intense local heat and present a high ignition risk. Require separation of cooking areas from public access, suitable extraction and fire suppression provisions for deep fat frying or solid fuel use. Store fuels safely and away from hot surfaces.
Generators and temporary electrical supplies must be sited to avoid fuel spill or exhaust heat reaching combustible materials. Hire a qualified electrician to install and certify temporary power. Portable LPG heaters are a common cause of incidents; avoid them inside enclosed tents or marquees unless they are specifically designed and risk assessed for that purpose. See hse.gov.uk for HSE venue and site design guidance.
Maintaining and monitoring structures during the event
Once erected, structures need ongoing inspection. Assign a competent person to carry out regular checks on anchorage, guying and ballast, especially after high winds or heavy rain. Monitor visitor numbers against capacity, and act if numbers approach unsafe levels.
Keep a log of inspections, repairs and any incidents. If any defect is found that could compromise stability or increase fire risk, close the structure until the issue is resolved and documented. Good records make post‑event reviews and regulator enquiries much easier to manage.
What enforcement bodies expect and your legal duties
As the responsible person or event organiser, you must take reasonable steps to identify and reduce fire risks. Local authorities and the Health and Safety Executive have defined responsibilities for enforcement depending on the nature of the event and the structure used. HSE enforces the erection and dismantling of large temporary demountable structures, while local authorities commonly enforce safety for smaller marquees and tents at licensed events. Ensure you know which enforcement body applies and be ready to show your risk assessment and supporting documents on request. See hse.gov.uk for FAQs on event safety enforcement.
Use the right standards and guidance
Apply recognised standards where they exist. For example, flexible membrane coverings should meet the recommendations in the relevant British Standards for tent fabrics, and temporary lighting and electrical work must follow appropriate wiring regulations and event guidance. Use government and HSE guidance for event planning, and consider NFCC resources for event safety checklists and templates. These references help you make defensible, risk‑based decisions and demonstrate due diligence. See gov.uk.
How Total Safe can help you prepare and comply
If you prefer professional support, Total Safe offers tailored fire risk assessments, inspection services and safety training for events across Essex and the South East. Our engineers can audit temporary structures, check documentation, and provide practical remedial actions you can implement before the event opens. For details of services relevant to event organisers, see the Fire safety services from Total Safe and our guidance on developing a fire safety plan: How to ensure your fire safety plan covers business risks.
Simple checklist to use on the day
Verify certificates for fabric and fittings.
Confirm anchorage and ballast are intact.
Check temporary electrical installations and generator fuel stores.
Ensure exits are clear, signed and lit.
Confirm firefighting equipment is available and staff know its location.
Run a radio check with your stewards and fire marshals.
Monitor weather and have a wind‑triggered action plan.
Use the checklist as part of your handover to site staff at the start of each day. It will reduce the chance of oversight and create a clear audit trail.
Conclusion and next steps
Identifying and addressing fire risks associated with temporary structures in Essex events requires careful planning, competent suppliers and ongoing monitoring. Begin with a focused risk assessment, require evidence of flame retardancy and structural safety, and implement practical controls for cooking, heating and electrical risks. Train staff, document decisions and keep an up‑to‑date inspection log during the event.
If you need help with a site survey, a formal fire risk assessment or on‑site safety checks, Total Safe can provide practical, accredited support tailored to events. For official guidance on open‑air events and temporary demountable structures consult Government guidance on open‑air events and HSE guidance on temporary demountable structures. See gov.uk for additional official resources.
FAQ
What documentation should I demand from a marquee supplier?
Ask for design drawings, structural calculations, a safety certificate on completion and flame retardancy certificates for all fabrics. These documents show the supplier has considered structural and fire performance.
Who enforces safety for temporary structures at events in Essex?
Enforcement depends on the structure and event. HSE typically enforces the erection and dismantling of large temporary demountable structures; local authorities often enforce smaller marquees and public safety conditions. See hse.gov.uk for enforcement guidance.
How often should I inspect a temporary structure during an event?
Carry out a full check after erection, then repeat inspections at regular intervals and after severe weather. Keep a log of each inspection and any remedial work carried out.
Can I use portable LPG heaters in a marquee?
You should avoid portable LPG heaters in enclosed temporary structures unless the heater is designed and risk assessed for that use, with suitable ventilation and controls. Where used, adopt strict separation from combustibles and provide fire detection and suppression as required. See gov.uk for guidance on heating and ventilation in assembly places.
When should I bring in a professional fire risk assessor?
If your event uses large or complex temporary structures, has cooking or sleeping accommodation, or attracts large crowds, appoint a competent third‑party assessor. A professional can produce a defensible risk assessment and help you demonstrate compliance to regulators. See nfcc.org.uk for assessor guidance.
