{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFS120344\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E(Published November 2024, replacing April 2022\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E)\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThis guidance will raise awareness of some of the hazards surrounding the use of large, frame based tents to help you assess the risks and work out suitable controls required.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EScouting often uses lightweight, plastic material tentage away as well as traditional heavier canvas tents such as mess tents, patrol tents etc. Lightweight tents are also used extensively at large scale events and often referred to as \u2018Fiesta\u2019 or \u2018Party\u2019 tents.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThere have been\u00A0several\u00A0incidents with party tents where sudden, short term bad weather circumstances have led to injury or damage.\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe Scouts requires members to undertake and record a \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E for all activities and events to determine what is, or is not, safe for their circumstances.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EGood information, instruction and training will help you manage and control some of the risks such as:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Ethe skill and competence of the persons erecting the tent\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Ethe age or quality of the equipment\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Ethe suitability of the equipment for the event\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eanchoring the tent safely\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EOther elements, such as weather conditions, are obviously not in your control but MUST be considered.\u00A0\u00A0Risk assessment requires you to consider what is\u00A0\u003Cstrong\u003Ereasonably foreseeable\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0(i.e. rack your brains and think of all the things that could go wrong) and to be objective in the assessment.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWhat actions will \u201Ccontrol\u0022 the risk? (i.e. eliminate or reduce the risk).\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EHere are some common hazards:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EParty tents are generally made of a very lightweight man made polyester type material, and the material is more liable to flying off in a burst of wind so you may need additional bodies to handle it.\u00A0Make sure those helping are physically capable of helping erect the tent\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ECanvas is much heavier and there is a greater risk of manual handling injuries when lifting canvas off and onto frames or for storing.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Weight of the tent"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAlways refer to the manufactures guidelines to determine what wind speeds the tent is suitable for use in. Have a look at weather forecasts prior to the event to see if the weather conditions may cause concerns or potential problems.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIn exposed windy areas\u00A0try to shelter the tent by placing near\u00A0high hedges, tree lines or buildings. When weather is more likely to be a factor such as in the winter period or when exposed to off shore winds, then the design, condition, structure and means of securing to the ground must be seriously considered.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ESecuring the tent to the ground will be a crucial element.\u00A0\u00A0Many party tents are supplied with small ratchet straps and large pegs so that the frame can be secured to the grass.\u00A0\u00A0If in doubt, use additional or stronger ratchets and pegs than supplied with the tent, however, make sure the straps do not put excessive strain on the poles!\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EOn solid ground, where pegs are not an option, the use of weights for tying off the ropes or ratchet straps should be made available. (e.g.\u00A0\u00A0the base weights for \u2018Herras\u2019 fencing are great as they have holes cast in them to tie off to).\u00A0\u00A0You obviously need to have a reasonable number available and ready\u00A0and don\u2019t assume a site will have them available for your use.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EWhere the tent has a ground frame strut, the weights should again be tied on so the weight cannot slip off if the tent lifts.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EEnsure there are at least 6 weights, one for each corner and one each midway along each long side, for the tie off ropes or ratchet straps.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Wind \u2013 during construction"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EMonitor the weather.\u00A0\u00A0Gusty conditions, even in summer, can be volatile.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EHave a Plan\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0-\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIn really extreme weather conditions, you can\u2019t guarantee any tent will stand firm, but you can remove people at risk if it looks to be a problem.\u00A0\u00A0Be prepared to evacuate the tents and move people away to a place of safety. Taking them down may increase the risk of a \u201Cfly away\u201D.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EThe lightweight material is highly prone to flying if the wind gets under it and when tents are left with sides open, this risk increases. When rigging and de-rigging, you cannot avoid this risk but you can minimise the number of persons exposed to the risk. Again, make sure those helping are physically capable of helping.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EConsider the activities within the tent that may add additional risk in the event of a failure.\u00A0In particular, the use of\u00A0cooking equipment or urns.