Cleaning during events or post-events can be challenging and it’s important to know the differences, associated hazards and how to control the risk with regards to managing your own and others safety.
Risk assessments and method statements should be in place to control the risk; these are provided as legal requirement and to ensure yours and others’ safety for each activity undertaken, it is essential that you fully understand these before undertaking any tasks set whilst working in entertainment venues.
What hazards are likely when event cleaning?
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Due to the high footfall, alcohol consumption, increased spillages, excess decorations; the risk of slipping and falling during an event is increased both to yourselves and the customers.
- Manual handling
- You’ll be required to empty bins, collect excess waste, move heavy cleaning equipment, transport waste bags over long distances and all of which pose the risk of causing back injury.
- Exposure to violence
- With high footfall, alcohol and potentially drug consumption, unfortunately some people may act aggressive and it’s imperative to know how to handle such situations.
- Impact with falling objects
- When working during the event bowl following an event, rigging will be taking place above to remove light fixtures etc. Therefore, there is a risk of impact from falling objects with potentially fatal consequences.
- Exposure to traffic
- Working in service areas and during loud ins and outs, there’ll be vehicles, forklifts, utility vehicles operating at different speeds and being aware as to where they’ll be operating and staying clear of potential impact is a priority.
- Noise
- When called into a clean spillage during an event or operating during rehearsals, noise levels could be at dangerously high levels with repeat exposure increasing the risk of potential hearing problems.
- Site emergency
- Due to the nature of entertainment venues, they are a potential target for terrorist attacks in which knowing what to look for and what to do during an emergency could save lives.
How can you ensure an effective service and control the risk associated with these hazards?
Controlling the risk of the hazards associated with event cleaning activities can differentiate to similar processes outside of events. The processes which may differ include:
| Activity | Event Process | Why |
| Cleaning spillages (on concourses) | Dry mopping only Blue towels can be used to ensure floor is completely dry before leaving spillage No warning cones used | Due to high footfall, how quickly spillages and potential slips can happen, it’s essential the floor is dried as soon as possible which may not be possible when damp mopping. Warning cones themselves could even create a trip hazard during an event. |
| Cleaning spillages (within the arena bowl and working during rehearsals) | Dry mopping only Blue towels can be used to ensure floor is completely dry before leaving spillage No warning cones used Ear defenders and plugs worn | Due to high footfall, how quickly spillages and potential slips can happen, it’s essential the floor is dried as soon as possible which may not be possible when damp mopping. Warning cones themselves could even create a trip hazard during an event. Due to noise levels during some events, wearing ear defenders or plugs will reduce the risk of temporary or permanent hearing damage. |
Customer service | Ensure awareness of popular locations e.g. gate numbers, toilets, medical rooms, popular restaurants Knowing how to deal with aggressive behaviour Demonstrating good manners | There will be many people who are visiting the venue for the first time and being helpful and able to assist them is essential to ensuring an effective service. However, on occasion, due to alcohol consumption or impatience, customers may be aggressive or inconsiderate and resolving any conflict before it happens will protect you and others. |
Litter picking post-event | Wearing additional PPE Collecting waste away from rigging and vehicle routes Communication with other contractors | Hard hats, hard toed boots, and hi-vis vests will reduce the risk of impact with vehicles, falling objects, and the potential consequence should it happen. Whereas collecting waste separately and communicating with other contractors from where these hazards are will reduce the risk even more so. |