Assessing event technology for safety tasks

Loudspeakers, lighting and cameras can take on different tasks at events. As soon as they are intended for warning, orientation or incident management, their suitability for this protective task must be assessed. The type of device alone does not answer that question.

The intended function is what counts

A sound system can play music, carry presentations and deliver safety announcements. These uses, however, place different demands on it. A set-up that suits the stage programme, for example, does not automatically reach entrances, side areas or spaces outside the audience area as well.

Likewise, atmospheric lighting is no proof that the intended routes remain sufficiently recognisable during a disruption. In each case, what matters is which function is needed, where and under which conditions.

Read more: Measuring security quality: why functions matter more than equipment.

Planning for availability and operation

A fictitious example: the stage PA is also to be used to warn visitors. This requires clarifying who may trigger an announcement, where the system can be operated from and how the running programme is interrupted. Staffing of the control position and intelligibility in the areas concerned are also part of the assessment.

There is also the question of what happens if the regular power supply fails. The model safety concept provided on the website of the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of the Interior explicitly asks about the control and coverage of the emergency PA and about the safety power supply for sound, lighting and communication [1].

Read more: Emergency PA at events: intelligible, multilingual and resilient and Security technology that works through power and network failures.

Demonstrating suitability against the protective task

Existing event technology can take on safety tasks if its suitability for the specific use has been clarified by qualified people. Depending on the requirements, additions, adapted control or an additional power supply may be needed. Operating procedures must also be prepared and rehearsed. The HSE recommends testing radio and public address systems before the event starts [2].

Two questions must be answered separately: is the technology itself set up and operated safely? And does it fulfil the intended safety function under the conditions defined for it?

Sound planning therefore first describes the protective task and then checks which existing systems can reliably fulfil it and where additional measures are needed.