Why barriers are essential for event safety and security

When running any kind of event with multiple attendees it is necessary to take proper precautions for safety and security. Whether you are running a large-scale event or something small and local, the onus is on you to put the right structures in place.

In the case of most events you will need to utilise barriers. Here are some of the ways that barriers can be used to ensure the safety and security of staff and visitors to your event.

1. Stop unauthorised access

One of the most important uses for barriers at events is stopping unauthorised access. Whether you are running a ticketed event and need to keep track of attendees, or you just need to be in control of the number of people at your event at any given time, at the majority of activities you will need to be able to manage access.

Security fences are the easiest way to do this, with the area for the event cordoned off. Tall metal barriers should be enough to prevent access and ensure that individuals only attempt to enter through authorised areas.

2. Manage crowd behaviour

Barriers are also an important way to manage and influence the behaviour of a crowd. For example, if you need to keep the crowd away from certain areas or influence how they move through your event site, barriers can be placed to get them to move in certain directions. Having obvious and direct routes helps individuals make decisions at your event.

It is also true that the placement of barriers could come from past experiences where visitors may have climbed on temporary structures. Doing so can put them at risk of injuring themselves and if this can be avoided through the placement of barriers then this is an extra benefit.

3. Relieve overcrowding

If your event involves large audiences it can be sensible to place barriers at intervals in the crowd, as this can prevent overcrowding and relieve build-ups of pressure. For example, the Glastonbury Festival uses barriers at various intervals in the crowd as a way to naturally stop too much pressure being placed on individuals at the front.

When large crowds become densely packed together individuals can experience a crush as they at packed tightly together. Having barriers in place makes the crowd a safer place to be as this sort of crush can be minimised and mitigated.

4. Provides physical security for attendees

Being able to provide security for attendees of your event is an important part of good management. Putting barriers in place provides a range of security benefits for guests. For example, it helps to keep out individuals looking to use the event as a place to commit crimes and provides them with a safe space where they can understand the boundaries of the event.

Physical security is important whether you are running a large music festival or a tiny summer fete – so it is vital that you take this matter seriously.

5. Protect pedestrians from vehicles

At your event it may be the case that you need to have vehicles on site at the same time as visitors, this could be due to deliveries needing to be made or providing access around the site. It can be important, then, to have concrete blocks in place to provide a barrier between vehicles and pedestrians.

This can help for the smooth running of your event as well as ensuring individuals are safe as they walk through your site. If vehicles have a path that is free from pedestrians they can drive faster and continue to the running of the event.

6. Manage car parking

Of course, barriers can also help to manage other areas of your event such as the car park. At some locations it can be necessary to create a large car park with no infrastructure already in place. In this example it is possible to use movable concrete bollards and barriers in order to direct traffic and provide an area for parking.

No matter what kind of event you are running, barriers are an essential part so you should consult with experts in providing event barriers and movable infrastructure as a part of your planning.