Stand Build Regulations

Below you will find stand build regulations which must be applied to your space only stand design. We have highlighted various general regulations which you may find helpful when designing your stand however please note that this is not a definitive list of regulations. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor and their contractor to ensure their stand design complies with all applicable stand build regulations detailed in the venue technical regulations.

Failure to comply with the regulations laid out below may lead to your permission to build being revoked and changes to the stand build being undertaken onsite or complete removal of the stand.

The eGuide can be downloaded here.

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The overall height of standfitting for single-storey stands including cladding of columns is 4m from the floor level. Requests to exceed this height will only be considered provided that they are submitted to plans@opssquad.

Any construction over 4m is classified as a complex stand so requires structural calculations for structural approval. 

The maximum build height is 6m from the venue floor to the top of the structure.

Please be aware that we have a limited breakdown tenancy, all space-only stands must be dismantled and removed by 18:00 on Friday 15th March 2024, including waste. Only submit plans for stands over 4m with a thorough method statement if you believe this can be achieved in the timeframe available.

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Good ventilation is important and therefore we still recommend that you consider NOT having any solid ceilings on your stand.

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Please note that chipboard, particleboard and low-density fibreboard (LDF) is not suitable for construction and in particular of weight bearing structures. The H&S Manager and Structural Engineer will identify stands which do not comply during the build process and all necessary remedial work must be completed before the stand will be permitted to open.

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A complex structure is any form of construction, either ground-based or suspended, that, through risk assessment has been found to present a significant risk. 

The following are classed as complex structures:

• Double deck structures - please note double-deck structures are not permitted for this year
• Any structure regardless of its height, which requires structural calculations
• Any part of a stand or exhibit which exceeds four metres in height. See Build Height Limits for restrictions. 
• Custom-built/bespoke suspended structures
• Platforms and stages over 600mm in height
• Anything deemed by the organiser to be a complex structure

All complex structures must submit technical drawings, structural calculations, Risk Assessments, Method Statements, and Construction Phase and Dismantle Plan to Ops Squad Stand Plan Team along with all other stand plan submission documents.

Late submission of complex stand details or the failure to supply sufficient detail, including structural calculations will result in permission to build over 4m in height or your suspended structure not being granted.

Technical drawings must show the form and dimensions of every structural element with appropriate general arrangement plans, sections, and elevations, including full details of stairways if applicable. All calculations of loading and strength must be in English, and all drawings must be to scale.

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The use of all non-mains Flammable Gas including Compressed Gas and LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gases - Propane, Butane, etc) is not permitted at ExCel London, except where it is essential in the demonstration of an appliance specifically designed to operate an LPG and all LPG connections must be made by a Gas Safe Register installer with ACS certification.

Written permission must be obtained from the Organisers, Venue, and Local Authorities at least 25 days prior to the exhibition.

The official contractor is solely responsible for the supply and connection of natural gas, compressed air, waste, and waste services.

Please click here to contact the official supplier and complete their order form.

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As part of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, all space-only stands, or shell scheme stands with construction, are deemed their own construction sites and the Construction & Dismantle Phase Plan (CDPP) is a compulsory document that needs to be submitted along with you stand plans, risk assessments and method statement.

• CDPP Guidance 
• CDPP Template 

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Demonstrations on stands during the event must be safe and without risks to health and safety and where necessary covered by a risk assessment. Any demonstration or presentation areas likely to interest groups of 10 or more people must be located towards the centre of the stand and clearly shown on stand drawings, and if they cause obstruction within the gangway and/or nuisance to any other exhibitor, we reserve the right to cancel the presentation/demonstration or restrict the frequency. 

Please click here for details of what demonstations are and are not permitted at the event.

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On divided sites, you are responsible for erecting and decorating dividing walls facing onto your stand area to a minimum height of 2.5m. Walls above 2.5m must be clad and finished on both sides, with the reverse side being decorated from 2.5m upwards by the Exhibitor who has erected them. Such walls overlooking adjoining stands must be finished in a neutral plain colour only. The minimum height for dividing walls is 2.5m.

The maximum height for dividing walls of single-storey stands is 4m (see Build Height Limits). This is 6m from the venue floor to the top of the wall and not from the top of your platform.

