PLASA Releases Guidance on Lightning for Outdoor Events

PLASA, the association for live entertainment technology professionals, has worked with several experts to create the first edition of Lighting Guidance for Outdoor Events, detailing the hazards and risks of lightning during outdoor events and festivals.

The dangers of lightning are widely understood, however the level of threat at outdoor events where large crowds gather is often overlooked. This has been a growing concern due to the increase of outdoor events and number of people exposed.

The Lightning Guidance for Outdoor Events aims to assist all those involved with the production and management of outdoor events in making informed decisions when faced with threats from lightning strikes. As well as providing practical advice on the management of lightning risk, the guidance also considers crowd safety and the protection of temporary structures, electrical equipment and power systems.

To create the guidance, PLASA worked alongside: The Event Safety Shop, Star Events Ltd, IMG, Omega Red Group, Aggreko, Ken Law Safety Ltd, BBC Safety, the Emergency Planning College, Howard Eaton Lighting, Anderson Bradshaw Ltd, the National Outdoor Events Association, the University of Reading, and Lee Valley Leisure Trust, as well as respected industry consultants, James Eade and Tom Goode. Many of which sit on committees dedicated to developing standards.

Nicky Greet, PLASA's director of membership, skills, and technical comments, "PLASA is proud to issue this guidance, helping to raise health and safety awareness across the live entertainment industry. And, we are grateful to all the organizations and individuals who contributed to this crucial document, which should become an essential part of planning as the festival and event sectors continue to grow."

The Lightning Guidance for Outdoor Events is available to download at www.plasa.org/lightning-guidance.