Product Overview

This Event Staging Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step procedures, hazards, and controls required to safely plan, assemble, operate, and dismantle event staging on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive, pre-filled document that covers multiple aspects of event staging safety to support your WHS compliance and risk management obligations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe assembly and disassembly of stage sets, including structural stability checks and exclusion zones
• Planning and erection of temporary structures for events, with controls for wind loading, ground conditions, and access
• Bleacher and stacked seating assembly and dismantling, including manual handling, load limits, and fall protection
• Set-up and tear-down of tiered grandstands, with procedures for bracing, securing components, and inspection before use
• Installation and removal of event decorations, banners, and signage, including work at height and ladder safety
• Dismantling stands, booths, and display structures post-event with traffic management and congestion control
• Entertainment rigging activities, including hoisting and securing lighting, sound, and scenic elements overhead
• Ice rink assembly and disassembly, including plant use, slip hazards, cold exposure, and public interface risks
• Movement and positioning of large props, billboards, and scenic elements using mechanical aids and team lifting
• Erection and dismantling of oversized screens, LED walls, and projection surfaces, including crane or EWP use
• Rigging and de-rigging audio-visual systems at height, including fall arrest systems and dropped-object prevention
• Setting up large marquees and event tents, including pegging, ballast requirements, and severe weather procedures
• Installation and testing of sound systems for school and community events, including noise exposure controls
• Staging and scaffolding erection and dismantling, including competent person supervision and tag-out systems
• Site-specific traffic, public access, and crowd interface management during bump-in and bump-out activities

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for event staging companies, riggers, audio-visual and lighting contractors, marquee and grandstand installers, production managers, and site supervisors responsible for temporary event structures and entertainment setups.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Guidance on safe access, egress, amenities, and general work environment for event sites
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for lifting, carrying, and handling staging components and equipment
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Requirements for working at height during rigging, staging, and AV installation
• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice: Application of construction risk management principles to temporary structures and staging works
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Controls for high noise levels during sound system set-up and testing
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding (series): Requirements for the design, erection, alteration, and dismantling of scaffolding used for staging and platforms
• AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for Scaffolding: Practical guidance for safe scaffolding practices on event sites
• AS/NZS 4994 Temporary Edge Protection (series): Guidance on edge protection for elevated platforms, grandstands, and staging
• AS/NZS 1170.2 Structural Design Actions – Wind Actions: Consideration of wind loads on marquees, grandstands, and temporary structures
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017