Please note any build height over 4m is deemed a complex structure so structural calculations are required on submission.

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All stand construction and displays must be made from fireproofed materials and installed to local authority satisfaction. Any goods attached to your stand will constitute part of your stand and will be subject to these regulations.

Timber Used in Stand Construction & Displays

All timber under 1 inch thick must be impregnated (pressure process) to BS476 PART 7 CLASS 1 Standard. Boards, plywood, chipboard, etc. must be treated in the same way if they are under 18mm thick. Timber over 1 inch thick need not be treated & MDF is acceptable in most cases.

Treated boards will have BS 476 – PART 7 – CLASS 1 marked on them.

Plastics/Stand Dressing

All plastics must conform to BS 476 – PART 7 – CLASS 1 Fire Regulations. Lexan and Macralon are acceptable. PERSPEX MUST NOT BE USED.

Artificial plants and flowers that are combustible and give off toxic fumes must not be used for stand dressing. Silk type flowers are acceptable providing they have been fireproofed to BS 476 PART 7 and are marked as such. Plastic security night sheets must also conform to the above standard.

Fabrics Used in Displays

Textile fabrics used for interior display purposes on the stand must be FLAME PROOFED or purchased already treated by use of approved chemicals, in accordance with BS 5438 & BS 5852. Certain fabrics need not be proofed, i.e., wool, twill or felt. Textile fabrics used for interior decorative purposes within stands must be fixed taut and or in tight pleats (Not Draped) to a solid backing and secured 3 inches above floor level and not touching any light fittings. Cellulose paints are flammable and must not be used for stand dressing. Only water-based paints must be used.

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Where doors are present on your stand they must follow the below guidance;

• The required minimum effective clear width of a door is 800mm.
• Doors must have a vision panel with a zone of visibility spanning from 500mm to 1500mm above the floor. The exception to this is doors to small storerooms, where a small panel may suffice.
• Emergency exit doors must open outwards in the direction of escape.
• Doors must be recessed where they open on to public circulation areas, e.g. they must not open directly on to a gangway.
• Sliding doors are not acceptable as emergency exit doors.

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Double deck stands are not permitted at Oceanology International 2024.

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There is zero tolerance on dust-creating activities in the halls to avoid additional hazards from coughing and reducing cleaning requirements. All dust must be extracted at source by mechanical means. MDF and chipboard must not be machined on site, as the dust produced is hazardous to health. 

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If you have appointed a stand contractor to build your open space stand, you must be assured that the design of the stand is such that it can be built safely within the specified times as stated in this manual.

Early or late working outside of the published build-up and breakdown timetable will be permitted only at the organiser's discretion & will be subject to a charge.

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Exhibitors and contractors must comply with The Electricity at Work Regulations, the IEE Wiring Regulations, the EVA Electrical Regulations, and the venue’s electrical regulations.

All work must be carried out by competent and qualified electricians and all temporary installations must be protected by an RCD and inspected before power is supplied to the stand. All electrical installations should be carried out by the official contractor.

During build-up, initial connections are made as early as possible, but in some cases, this could mean on the opening morning if the stand (or block of stands) is not complete. The power to all stands will be switched off 30 minutes after the close of the show each day. Please also remember to order a 24-hour supply for the open period if required.

You or your contractors are advised to contact the official electrical contractor to arrange a temporary power supply for the actual construction of your stand if required. Power must not be taken from cleaners’ sockets or other hall sockets. Any non-UK plugs must use an adaptor.

When you order you will need to specify using a grid the correct positioning for lights and sockets - should the grid not be submitted, the items will be positioned at the discretion of the contractor and charges maybe be levied for on-site changes.

Basic loading guidelines for socket outlets:

• 500 watt socket PC Computers, TV's, videos, spotlights to 500w & refrigerators
• 1000 watt socket Domestic filter coffee machines & lighting up to 1000w
• 2000 watt socket Kettles* & machinery up to 2000w
• 3000 watt socket Hired coffee machines, machinery 2000w - 3000w

* These appliances are of varying power requirements dependent upon type and manufacturer. It is therefore essential that the reference tag or plate is fitted to each appliance and under law be read, the loading in watts or kW (kilo Watts = Watts x 1000) will be stated, and the appropriate size socket ordered.

As the exhibitor, it is your responsibility to order an adequate power supply for your stand. Failure to do this will result in delays on site and could be a fire risk. On site checks will be carried out by the appointed Health & Safety Officer, as well as the official contractor. In all cases the decision of the Organiser and its appointed representative is final.

There should be sufficient correctly installed and rated power sockets to preclude the use of extension leads and long trailing flexes. If essential, extension leads must be correctly fused and limited to one per socket. Multi-sockets must not be used.

Electrical wiring and fittings to be covered and not hanging down/protruding between adjoining stands.

Electrical Testing

Every electrical circuit in a temporary installation (such as at an exhibition) now requires additional safety testing when it is installed. This is a change that affects the whole UK and is not specific to the exhibition industry, our show or venue.

This is a significant change and the UK exhibition associations have worked together to create a new process for this testing that minimises the impact and cost on our exhibitors. The costs are sole to cover the labour involved in the testing. These changes are described below:

• Shell Scheme Exhibitors

Shell scheme installations are relatively simple, and are installed by the official electrical contractor but there are a lot of them. Therefore, we have been able to minimise the costs of testing any one installation. When shell scheme exhibitors order any additional electrical item from the order form, they will automatically be charged a one-off flat fee of £15 + VAT to test their stand. This contributes towards the cost of the testing; the official electrical contractor will do the test and there is nothing else the exhibitor needs to do.

• Space Only Exhibitors who use the official electrical contractor to install their electrics

Most exhibitors building their own stand use the official electrical contractor to do the electrical installation for them. When the official electrical contractor quotes for the installation they will also automatically include the cost of the additional testing. This cost will vary depending on the complexity of the installation, but it will be no more than £150+vat.

• Space Only Exhibitors who buy the mains only and use their own electricians to install their circuits

A few large exhibitors buy only the mains supply from the official electrical contractor and their own stand builder’s electricians do the installation. When they order this ‘mains only’ supply the official electrical contractor already do some checks and approve them as being competent to do their own installation. This process will now be more rigorous, and the stand builder’s electrician will now need to be approved as competent to install and test their own installation. If the stand builder’s electrician cannot or does not want to do their own testing, then the official electrical contractor can quote for that work.

PLEASE NOTE: Some electrics on stands are designed as ‘plug and play’ this means that often the stand builder’s electrician who comes onsite is not a qualified electrician as they are only plugging items together. However, these electrics now need to be tested once they are all plugged together. If you have qualified electricians on your stand, they will be able to do this testing themselves and there will be no additional cost to you. However, if your "electricians" are not qualified then you will need to ask your stand builder to bring someone who is qualified or get a quote for the testing from the official electrical contractor.

Further information can be found in the eGuide – click here to download.

The Electrical Contractor is Full Circle, Contact:

Tel: 0161 393 3949

Email: [email protected]

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Alternative escape must be available from any point within a stand or structure leading to a place of safety. Escape routes should have a minimum, unobstructed height of 2.1m, other than within doorways, which should have a clear height of not less than 2.06m.

The minimum permitted gangway width is 2 metres, except within stands of less than 100m2, where gangways must be no less than 1m wide.

There should be no obstruction that could impede the free flow of people using the escape route.

All floors should be even and have a firm, smooth and slip-resistant finish. Trip hazards should be avoided.

The maximum travel distance from any part of a stand to a gangway shall not exceed 50 metres. Where there is only one means of escape from the stand, this must be reduced to 20 metres. In either case, the maximum travel distance should be reduced by 25% where alcohol is being served.

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The inclusion of large enclosed areas within a stand should always be avoided & can only be permitted with the organisers’ prior written permission.

You should consider avoiding enclosed areas on your stand as this restricts air flow.

Any long runs of walling along open sides must conform to the following:

Stands Under 50sqm

Long runs of walling must be avoided particularly along open perimeters of the stand and are restricted to a maximum of 50% of any side of the stand. Solid walling over 50% will not be permitted even if stepped in.

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It is the exhibitor's responsibility to remove all barriers to service and make their stand accessible to wheelchair users to comply with The Equality Act. Where exhibitors have a platform on a stand over 50mm a reasonable adjustment is to incorporate a ramp into the platform within the stand area. Whatever the content of the stand is it needs to be accessible to all. Please note the following when designing your stand:

• Stands with platforms that exceed 50mm must include ramp access in order to comply with current accessibility and safety regulations.
• Stands that are 20sqm or over with platforms that exceed 5cm should incorporate a ramp into their stand design. The access ramp must not exceed the limits of the stand area.
• Stands less than 20sqm with a platform that exceeds 5cm should also provide access to the stand via a ramp, however, it is permitted for these stands to use a portable ramp if there is not sufficient space to incorporate within the limits of the stand area.
• Level landings shall be provided at the top and bottom of ramps and any intermediate position where exit doors open onto them.
• The minimum width of the ramp should be 1m.
• In accordance with DB-SUA 1, the ramps will have a maximum slope of 10% when their length is less than 3m, 8% when their length is less than 6m, and 6% in all other cases.
• Serving counters should have a low access point no higher than 760mm or a lap tray should be provided for the convenience of disabled persons.

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There are strict rules governing what materials can be used to build stands and these will be covered by the venue’s regulations. Exhibitors and contractors must ensure that they are followed. In general, you are not permitted to build your stand with anything that is flammable or non-flame resistant unless it has been treated.

All stand construction and displays must be made from fireproofed materials and installed to the satisfaction of the authorities.

Any goods attached to your stand will constitute part of your stand and will be subject to these regulations.

Timber Used in Stand Construction & Displays

• All timber under 25mm thick must be impregnated (pressure process) to Class 1 Standard. Treated materials will have BS 476 - PART 7 - CLASS 1 marked on them.
• Boards, plywood, chipboard etc must be treated in the same way if they are under 18mm thick. The exception to this is MDF, which is acceptable for use due to its density. MDF and chipboard must not be machined on site, as the dust produced is hazardous to health.

Plastics / Stand Dressing

• All plastics must conform to BS 476 - PART 7 - CLASS 1. Polucarbonate materials such as Lexan and Macralon are acceptable. PERSPEX MUST NOT BE USED.
• Artificial plants and flowers which are combustible and give off toxic fumes must not be used for stand dressing. Silk type flowers are acceptable providing they have been fireproofed to BS 476 PART 7 and are marked as such. Plastic security night-sheets must also conform to the above standard.

Fabrics Used in Displays

• Drapes, curtains, hangings etc. must be inherently or durably flame-proofed. Otherwise they may be treated with a proprietary flame retardant. Test certificates must be available for inspection for any materials intended to be used.
• Fabrics used for interior stand decoration must be fixed taut and/or in tight pleats (not loosely draped) to a solid backing, secured above floor level and not touching light fittings.
• Curtains on exit routes should hang 75mm clear of the floor, be parted in the centre and not conceal any exit signs.

Glazing

• All glazing used in the construction of stands must consist of laminated safety glass with a minimum thickness of 6mm. Areas of glazing within 800mm of floor level and over 0.5m2, where the smaller dimension of the pane is greater than 250mm, must conform to the thicknesses shown below:

Nominal Thickness                    Maximum pane size dimensions

8mm                                               1100mm x 1100mm

10mm                                             2250mm x 2250mm

12mm                                             4500mm x 4500mm 

15mm or thicker                           No limits

Combustible waste must be safely disposed of. Please do not store boxes, packaging or large amounts of literature on your stand.

Fire patrols will be present throughout all phases of the event. Firefighting equipment is provided in the halls and fire extinguishers of approved pattern and capacity will be provided.

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The venue floor can withstand a loading of 40 tonne heavy goods vehicle or up to 18kN per m2.

If you propose to exhibit any items over this weight, please contact the Operations Manager as soon as possible to see if it is possible.

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Open space sites are not carpeted - exhibitors must provide their own floor covering.

Exhibitors with adjoining blocks of stands will not be permitted to place their own carpet in the gangways unless prior permission is given in writing by the organisers.

