Construction Design and Management Regulations (CDM) - In April 2015 the Construction Design and Management regulations (CDM) were updated and now apply to the events industry. The regulations cover the management of health, safety and welfare when carrying out construction projects. As an exhibitor, it is your responsibility to ensure that you adhere to the regulations (shell scheme exhibitors - unless you intend to construct i.e. build within your shell scheme, these guidelines do not apply to you. Stand dressing, pop-ups, mounting posters, placing display cases, freestanding furniture etc. do not constitute construction). Space only stands must ensure that all of their appointed contractor/s and sub-contractors adhere to all of the rules and regulations. The AEV have put together a comprehensive set of resources to provide exhibitors with a framework to meet the requirements of CDM regulations here
Fire and Safety Regulations/Construction Material - All structures, materials, special designs, unusual constructions, and all signs shall conform to British safety standards and codes of practice and comply with all relevant statutory authority regulations. Any display work or materials contravening this clause must be modified to meet requirements. Please refer to the eGuide for complete information on fire regulations with regards to stand construction, materials, and dressing. No exhibitor will be permitted to span an aisle by ceiling or floor covering. Any stand incorporating closed rooms/theatres with covered ceilings must include a vision panel or window and may be subject to approval on emergency lighting and exit width.
Fabrics - Please ensure that all fabrics used on stands have the relevant fireproofing solutions. It is a requirement that all drapes brought into the venue conform to BS 5867 Specification for Fabrics for Curtains and Drapes.
Health and Safety - All exhibitors/contractors are expected to adhere to the eGuide. The eGuide brings together guidance for achieving common standards of health, safety and operational planning, management and on-site conduct for events at all participating AEV member venues. Now recognised as the industry’s best practice document, the eGuide is continually reviewed by working industry professionals who represent the best advice currently available, and who themselves have to work within the guidelines in their own professional capacities. It must be stressed, however, that this is a GUIDELINE document. If meticulously followed, it should ensure that users are compliant with current health and safety law. Nevertheless, the particulars of each exhibition (or similar event) should still be considered on an individual basis and venues, organisers, suppliers and clients/exhibitors must all remember that it is ultimately their responsibility to ensure that they address health & safety, and other operational issues properly, in compliance with the law. It must also be stressed that all employers have a legal duty to employ staff that are competent to manage health & safety, and other operations that are relevant to their level and range of responsibilities. Children (under the age of 16) will not be allowed on-site during the build or breakdown periods.