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<p>The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) leads on national occupational health and
safety policy for the entertainments and leisure sector, whilst Local Authorities
are responsible for enforcing the law at individual events, such as festivals, in
their geographical area.</p><p> </p><p>Festival organisers have responsibilities under
Section 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA) to ensure, so
far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees
and others, including members of the public, affected by their undertaking. These
responsibilities extend to ensuring that equipment, such as gas cookers and BBQs,
are maintained and operated in a safe condition.</p><p> </p><p>Disposable BBQs are
popular with those attending festivals, and there have been examples where fatalities,
arising from exposure to carbon monoxide, have occurred due to BBQs being taken into
tents as a source of heat. Festival organisers are expected to take reasonably practicable
measures to raise awareness of the potential dangers. Reasonable arrangements should
also be in place to monitor the use of disposable BBQs and the behaviour of attendees
at the event so that action can be taken to prevent these items being used in enclosed
areas.</p><p> </p><p>HSE has published web-based event safety guidance to help event
organisers comply with their legal duties (<a href="http://www.hse.gov.uk/event-safety/index.htm"
target="_blank">http://www.hse.gov.uk/event-safety/index.htm</a>). The Events Industry
Forum also produces a guide, known as the Purple Guide, for the live event industry
including festival organisers.</p>
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