Nothing may be structurally attached to the floor of the Exhibition premises. 

Carpet may only be fixed to the venue floor with approved carpet tape. All carpet tape must be removed and any charges for the removal of carpet tape left on the floor at the end of breakdown will be passed direct to exhibitors.

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If you a hazardous substance on your stand please confirm the details in writing to the Organisers so that written approval can be given.

Hazardous substances are not be brought into the halls unless essential. The use of hazardous substances must be subject to a COSHH assessment. Exhibitors must declare the use or display of hazardous substances as a special risk. 

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A hot work permit must be obtained from the organisers office prior to any work being carried out. The issue of the permit is subject to the advance submission of a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and method statement for the activity, with evidence of competency for the use of any specialist equipment.

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If you intend to have a kitchen or catering area on your stand please review the catering section of the exhibitor manual and the eGuide / Venue technical regulations for further information.

See the Exhibitor Catering section for full information on what is permitted this year.

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A Live Edge Working Procedure will be enforced for the construction and dismantling phases where applicable. Live Edge Working will be permitted onsite by the Safety Officer once the control measures described in the risk assessment and method statement and been verified with the construction team when they arrive onsite. Work will be stopped if the construction team are working without permission or if the construction team are found working unsafely and not following the procedures identified in the risk assessment and method statement. Any additional working hours required to make up lost time will be charged at the exhibitors / contractors own expense.

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See the Badges & Passes section for full information on what is permitted this year.

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Whilst enclosed meeting rooms are permitted we still recommend that you consider creating open spaces instead to help increase ventilation.

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In the interests of the Exhibition as a whole, it may be necessary to remove or alter anything in - or forming part of - any stand. If we feel this action must be taken this would have to be at the expense of the Exhibitor concerned.

The exhibition floorplan is subject to change at the discretion of the organisers. Please contact the organisers to obtain the latest version of the exhibition floorplan.

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Pop-up stands may not be used to form dividing walls on space only sites. If you are considering a Pop-up stand display, a Shell Scheme Stand must be purchased or dividing walls constructed. For further information, please contact the Sales Team.

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All Space Only stands with a platform greater than 5cm must include ramp access in order to comply with current accessibility and safety regulations. Access ramps must follow the below regulations; 

• Stands that are 20sqm or over with platforms that exceed 5cm should incorporate a ramp into their stand design. The access ramp must not exceed the limits of the stand area.
• Stands less than 20sqm with a platform that exceeds 5cm should also provide access to the stand via a ramp, however, it is permitted for these stands to use a portable ramp if there is not sufficient space to incorporate within the limits of the stand area.
• Level landings shall be provided at the top and bottom of ramps and any intermediate position where exit doors open on to them.
• The minimum width of the ramp should be 1m.
• In accordance with DB-SUA 1, the ramps will have a maximum slope of 10% when their length is less than 3m, 8% when their length is less than 6m and 6% in all other cases.

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If you require rigging services then please contact Excel Event Services on T: +44 (0) 207 069 4400 E: [email protected] 

Rigged items/structures are not permitted to be in contact with or connected to ground based items/stands.

Please note, that we always encourage rigging enquiries, orders, and technical plans to be submitted as early as possible prior to our communicated deadlines, this is to minimise/eradicate the possibility of being unable to guarantee the acceptance of the rigging order, as rigging items are finite and subject to availability.

For reference, the key information required for rigging orders, all of which should be included in the elevated technical plan, includes:

• Elevated technical plan (rigging plan).
• Dimensions to your lifting points.
• Weight load of structure or structures.
• Stand orientation or overall rigging orientation.

DEADLINE TO ORDER RIGGING is 5pm GMT on 16th February 2024. Any new or additional orders placed after this date will not be accepted.

Click here to order via the ExCeL Webshop.

If any rigged structures are higher than your dividing back walls the following must be adhered to 

• Structures with no branding facing the dividing wall must be stepped in at least 0.5m from the dividing wall. 
• Structure with branding facing the dividing wall must be stepped in at least 1m from the dividing wall. 

