Any Event - Fire And Rescue Service

ANY EVENT - FIRE & RESCUE - Intervention and Prevention

Any Event are a small privately run fire and Rescue organisation who provide prevention advice and first response services at outdoor events in the UK . Their aim is to ensure events comply with fire risk assessments by having on site fire appliances and crew who can deal with fire and rescue related issues quickly and effectively ensuring minimal disruption to the actual event.

Any Event have proactively worked with event organiser's pre and post event identified and addressed to ensure Health and Safety and fire safety issues are maintained by carrying out inspections, and providing detailed reports.

The organisation runs a fleet of off road vehicles. These are small, specifically designed vehicles able to move around most venues with ease, in addition the provision of fire fighting media, rescue tools and full medical trauma packs ensure these vehicles can operate effectively in an extensive range of situations. The experience of both the crew and company directors enables us to offer advice to organisers on fire and rescue provision at festivals and outdoor venues, as well as advice to attendees of outdoor events on fire safety matters and to colleagues who carry out similar work.

Any Event have put together some basic advice for event organisers and also for people who go to events and festivals 

Advice to Organisers
Consult with the local fire authority, every authority will have different requests, early communication will prevent unnecessary work.  

For large events and festivals the use of fire marshals is essential, but to be effective the fire marshal should:

• Be provided with training on any fire fighting media and equipment they are responsible for.
• Have a radio, know what channel they are to use and any code words.
• Should have a method of raising the alarm.
• Should be provided with shelter and refreshments on a raised platform.
• Should be given an aide memoir to assist them.

The site

• All fire/ emergency lanes and exits need to clearly marked and labelled, these should be kept clear of vehicles and other objects at all times.
• All fire exits and escape routes should be easily opened, and open to an area of safety.
• Provide methods of raising the alarm to all who use the site ( where practical)
• Provide clear advice on what to do in the event of fire or other emergency at the site entrance, on tickets and around the site.
• Consider banning the use of open fires or dedicate a spacious area.
• Keep rubbish containers/ bins emptied regularly and away from any buildings temporary or permanent. If fire does occur be aware of the possible contents.
• Be realistic - extinguishers may go missing, consider making them accessible to site staff only.
• Ensure any emergency rendezvous points are well labelled from the show entrance and information on the site is available to those attending (maps, site radio, entrances, access roads etc)
• Ensure on site Fire teams, medical and security staff has a safe and secure site to respond from.

Advice to event/festival attendees.
Outdoor events and festivals are busy places with lots going on, take time to read any information and notices provided as this can prove vital in an emergency. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the nearest first aid point, exit and emergency contact point.

• Only use fire retardant camping materials - tents and sleeping bags.
• Do not smoke inside your tent.
• Do not cook when you are drunk.
• Know how to get help and where to find it.
• Do not cook inside your tent.
• Do not place accelerants on fires or cooking appliances.
• Follow the advice on cooking appliances.
• Do not block an emergency route or exit.
• Be aware - Tents are treated with a fire retardant substance, but that does not make them fire proof, a tent will disappear within 60 seconds plus when on fire and this with the correct conditions will spread from one to another until is is stopped or fire fighting action takes place. The best advice is to ensure a gap around your tent is maintained if this means walking further from the tent to the entrance at least it means you can sleep safe and sound when your head does hit the sack
• Canisters put on fires are highly dangerous - do not to place any canisters or aerosols (full or empty) on fires and if you become aware of a fire involving them to evacuate the area to up to 200 metres (depending on the size and quantity) and seek professional advice.
  

Advice to Colleagues.
Festivals and outdoor events can be busy events. Take your time to do your homework, find out where the event is and visit the site prior to the start of the event.

•  Find the emergency exits and entry points familiarize yourself with the whole site.
•  Be aware of the postal address and OS map reference.
•  Maintain communications with the site H&S rep, Medical team and security team.
•  Ensure you have a safe and secure area with power and welfare facilities.
•  Liaise with the local fire authority inspecting officer, find out the PDA for the event and how far the nearest vehicle is.
•  Get a site radio, Know your dedicated channel and any code words to be used.