Breadcrumb Links:

Major Risk - Temporary Structures

The use of temporary structures such as marquees and tents is common at events. Legislation does apply to some temporary structures at events as shown below. Event organisers must ensure that setup, use and disassembly of temporary structures complies with all applicable legislative and CQUniversity requirements.

Fire Safety

Any temporary structures with a floor plan area exceeding 100m2, or that remain in place for a period exceeding four weeks are subject to development approvals as per the Queensland Development Code (QDC), and fire regulations as per the Building Fire Regulation (QFRS).

If such temporary structures are to be used the event organisers must consult with Local Council and the QFRS to ensure all applicable requirements are met. 

Excavation Permits

Marquees and tents sometimes require stakes or pegs to be driven into the ground which may cause issues with buried underground services (electrical, gas, telecommunications etc).

Any temporary structures erected on CQUniversity grounds that required stakes or pegs must not proceed until an excavation permit has been obtained from the Facilities Management Directorate. The Facilities Management Directorate must be given 30 days notice for any requests for permits.

Risk Assessments

A Risk Assessment must include planning for Temporary Structures at events.  Suitable controls must be implemented to either eliminate risks, or to reduce those risks as far as is reasonable practicable.

Further Information

The following resources provide further information in relation to Temporary Structures at events:

 

Below are some examples of hazards, risks and controls associated with temporary structures at events

Hazards

Risks

Controls
  • Use of temporary structures with a floor area >100m2, or in place > 4 weeks without appropriate QDC or QFRS approval
  • Erection of structures requiring stakes/pegs without an approved CQUniversity excavation permit
  • Failure to consider impact of adverse weather on temporary structure
  • Manual handling issues associated with erecting structure
  • Breach of legislative requirements
  • Risk of injuries/death
  • Breach of CQUniversity policies & procedures
  • Risk of property damage
  • Risk of injury/death to motorists
  • Risk of environmental damage
  • Risk to injury/death to animals and native wildlife
  • Endangering the personal safety of patrons and event personnel
  • Increased risk of adverse situation requiring emergency response
  • Complaints from the surrounding community
  • Reputational damage to University
  • Legal action
  • Regulatory prosecution / fines
  • Conduct Risk Assessment to identify issues with the temporary structure
  • Ensure temporary structures with a floor area >100m2, or in place > 4 weeks have appropriate QDC or QFRS approval
  • Ensure an approved excavation permit is obtained prior to erecting structures requiring stakes/pegs
  • Ensure impact of adverse weather conditions taken into account when planning temporary structures
  • Ensure manual handling risks associated with temporary structure addressed in Risk Assessment