Skip to Content

Electrical safety planning

At public events, there is often a need for temporary electrical installations. The event organiser must take electrical safety into account already at the planning stage. Temporary electrical installations increase the risk of other accidents and the possibility of fire.

Considerations relating to electricity

  • Electrical installations must be done by a person or company meeting the qualification requirements.
  • Any wiring in walkways and escape routes must be protected, for example by cable troughs, rubber mats or in in-floor system or by suspending it.
  • Electrical and other cable runs must also not cause harm or danger to pedestrian or bicycle traffic outside the event area: use reflective material and warning signs for any cabling.
  • Cables used outdoors must be exclusively rated for outdoor use.
  • All electrical equipment used outdoors must be earthed, insulated or over-voltage protected. Protective earth or insulated equipment intended for indoor use may also be used temporarily in dry outdoor conditions. In such situations, the equipment must be insulated from the ground and protected from rain and moisture.
  • An installation certificate must be drawn up for temporary electrical installations and made available at the event venue.

Considerations relating to generators

  • Generators must be located at a sufficient distance from buildings, structures, traffic routes and audience areas.
  • The use of generators is subject to the safety arrangements mentioned under Hazardous chemicals at public events.
  • Place a portable fire extinguisher rated at least 34A183BC and a sufficient amount of absorbent near generators.

Power outages

Public events must also be prepared for possible interruptions in energy supply. The organiser should consider how to safely interrupt the event if a power outage should occur. It must be possible to evacuate the event area safely under all circumstances.

Preparedness for power outages

  • The lighting of escape routes must be backed up, for example, by escape route signs with backup batteries, generators or handheld lamps.
  • Guidance for people can be provided using, for example, megaphones or a sound system with an independent power supply.

Read more:

Hazardous chemicals at public events
Electrical safety, Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency