It’s summer events season in the UK! From outdoor music festivals to food fairs, summer is peak season for temporary event spaces. While these events are great for entertainment and celebration, they come with a unique set of safety responsibilities - particularly when it comes to electrical compliance. Without the support of permanent infrastructure, organisers must work even harder to create a safe, functional environment for guests, performers and staff.
Ensuring your event space is electrically compliant isn’t just good practice, it’s a legal requirement. Failing to follow regulations can put people at risk and lead to costly delays or shutdowns.
Learn more about electrical safety for the festival season to help you put on a safe and compliant event.
Unlike fixed venues, temporary event spaces often operate without the safety net of established wiring, building controls or backup power systems. This can lead to:
All of these factors can create hazardous conditions if not managed properly, making electrical safety compliance essential for your event. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and BS 7909: Code of Practice for Temporary Electrical Systems for Entertainment and Related Purposes are some of the legislation related to electrical compliance for the festival season and set out your responsibilities.
There are several steps you can take to help maintain electrical compliance during the festival season, including:
Before the first cable is laid or the first tent is pitched, you should conduct a full electrical safety inspection. This includes checking all temporary power supplies, lighting systems and distribution equipment. A qualified contractor can ensure your setup is safe and fully compliant with current regulations, such as BS 7671.
Always use temporary electrical systems that meet UK safety standards. This includes RCD-protected distribution boards, IP-rated fittings suitable for outdoor use, and properly labelled cabling. Cheaper alternatives may save money upfront but can result in serious faults or failures on site.
Generators are essential for powering outdoor events, but incorrect placement or maintenance can lead to dangerous situations. Position generators on flat, stable ground away from crowded areas and ensure they are properly grounded and ventilated. They must also be maintained regularly and monitored throughout the event.
With crowds, vehicles and of course, the weather to contend with, correct cable management is critical. Use cable ramps, floor covers and overhead suspensions to avoid trip hazards and prevent water ingress. Cables should be routed away from walkways wherever possible and regularly checked during the event.
Electrical safety is everyone’s responsibility. Ensure all on-site personnel, including subcontractors and volunteers, understand the risks and are trained in basic safety protocols. If a fault is suspected, they should know how to report it and who to contact immediately.
Proper documentation not only demonstrates due diligence but also provides a clear plan in the event of an incident. Keep copies of inspection certificates, risk assessments and maintenance logs readily accessible throughout the event.
Festivals and event rely on a wide range of electrical equipment - often brought on-site by different vendors or production teams. It’s essential that all portable appliances are tested and marked as safe before use. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) helps identify faults and reduces the risk of electric shock or fire. Make sure all traders, performers and contractors supply evidence of recent testing, and conduct on-site visual checks for damaged cables, plugs or signs of overheating.
Using professional electrical safety inspectors can help you run a safe and compliant event. Trained to ensure electrical systems meet the relevant regulations and standards, using professionals will give you peace of mind and ensure inspections are carried out properly.
In addition to maintaining electrical safety compliance, the following tips can also help you maintain summer event safety:
Maintaining safety should be your main priority for any event. And when the pressure’s on to deliver a successful event, you need expert support you can trust. At phs Compliance, we can help keep temporary spaces safe, functional and fully compliant, with services you can rely on. From pre-event inspections to on-site testing and certification, our experienced engineers are on hand to support your event - no matter the size or complexity.
Make this festival season a safe one. Contact phs Compliance to discuss our electrical safety services and how we can help you with your next event.
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