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CROSS Safety Alert

Temporary stage structures

Region: CROSS-UK, CROSS-AUS, CROSS-US Published: 1 January 2012


Overview

There have been collapses of temporary stage structures in the USA and in Europe during entertainment events. These have resulted in fatalities and numerous injuries. The temporary structures which have been involved in these collapses appear to be similar to those which may be used in the UK.

Temporary stages should be assembled in accordance with engineering documentation that comprises drawings, calculations and specifications all prepared by a competent person. Engineering documentation should be independently checked by a chartered engineer.

Recommendations are given for the procurement and use of temporary structures.

Note: this Safety Alert was published by SCOSS (Standing Committee on Structural Safety). Since March 2021, SCOSS is integrated under the name Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures (CROSS).

Who should read this?

Those who commission or procure or licence temporary stages and other temporary structures, for example large outdoor TV screens. Owners of sites and venues, promoters, contractors and their designers, local authority licensing officers and building control officers.

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