Information & Advice for the foam party operator
Health and Safety - The Venue
There are many health and safety issues to consider when holding a foam party. These issues should be identified, prior to the event, in a site specific risk assessment. These risks should be documented along with the actions taken to remove them or minimise them to an acceptable level. Upon completion of the risk assessment, a method statement should be drawn up which clearly documents the way you are going to undertake the event together with the measures you have put in place to deal with any potential situation that could arise and that has been detailed in the risk assessment.
In addition to, and not withstanding the above, the following issues within the venue should be considered:
- Ensure all emergency exits and their signs are clearly visible and will remain so when the venue is filled with foam.
- Ensure any sudden drops such as stairs and basement access are cordoned off and clearly signed as these will not be visible when the area is full of foam and guests will assume that the floor level continues at the same level everywhere.
- Ensure any electrical points, fittings and appliances that are within the foam area are isolated to avoid the potential for electric shock.
- Do not allow any glasses or glass bottles to be taken into the foam area, plastic glasses should be used exclusively as broken glass can not be seen under the foam and people will be walking barefoot in the area.
- Ensure any changes in floor level or fixed objects that will be under the foam during the event are clearly signed, at high level, to avoid trip hazards.
- Any ground based speakers should be covered with a waterproof sheet as foam and water can enter the cabinets and destroy the speaker cones.
- Ensure there is satisfactory light levels near stairs and walkways. Any potentially slippery floor or surface should be covered with a non-slip matting which, in turn, should be secured correctly.