1 - Approved Code of Practice for Tension Marquees

Approved Code of Practice for Traditional and Tension Marquees

Erection of Pole Supported Structures. August 2025

Introduction

This Code of Practice provides guidance for the safe installation of tents, big tops, stretch tents, tipis, and other tented structures in the United Kingdom. It is intended for use by event organizers, hirers, installers, and all those responsible for the health and safety of temporary structures. This document is a best-practice guide and not a substitute for legal advice. All work must comply with relevant UK legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

General Principles

1.1 Competence:

All personnel involved in the installation must be competent and appropriately trained for the specific type of structure they are working on. This includes an understanding of the manufacturer's instructions, risk assessments, and safe working practices.

1.2 Risk Assessment:

A site-specific risk assessment must be completed before any work begins. This should identify potential hazards, such as ground conditions, overhead power lines, underground services, and weather conditions. The risk assessment should also consider the safety of the public and other site users.

1.3 Documentation:

All relevant documentation must be available on site, including:

* A copy of this Code of Practice.

* The manufacturer's instructions for the structure.

* The site-specific risk assessment.

* A plan of the site, showing the location of the structure.

* Details of any temporary anchorage systems used.

2.0 Site Selection and Preparation

2.1 Site Suitability:

The chosen site must be suitable for the structure. The ground must be level and stable, and free from obstructions. Consideration must be given to:

* Underground services: A cable avoidance tool (CAT) or similar device should be used to locate any buried services before stakes or anchors are driven.

* Overhead services: The structure must not be installed directly under or near overhead power lines. A safe working distance must be maintained.

* Access: The site must have suitable access for vehicles and equipment.

2.2 Ground Conditions:

The ground must be capable of withstanding the loads imposed by the structure. If in doubt, a structural engineer should be consulted. If the ground is soft or unstable, alternative anchorage methods, such as water ballast or concrete blocks, must be used.

3.0 Installation

3.1 Supervision:

The installation must be supervised by a competent person who has a thorough understanding of the manufacturer's instructions and the specific risks associated with the site.

3.2 Manual Handling:

All manual handling operations must be risk-assessed and carried out in accordance with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. Mechanical aids should be used wherever possible.

3.3 Working at Height:

All work at height must be carried out in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. This includes the use of a suitable and safe working platform, such as a scaffold tower or a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP).

3.4 Anchorage:

All structures must be adequately anchored to resist wind loads. The anchorage system must be designed to withstand the maximum expected wind speeds for the location. This may include:

* Stakes:

Stakes must be of a suitable length and diameter for the ground conditions. They must be driven in at an angle to the ground.

* Ballast: Water ballast or concrete blocks must be of sufficient weight to provide the required resistance.

3.5 Erection:

The structure must be erected in a safe and controlled manner, following the manufacturer's instructions. Care must be taken to ensure that all ropes, tensioning systems, and structural components are correctly installed and secured.

4.0 Inspection and Maintenance

4.1 Pre-Installation Inspection:

All components of the structure must be inspected before installation to ensure they are in good condition and free from damage.

4.2 Post-Installation Inspection: The structure must be inspected after installation to ensure it has been erected correctly and all safety checks have been completed. This should include a check of all anchorages, guy ropes, and tensioning systems.

4.3 During Use: The structure should be regularly inspected during its use, particularly after periods of high wind or adverse weather.

5.0 Dismantling

5.1 Supervision:

The dismantling of the structure must be supervised by a competent person.

5.2 Method Statement:

A method statement for the dismantling of the structure should be prepared in advance. This should identify potential hazards and outline the safe sequence of work.

5.3 Working at Height:

All work at height during dismantling must be carried out in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

5.4 Manual Handling:

All manual handling operations must be carried out in accordance with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.

6.0 Emergency Procedures

6.1 Emergency Plan:

A site-specific emergency plan must be in place. This should include procedures for:

* Severe weather: An evacuation plan for the structure in the event of severe weather, such as high winds or lightning storms.

* Fire: A fire safety plan, including the location of fire extinguishers and emergency exits.

* First Aid: The location of first aid facilities and the names of trained first aiders.

6.2 Evacuation:

The structure must have clearly marked emergency exits, and an evacuation procedure should be communicated to all occupants.

7.0 Sustainability

7.1 Eco-Conscious Materials

Use FSC-certified timber, recycled metals, low-VOC finishes.

Prioritize environmentally responsible suppliers.

7.2 Waste Management

Segregate waste, dispose hazardous materials safely.