Please note that banners/ signage is not permitted to be rigged higher than 6m (from the top of banner/ signage). Truss can be rigged to a maximum of 7m to the top however any branding/ signage off this needs to be at a maximum height of 6m to the top.

Rigging must not be used to support floor-to-ceiling structures

Complex Rigging

Complex Rigging or Suspended Loads/Structures refer to rigged, custom-built/bespoke structures including items that have been constructed from non-modular materials, e.g. wooden structures and exhibits.

An onsite complex rigging sign-off is required for all stands with custom-built or bespoke suspended structures. Onsite all complex rigging or ‘suspended loads’ must be inspected by an Independent Structural Engineer before being hoisted or connected to any rigging points. It is the stand contractor’s responsibility to inform the onsite Health & Safety team when they are ready for the structure to be inspected.

All complex rigging must follow the following guidance;

• Bolts must be used on all joints and connections. Screws are not acceptable for joining members together.
• Rated, closed-lifting eyes only are to be used; they must be integrated into the design and suitably bolted through the structure.
• Lifting points should be clearly identified and suitable for the lifting operation.
• Materials used in construction must be of a suitable nature and quality for their intended use. See 'Fire Safety Regulations'

The points below will be checked:

• Conformity of the installation with the specifications in the manufacturer's technical notice and, in particular, compliance with the load charts and any calculation notes, light bridges installed in the proper direction, an inspection of the installation of rigging clips, etc.
• Use of hoisting equipment that has been duly checked (periodic inspection according to the standards in force) and that are of equal and synchronous power
• Compliance with the technical specifications established by the event organiser
• Compliance with the specifications indicated on the plan provided and compliance with the site's technical specifications.
• Use and implementation of hoisting accessories (cables, slings, shackles, links...) in compliance with the standards in force.
• Compliance of the rigging points on the suspended structures with the standards in force in coherence with the loads to be supported.
• Installation of safety slings in a taut position, particularly for electric hoists
• Double securing of technical elements installed on the lighting truss or the suspended structure, e.g. spotlights, screens, speakers, signage elements etc.

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All space only stands, or shell scheme stands with construction are required to submit a full risk assessment and method statement for the design, construction and arrangement of their stand with both documents being submitted along with stand plans.

All Health & Safety documentation must demonstrate additional COVID-19 measures that have been implemented for the build, open period and breakdown.

• Working Safely During the COVID-19 Outbreak Guidance
• Risk Assessment Guidance
• Risk Assessment Template
• Method Statement Guidance
• Method Statement Template

For further information please contact the Operations Team.

Exhibitiors are also required to have a risk assessment for any stand activities taking place on their stand during show open and may also be required to produce a method statement for certain activites at the organisers discretion. These do not need to be submitted to the organisers unless requested, but a copy of these documents must be available onsite should they be required. 

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Signage and graphics are not permitted to overlook other stands where there is a dividing wall. Where illuminated fascia boards are used on stands, the lighting of them must be of sufficient power to light the fascia board only, and must not cause any spill of light onto neighbouring stands. No flashing lights will be permitted. We reserve the right to disconnect the electrical supply to any illuminated fascia which, in our opinion, is causing a nuisance to any other Exhibitor.

Signage should be used to help communicate and explain to attendees how you are managing your stand space e.g. no handshakes, one-way flow, entrance / exit etc.

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A stand number panel must be displayed on every open side of the stand to aid visitor navigation. This is the responsibility of the Stand Space/Exhibitors.

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No excess stock, literature or packing cases may be stored around or behind your stand. Where possible storage should be factored in to your stand design, or arranged with our official lifting contractor. 

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If you are intending to have a vehicle (including Mobile Exhibition Units, Caravans or Trailers) on your stand please confirm the details in writing to the Organisers so that written approval can be given.

Depending on the type, age and use of the vehicle you will be required to confirm a number of details and which may also require a separate risk assessment detailing how the risk of bringing and displaying a vehicle in the hall is controlled. 

Please notify the Operations Team in writing if you wish to display a vehicle on your stand. The following precautions must be followed when displaying a vehicle:

• The fuel tanks of motor vehicles manufactured prior to 1984 must contain only sufficient fuel to move the vehicle in and out of the hall, due to the absence of safety features that prevent leakage.
• Fuel tanks of motor vehicles manufactured from 1984 onwards may contain fuel.
• Fuel tanks on all other petrol engine equipment must be empty.
• The fuel tank must be sealed, wherever possible with a lockable cap.
• Vehicles may require a drip tray and must be positioned within the boundaries of the stand so that any protrusions, doors, tail lifts, etc., do not infringe on the stand perimeter.
• The running of engines during the open period of an exhibition is strictly prohibited.

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All work must be carried out in compliance with the regulations of the Venue and Local Authority.

If an exhibitor erects a stand which does not conform fully and in all respects to the requirements of the organiser, Venue and Local Authorities, the organisers reserve the right to alter, demolish or reconstruct the stand at the exhibitors expense and to make it conform to the regulations and requirements. Local Authority decisions are final.

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If you are intending to have a water feature on your stand please confirm the details in writing to the Organisers so that written approval can be given.

Water features that create mists and sprays such as fountains create the risk of the spread of Legionella bacteria in the air that can cause Legionnaire’s disease. Any such feature is a special risk requiring a separate risk assessment detailing how the risk is controlled through water treatment and testing. 

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Exhibitors and contractors have duties under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) to ensure that all tools are fit for purpose and safe to use. All dangerous moving parts such as circular saws must be guarded with controls to prevent unauthorised use. The use of battery powered tools is strongly encouraged to reduce trailing cables and risk of electrical hazards. Power tools are to take power from the 110v centre tapped earths provided and not from cleaner’s sockets which are 240v. Those using mains powered tools must ensure that cables are not trailed across aisles. All portable electrical equipment must be subject to a suitable portable equipment testing regime.

In light of COVID-19 it is recomended that where possible, work equipment, tools and workstations are not shared between workers. Where this is not possible then equipment, tools and workstations should be cleaned after use. 

During the coronavirus pandemic, businesses may have found it difficult to carry out their legal duty to thoroughly examine and test equipment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is therefore adopting a phased and proportionate approach to resuming proactive regulatory intervention in checking compliance with statutory requirements. As an exhibitor or contractor it is your duty to understand these requirements. Further information on this can be found here. 

If you require plant hire, please contact Neon Hire Services - recommended by Excel.

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Working at Height is a high risk activity and close attention will be taken on working practices during the build and dismantling of stands. Where possible working at height should be avoided and if unavoidable should use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur. Working at height is to be in accordance with LOLER and the Working at Heights Regulations. As such, all working at height is subject to risk assessment.

General Guidance:

• All rigging is to be carried out by the official Rigging Contractor.
• All working platforms are to have a guardrail, mid rail and toe board. Tools are to be kept on lanyards so far as is reasonably practicable.
• Static and mobile access working platforms must be fit for purpose (see Working Platforms)
• A Live Edge Working Policy will be enforced for the construction and dismantling phases where live edges are present.
• Separate risk assessments are required for working on a live edge (before rails are in place). In such cases fall arrest equipment must always be used.
• Operatives working at height other than on a static working platform designed for that purpose (e.g. Scaffold) must be clipped on.
• Operatives working at height must have suitable head protection e.g. bump caps.
• Ground access to areas in the vicinity must be controlled to prevent persons accidentally walking directly under high works. Ground workers in the vicinity must not work directly under high works and wear suitable head protection e.g. hard hats.

For further advice on working at height safety, please visit the Stop the Drop website or contact the Operations Team.

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All Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPS) must comply with LOLER and have had a Thorough Inspection (TI) in the previous 6 months. All working platforms are to have a guardrail, mid rail and toe board. Mobile access towers must be correctly constructed. Mobile access towers must be fit for purpose. Outriggers are to be used correctly with the correct height to width ratio (3.5 x shortest base width indoors and 3 x shortest base width outdoors). Mobile access towers may not be moved whilst in use and wheels must be locked off. Ladders must be footed or tied off and used in accordance with Construction (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations. The use of domestic ladders and steps is strictly forbidden. All of the above are a summarised guide. For full details on any particular aspect you must seek professional advice for instance look on the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk or feel free to seek advice from the Operations Team.

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