Safety at Sports Ground

Information about the Safety at Sports Grounds Act 1975 and the subsequent Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987

The Role of Building Control

Building Control are responsible for enforcing the recommendations contained in the "Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds" published by the stationery Office and often known as the Green Guide. The guide lays down detailed advice related to such matters as adequate structure, provisions of gangways, fire escapes, crash barrier design and engineering services, all necessary to comply with the Acts. When all matters related to safety are in place a Safety Certificate can be issued.

Advice and Guidance

The Building Control section is responsible for providing advice and guidance on Safety at Sports Grounds, in relation to:

• Stadia capacity
• Crowd control
• Means of escape
• Structural stability
• Access for the disabled

To ensure compliance with any conditions of the certificate, regular inspections are carried out on match days.

The Safety Advisory Group

Building Control works to protect public safety and co-ordinates the Safety Advisory Group which includes other agencies:

• The Police Service

• The Fire Service

• The Ambulance Service

• St Johns Ambulance Association

• Other Interested Parties

Safety Certificates

Safety certificates are needed for:

• Designated sports stadia with a capacity for 10,000 spectators.
• All premier and football league stadia (designated grounds)
• Non Designated Sports grounds with one or more regulated stands, with a capacity of 500 spectators.

Safety Certificates confirm compliance with:

• Safety of Sports Ground Act 1975 and
• File Safety and safety of Sports Act 1987
  
  ________________________________________

Applications

Application Forms

To apply for a safety certificate use the appropriate application form below.

1 Application for Safety Certificate to a Designated Ground
2 Application for Safety Certificate to a Designated Stand

(A separate application form is required for each regulated stand at a sports ground)

Completed application forms should be accompanied by:

• Risk assessments;
• Contingency plans;
• Safety policy for spectators;
• Capacity Calculations
• Event Management Plan
• Location/Site Plan

Fees

Please note the Local Authority may charge an applicant the cost of work reasonably and actually involved in the processing of an application for the issue, amendment, replacement, transfer or cancellation of a safety certificate. Costs will vary depending on the work involved with your application.