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Wind \u2013 during use"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThe lightweight material used during erection will become much heavier when wet and will increase the likelihood of slips.\u00A0 Handling and footing will also become a hazard as well as the securing of the pegs which could become difficult. Care must be taken for your safety as well as those involved with the erection of the tent during such adverse conditions.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Rain"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EMan-made material is usually highly flammable and if any cooking or open flame activity takes place inside the tent than suitable distances from the sides of the tent must be maintained.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003ECanvas material should be treated with a fire retardant spray as part of the waterproofing of the material. Canvas will burn, but the ignition time is generally longer than party tents.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EAdvice about keeping gas burner flames away from the tent sides remains for all tents. The risk of \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/managing-a-safe-scout-premises/carbon-monoxide-co/\u0022 title=\u0022Carbon monoxide (CO)\u0022\u003ECarbon Monoxide\u003C/a\u003E and the need for good ventilation remains the same.\u0026nbsp;It is good practice to have a flap open for ventilation near to the cooking equipment if used.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Fire"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EGenerally a \u2018slot together\u2019 tubular frame structure\u00A0is designed to support the weight of the covering.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EEnsure you visually inspect the tubing and connectors prior to use to ensure all parts are structurally sound and there is no failure in the welds or significant damage. Refer to the manufacturers\u0027 guidance document which normally has a section on inspecting the pole and frame components.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Structural rigidity"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EConstruction Tips:\u003C/h3\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECheck the weather before erecting, use weather forecasts to determine if the weather will change over the course of the event.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESelect the location for pitching the tent carefully. Look for shallow dips or depressions in the ground where water could gather if it rains. Similarly, pitching your large tent at the base of a hill could cause unwanted water flow through your tent in rainy weather.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhen erecting and de-rigging the tentage, ensure there are adequate numbers of\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003Ephysically\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003Ecapable, experienced helpers especially when handling the tent material and placing it over/off the frame.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESecure the material corners down or use guys to ensure it does not blow away if this is practicable.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhen on grass or soft ground (as opposed to tarmac), have some suitable metal pegs (for anchoring) either ropes or ratchet straps to\u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E (Ideally a minimum of 400 mm long and 12 mm diameter if dog screw pegs are not available. \u003Cspan\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003EAlso refer to the manufactures guidelines as to types of pegs advised.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEnsure the pegs are positioned in the ground before handling the material, so the \u2018over the top\u2019 ropes or ratchet straps can be attached beforehand or quickly if needed. The ratchet straps are used to secure the frame to the ground and the cover is fixed to the frame with the short \u0027bungee\u0027 cords\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEnsure the suitable metal pegs are available for securing the frame in position. Try to get an angle on the pegs as opposed to going straight down.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESome manufacturers advise that \u2018Tie Down Kits\u2019 are used. You should always check your own manufacturer\u2019s instructions.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIf you think the weather is going to be too windy, or you are in doubt, it is sometimes better to use an alternative rather than a Party Tent.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Top Tips"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMonitoring (dynamic risk assessment)\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOnce the tent is up, ensure volunteers are weather watching, considering the potential risk from changing conditions and heavy use.\u00A0 This should form part of the briefing from the leader in charge.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"Read more about risk assessments","body":"","link":{"name":"Risk assessments","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Risk assessment","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Guidance on the safe use of party/fiesta tents within the Scouts.   ","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"15 July 2023","reviewDate":"04/06/2020","redirectUrl":"","id":47404,"nodeName":"Party/fiesta tent guidance for safe use","title":"Party/fiesta tent guidance for safe use","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Party/fiesta tent guidance for safe use","headerSubTitle":"Lightweight and easy to maintain, plastic framed party type tents have become a good value option to traditional canvas mess tents \u2013 however the type of use for them needs to be considered carefully.","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[]},"subHeader":"Guidance on the safe use of party/fiesta tents within the Scouts.   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