Tents, stages, and temporary structures
Occupational health and safety rules and building requirements when the stage and tent must be set up and taken down again
The scene the tent and the stands are some of the most visible parts of an event — and also some of the most regulated. Because they are erected and taken down again in a short time often by a mixed team of permanent staff and volunteers both building regulations and workplace environmental rules set concrete requirements for how it is done.
§First get oriented by finding the power supply and chassis reference. They are the circuit's top and bottom. When you know where the current comes from and where it returns, you have the framework for everything else.
If work such as setting up stages tents or other structures is to be performed in connection with an outdoor event the Working Environment Authority must be notified of the event. The purpose is for the Working Environment Authority to know the nature of the work — for example construction of stage structures — and to know how many employees and volunteers are expected to perform it. It is part of the employer's or organizer's responsibility not something each individual volunteer should worry about.
§When does a stage require building permission
A stage is a temporary structure and the rules for permanent workplaces also apply to such setups. As a general rule stages with a height over 1.0 meter require building permission regardless of whether they are set up indoors or outdoors. If the stage has a roof the roof itself requires permission if it is larger than 50 square meters — regardless of how high the stage is. This means that even a low stage with a large roof can trigger a permission requirement.
| Construction | Triggers requirement for a permit when… |
|---|---|
| Scene | The height is over 1.0 meter |
| Covering over stage | The area is over 50 square meters regardless of stage height |
| Tents, stands, and similar | The municipality often sets its own guidelines for size and placement |
§Weather protection and occupational environment during setup
- 01For prolonged outdoor work there should be reasonable weather protection — tent half roof or shelter
- 02Cables and power connections must be routed so no one trips over them or gets a shock
- 03Heavy stage parts and rigging parts must be handled with appropriate lifting equipment, not by body power alone
- 04Walking paths and escape routes must remain free, even while construction is being built up
§Municipality guidelines
Beyond the state regulations, many municipalities have their own guidelines for setting up tents, stages, stands and other temporary structures — for example on distance to buildings, fire exits and maximum occupancy. As an event coordinator, it is your task to find out whether the municipality where the event is held has such guidelines and send the necessary drawings and information in good time.
The earlier you clarify which structures require permission and who should be informed, the less risk there is that the stage is ready while the paperwork lags behind.