Minimize single-use plastics.

7.3 Energy Use

Use energy-efficient equipment.

Prefer solar-powered systems.

Monitor and report energy consumption.

8.0 Digital Tools

8.1 Documentation Platforms

Use cloud tools (Dropbox, OneDrive) for storing and sharing documents.

8.2 Inspection Apps

Use mobile apps (e.g. iAuditor) for real-time safety checks and reporting.

8.3 Alerts & Updates

Use platforms for weather alerts, site access logs, emergency notifications.

9.0 Case Studies

9.1 Incident Prevention

Example: 2023 festival avoided collapse via digital inspection tools.

9.2 Efficiency Gains

Example: 2024 modular build reduced setup time by 40% using digital planning.

10.0 Compliance & Accessibility

10.1 Hyperlinked Regulations

Work at Height Regulations 2005

Manual Handling Regulations 1992

CDM Regulations 2015

10.2 Plain Language Summary

Provide simplified version for volunteers and non-specialists.

Include key safety rules, emergency procedures, supervisor contacts.

11.0 Cultural Shift

11.1 Safety Ownership

Encourage personal responsibility.

Promote speaking up, toolbox talks, and improvement suggestions.

11.2 Feedback Mechanisms

Use anonymous channels (suggestion boxes, digital forms) for:

Near misses

Unsafe conditions

Ideas for improvement

Disclaimer: This Code of Practice is for guidance only. It is not a substitute for professional advice or compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations. It is the responsibility of the installer and hirer to ensure the safety of the structure and all those who may be affected by it. E&OE

12.0 Wind Management Plan

The compliance with these standards, guidelines and historical data all underpin the TentMasters commitment to providing a safe and well installed structure for their clients. However, once they have handed over the structure to the client, they become their partner in handling the potential for bad weather as they will no longer be on site. Here are simple guidelines and an action plan.

1.) Wind – It is current practice for the event industry to vacate a site when wind speeds reach 28 metres per second or 60 miles per hour. This means that neither the public, the tent crew, other contractors nor the clients are allowed to enter the structure unless to prevent harm to people. At lower wind speeds it is possible to stabilise the structure by providing additional bracing using tension ratchets and additional anchors. The client needs to be aware of the changing wind conditions and provide reasonable warning to us if emergency work is required. Things to look for include flapping canvas, loose tensioning ropes or straps and poles moving severely in the wind. In high winds, the sides of temporary structures must be completely open or completely shut, preferably the latter. The client should discuss with the TentMaster about the expertise of their crew to take this action. Wind monitoring devices such as an anemometer are cheap and easily sourced, and we encourage their use. Regular reference should be made by the client to weather forecasting services such as the Met Office or xcweather.co.uk to provide accurate current forecasts. If there is any obvious structural damage, we are to be informed immediately.

2.) Most structures are designed to be used with the walls completely on or completely off. If part of the structure is walled, there is a danger of creating a wind trap which can increase internal wind pressures to a dangerous level. If the client intends to use the structure in this manner, they should ensure that procedures are in place to re-instate the walls when bad weather threatens. Consult the structural engineering consultant.

3.) Ground Conditions – If ground and soil conditions change drastically from the time when our crew leave site, or if the area around ground anchors becomes waterlogged or very soft, we need to be informed. Frame tents and tension structures can sink into the ground when flooded, even lightly, and under severe water logging, soil becomes fluid, reducing the effectiveness of the structures anchors and temporary foundations.

Do not be afraid to discuss any of these points with the TentMaster. He will have a full Health and Safety Policy document available upon request and will always be willing to help to make your event as safe as is possible.

Other Suggestions

1. The Tentmaster agrees to conduct his work practice in a professional manner, which ensures the safety of the public above all else.

2. He/she shall endeavour to provide an installation of the structure under their control, that provides a healthy and safe work environment for the erection crew, for the clients, and for co-workers.

3. The Tentmaster will ensure that the equipment in their control is in good working order and meets the designers and or manufactures published specifications.

4. The Tentmaster shall ensure that transportation equipment, loading methods and on-site materials handling is conducted in a right and proper manner.

5. The Tentmaster will ensure that laying out of materials on site is performed to a predetermined method and that marking out meets all designers and/or manufacturers published specifications.

6. The Tentmaster will make sure that they and their site crew treat the structure, the rigging and the anchoring equipment with respect and in a manner that prolongs the life of the equipment.

7. All TentMasters must be competent for the type of work they are undertaking and should have received appropriate training relevant to the type and complexity of structure they are working on. TentMasters must provide appropriate levels of supervision taking into account the complexity of the work and the levels of training and competence of the workers involved.

8. As a minimum requirement, every TentMaster team should contain a competent TentMaster who has received training for the type and complexity of the structure to be erected, altered or dismantled. Trainee operatives must always work under the supervision of a trained and competent TentMaster. Operatives are classed as 'trainees' until they have completed the approved training course (through ESITS) and assessment required to be deemed competent.

9. Erection, alteration and dismantling of all structures (basic or complex) should be done under the direct supervision of a competent TentMaster.

10. For complex structures this would usually be an experienced installer of this type of structure or an individual who has received training in a specific manner for the complexity of the configuration involved.

11. TentMasters should be up to date with the latest changes to safety guidance and good working practices within the Fabric Roofed Structure and TDS industries. Giving operatives job specific pre-start briefings and regular toolbox talks is a good way of keeping them informed.

12. The Guild of TentMasters Code of Practice helps to ensure tent technicians provide high quality installations and learning experiences for the people they work with. The Code does this by providing a set of quality statements concerning all aspects of learning.

13. By adopting the Code, practitioners demonstrate their commitment to quality work. By using the Code as a benchmark, employers and hirers of practitioners demonstrate their commitment to requiring high-quality practice of those who work for them.

14. These individual commitments underpin good practice across the TDS sector.

15. Be well prepared and organised. Be prepared:

16. To work effectively by having specialist knowledge and skills.

17. To negotiate with contractors and employers the aims, objectives and desired outcomes for the work and maintain communication for the duration of the project.

18. To understand the context of a programme or project to ensure the success of the activity for the participants.

19. To adopt the appropriate attitude, behaviour and dress code including PPE.

20. To manage my time effectively starting and finishing as planned and agreed.

21. To be aware of the support you may need and request help when necessary.

22. To keep up to date with all relevant paperwork, such as site planning, documents, hand-outs, evaluation forms, invoices and budgets.

23. To charge appropriately for your services.

24. To be safe and responsible.

25. To take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of everyone in your care.

26. To ensure that the activity is adequately insured.

27. To ensure risk assessments are carried out and manage risks accordingly.

28. To understand the contractor’s policies, routines and procedures e.g. equal opportunities / behaviour management / data protection.

29. To provide references for my work and a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure where necessary.

30. To have appropriate skills.

31. To ensure that the level of skills, knowledge and understanding are sufficient to undertake the work I am doing.

32. To have appropriate technical resources to be able to adapt and react to changing circumstances.

33. To work well with people

34. To value all participants and treat them with respect.

35. To be friendly, approachable and professional in your manner.

36. To evaluate and reflect on my work

37. To collect monitoring data for contractors and employers as required.

38. To collect feedback from contractors, employers and participants.

39. I reflect on my work and learn lessons for improved performance in the future.

40. To commit to professional development.

41. To improve and update your skills, knowledge and creativity through regular training, personal reflection and membership of professional bodies.

42. To maintain my professional portfolio and CV.

43. DOCUMENTATION

The Tentmaster should have full documentation for any structure which is their responsibility. This documentation should form an operations manual which must contain as a minimum:

43.1. Design documentation, marking out plans, and suitable scale drawings.

43.2. A design statement stating maximum site wind speeds in which the structure may be occupied.

43.3. Additional statements on any other loads or operating restrictions that may be encountered.

43.4. Full structural calculations showing typical wind loading under differing load cases, showing reaction loads from the loaded membrane to the supporting masts or framework and ground anchors. In addition, any load carrying capabilities, suspended or other wise must be covered.

43.5. Any other certificates, e.g. flame retardancy certificates, winch test certificates, cable tests, electrical equipment etc.

43.6. Typical method statement for erection and dismantling.

44. FLAME RETARDANCY CERTIFICATION

Flame retardancy certificates should be available for all materials used in the structure. All fabric materials used in structures must meet stringent requirements regarding flammability. Materials should meet as a minimum, local standards and preferably international standards. Suggested standards include:

44.1. Great Britain - British Standard BS 5438 Tests 2A and 2B with a ten second flame application in each case. Other standards include BS 7157. British Standard 6661 is applicable to air supported structures. All structures must meet the guidelines in government publications; Home office/The Scottish Office, Guide to Fire Precautions in Existing Places of Entertainment and Like Premises (ISBN 0-11-340907-9), The Health and Safety Commission; Guide to Health Safety and Welfare at Pop Concerts and other Similar Events (ISBN 0 11 341072 7).

