Purpose
This is a guide in how to safely put up and take down a 3m by 3m gazebo. It will run through the what to do's and what not to do's. There will be risks highlighted and a guide on when a gazebo shouldn't be used, to ensure the safety of SSAFA volunteers and members of the public.
This guide is in written in conjunction with the manual handling policy.
Manual handling policy | Branches | SSAFA Volunteer Knowledgebase
Introduction
If you, or your team, use a SSAFA gazebo then you have a responsibility to ensure the safety of it.
Gazebos are useful at events and fundraisers but can present serious risks if not used correctly. This guidance applies to SSAFA supplied 3m x 3m gazebos; for others, contact your Community Engagement Manager. All personnel must read and understand this guidance and the manufacturer’s instructions before transport or assembly. Practice runs are recommended, and equipment must be checked to ensure all parts are present and free from defects before use defective items must not be used.
A suitable risk assessment must cover transport, assembly and dismantling, with appropriate control measures in place. Further advice can be sought from your Community Engagement Manager.
See the following article for guidance on completing a risk assessment
How to complete a risk assessment | Branches | SSAFA Volunteer Knowledgebase
Risks
The use of any equipment has associated risks and gazebo equipment is no exception, those associated with its use include:
- Manual handling injuries from moving equipment.
- Injuries to individuals and third parties from unsecured equipment blowing away/over.
- Fingers trapped in frame struts.
- Flesh pinches from gazebo frame sliders, table latches and legs
- Shifting of unsecured loads during transportation
- Adverse weather such as winds and lightning
Please ensure these risks are covered in your event risk assessment, accompanied by appropriate control measures Visit the document hub on Go Assemble for risk assessment templates and other resources.SSAFA generic gazebo risk assessment can also be located here.
Wind Speeds
Before putting a gazebo up, consult the weather forecast and check for the predicted speed of gusts rather than average wind speed.
You may consider downloading a weather app to give you a more detailed picture of the projected wind speeds ahead of the event.
0-14 mph Safe to Proceed but continue to monitor the weather for changes
15-24 mph Proceed with caution and be ready to dismantle the gazebo
25 mph + The gazebo must not be assemble or it must be taken down
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year,but it is during the summer months when thunderstorms in the UK are most likely to produce gusty winds and torrential downpours that can cause disruption.
Before the thunderstorm
- Lightning can cause electrical power surges, unplug any non-essential appliances unless using a surge protector.
- Seek shelter if possible. When you hear thunder, you are already within range of where the next ground flash may occur, lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the centre of a storm.
During the thunderstorm
- Be aware of metal objects that can conduct or attract lightning
- If outside avoid water and find a low-lying open place that is a safe distance from trees, poles or metal objects
- If possible,take shelter in a building.
Manual Handling
All volunteers who are responsible for assembly of gazebos should complete the manual handling training module.
This can be found in your training section on Go Assemble.
Manual handling policy | Branches | SSAFA Volunteer Knowledgebase
Before commencing lifting any equipment ensure:
- You are fit and able for the task.
- Use a team to move items where possible, ensuring the weights are carried separately, and that the weight of the gazebo frame is shared between at least two people.
- Never attempt more than your own personal lifting capabilities and use lifting equipment, such as trolleys, where possible.
How to put up a gazebo
Watch the following video on how to safely put up a 3m x 3m Gazebo. If there are new volunteers to the branch it may be useful to have some on the ground training sessions for them before any events they attend.