44.2. Germany: DIN 4102 – B1

44.3. France: Classement : M2

44.4. United States: NFPA 701, California State Fire Marshall – T19

44.5. Italian CSC RF 1/75/A – PRIMA

45. SAFETY POLICY

45.1. The Tentmaster, (or more specifically the company he/she is working for), must have a clear safety policy, and issue copies to all crew. Also, ensure that fork lift licensing and first aid certificates are in place.

45.2. Protective clothing must be used where condition require it.

45.3. Access equipment must be provided for hazardous tasks.

45.4. Safety harnesses must be worn when climbing the structure.

46. SITING

46.1. Structures should be sited on only on known ground conditions. If installed on grass, checks must be made to ensure that installations are only made on cohesive soils, such as medium or hard clays. Acceptable ground bearing pressures are a minimum of 200 kN/m2. The Tentmaster should ensure that ground conditions are acceptable for the structures. Ground and weather conditions may change during the length of any installation, therefore inspection procedures should be in place to recognise this. The Tentmaster should ensure that there are no obstructions such as power lines.

46.2. The Tentmaster should ensure that the site provider has provided adequate access for the transport to be used and has ensured that the area where the structure is to be erected is free from underground obstructions for ground anchors and pressure bearing mast base plates.

Erection Guidelines - for Traditional and Tension Marquees

46.3. Whilst it is not the intention of this code to be specific about installation methods, some working practices and tensioning methods can be used in most installations such as large marquees, big tops and portable membranes. (see guild approved code of practice for frame structures for other types of tent)

46.4. There must be an awareness of the tensile and compressive forces involved in all stages of the erection process. Large structures will have a level of forces out of proportion to the size of the structure. Large single span structures tend to have greater forces involved than structures with multiple suspension points closer together.

46.5. The Tentmaster must be aware of the erection methodology of the structure he/she is working on. A formal erection method statement should be available from the designers of the structure. The Tentmaster should study the method statement and keep a copy on site.

46.6. All structural components such as membrane, steelwork and rigging should be subjected to regular examination during the life of the structure. All winches, cables and rigging components must be tested and test certificates carried with the operation manual.

46.7. All Tentmasters must be intrinsically aware of the consequence of failure of the structure. This can be ascertained from the designer’s manual of the structure they are working on.

46.8. Once the site is marked out, large sections of poles, King Poles and trussing may be moved around the site into position. The public or other trades should not be allowed into the working area during this period or when the poles are being hoisted. Where fork lift trucks are being used, care must be taken by all staff.

46.9. Large poles may require additional footing or pads to spread loads on soft ground conditions. Loads may increase when tension is applied to the roof.

46.10. Anchors are the most likely cause of failure of a temporary structure. These must be installed to the guidelines of the designer or manufacturer. Any forces higher than 1,500 kilograms (3,300 pounds), should have a representative test applied to a sample number of anchors.

46.11. The Tentmaster should examine the membrane before hoisting to ensure there are no tears, fraying, or defects in the fabric, and that lacings and hardware are in good condition. Any faults must be made good before erection of the structure.

46.12. All guys, tie-backs, or webbing tensioners must be made safe from the membrane to the anchors before raising the roof onto side poles.

46.13. Care must be taken when lifting the first part of the membrane off the ground if the wind is brisk. Where possible, side poles should be attached to the roof.

46.14. Once the roof is raised, the structure should be pretensioned as soon as is practical and made safe. If not, poor wind performance and the chance of ponding can result.

46.15. Wind can affect the performance of the tent in many ways. Up wind sides of the structure can have greater downward loads than down wind sides, but the combination of wind leaking under side walls, (or no side walls), will cause the structure to generally have more uplift than downward pressures.

46.16. The effect of a down load on the up wind side and up lift on the down wind side can generate enormous loads on the fabric and reinforcements in-between.

46.17. Even with walling attached, the structure will normally be subject to high suction loads which can mean areas of the structure exhibit greater local loads than a simple division of the perimeter loads would suggest.

47. PRE-TENSION

47.1. A certain amount of tautness is needed in any fabric structure to accept loads such as wind and to minimise and damp deflection and movement. This is known as pre-tension, i.e. tension prior to loading. This pre-tension is absolutely crucial to the structure’s performance. If an area of a membrane is loose or gathered, it is not accepting any load and is not contributing to the stability of the membrane, this may allow it to collect water or “pond”. For this reason, all tensioning guys or tiebacks must be equally pre-tensioned which in turn equally pre-tensions the roof.

47.2. Where known, the pretension in the roof should be checked at the tie-backs with a suitable gauge or load cell.

48. INTERNAL POLES AND MASTS

13.1 Some structures may have intermediate or ‘Quarter’ poles. These are used to tension the flat roof to damp and control the movement of the surface. These poles are usually, long, slender tubes which do not meet slenderness ratios common in structural engineering. They are considered acceptable only because practical experience shows that they are suitable. These poles should not normally be staked at the base, as when the roof lifts under gusting conditions, the pole lifts also and ‘jacks’ the roof maintaining tension. The quarter poles should typically be ‘normal’ or ‘regular’ to the roof, i.e. approximately 90 degrees to the plane of the roof.

13.2 While it may seem logical to use King Poles or centre masts for the suspension of rigging and loads, this may only be done if the poles or masts are fit for that use and have structural calculations to prove the load carrying capabilities. Under no circumstance can lateral or sideways loads be placed upon masts unless the masts are specifically designed to accept the imposed loads.

13.3 Where internal masts need to interact with rigging for performance or exhibition use, the above restrictions apply. It is possible for quarter poles to have the bases moved to clear staging, scenery etc, provided the tension is maintained on the roof.

49. INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL TRUSSES, CUPOLAS, AND DOMES

14.1 Often structural metal components are used to support the apex of the structure. These are usually fabrications which must be capable of carrying membrane loads including wind, and any environmental or suspended load capacity must be clearly shown in the operation manual.

50. ANCHORS AND GROUND CONDITIONS

50.1. The Tentmaster should be aware of the site conditions he is working on. The site must be suitable for the structure being erected. The ground or soil conditions must be ascertained and checked for suitability for the structure being installed. Rain or other environmental changes may change the structural or load bearing capabilities of the soil.

50.2. Only anchors of the correct specification should be used. Anchors of differing lengths will appear the same when driven into the ground.

50.3. When placed under load, the ground in front of the anchor compresses and takes up the load. This can affect the tension in the side guys or tie backs. Excessive movement of the anchor is unacceptable, and usually is a sign of impending failure.

50.4. If an area of a membrane is loose or gathered, it will move under wind and cause the anchors to be pulled back and forth with a loosening effect on the anchor.

50.5. Rain water can loosen the soil and change the load bearing capabilities of the anchor.
51. EXAMINING THE ERECTED STRUCTURE

51.1. The first pointer to the examination of the structure is a simple visual check or ‘walk round’. Simple visual inspection should show that symmetrical parts of the structure are in line. For example, a side pole on one side of the structure should normally line up with the centre poles and side poles on the other side when looked at through the line of poles.

51.2. An even distribution of surface loads is important to the stability of the structure.

51.3. On a large marquee or Big Top, the side guys should normally tension in line with the seams of the structure. The rim or perimeter of the structure should be well tensioned to accept lateral (radial?) loads.

51.4. Main guys or centre pole stabilising cables, are not always necessary to the stability of the membrane, and if tight when the structure is erected may restrict the need of the membrane to move slightly under load.

51.5. The inspected structure should be examined (preferably) with the client who will be responsible for the safe use of the structure. This formal handover should be registered in a site installation log and kept for future examination.

52. MAINTENANCE

52.1. The Tentmaster has many duties other than merely erecting the structure. Perhaps the most important of these is the need to inspect all structural components as they are being unloaded, positioned on site and erected. Any cuts, ties or abrasions in the structural fabric must be repaired or replaced. These repairs will not be as strong as the original structure, therefore, repairs should cover a greater area than the damaged section. Plastic coated fabrics rely on the strength of the adhesion of the plastic to the base cloth to provide structural joins.

52.2. Repairs can be made using hand held hot air guns or a hand held hot airgun, provided that the repairer has a working knowledge of the membrane force at the point of repair, and that commensurate allowance is make in the repair. Where woven fabrics are used, and in particular those using synthetic fibres. Care must be taken when carrying out repairs. If an unsealed edge is near the repair extra care must be taken and additional measures taken to strength the unsealed edge, either by bonding the stitched area with a flexible adhesive or by multiple rows of stitches.

This code of practice is subject to constant revue, and suggestions are welcomed to the guild address.