Stand Build Regulations
Content
- Electrical Systems, Service Supply and Stand Lighting
- Emergency Exits & Direction of Escape
- Enclosed Stands / Walling in Open Sides
- Floor Loading Restrictions
- Flooring
- Hazardous Substances
- Hot Works / Permits
- Kitchens
- Maintenance
- Meeting Rooms
- Organisers Rights to Change Stands and Floorplan Layout
- Pillars
Stand Build Regulations
Below you will find stand build regulations which must be applied to your space only stand design. We have highlighted various general regulations which you may find helpful when designing your stand however please note that this is not a definitive list of regulations. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor and their contractor to ensure their stand design complies with all applicable stand build regulations detailed in the venue technical regulations.
Failure to comply with the regulations laid out below may lead to your permission to build being revoked and changes to the stand build being undertaken onsite or complete removal of the stand.
The venue technical regulations can be downloaded here.
Accessibility
It is the exhibitors responsibility to remove all barriers to service and comply with The Equality Act. Where exhibitors have a platform over 20mm high a ramp should be incorporated and portable ramps are not permitted. Please note the following when designing your stand:
- Raised stand floors should have an outer edge/trim in a matte colour which contrasts with the colour of the aisle and any ramp
- Platforms less than 50mm should have a clopped edge of at least 1m wide. The sloped edge should be realised in a matte colour that contrasts with the other floor edges
- Platforms 50mm to 100mm in height must have a ramp of at least 1m wide
- Platforms 101mm to 120mm in height must have a ramp of at least 2m wide
- The maximum height for platforms is 120mm
- Serving counters should have a low access point no higher than 800mm for the convenience of disabled people
Build Height Limits
In certain parts of the venue there are additional build height restrictions. It is the exhibitor's responsibility to check if their stand is affected. Please contact the Operations Team for a detailed stand plot of your location.
The overall height of standfitting for single-storey stands including cladding of columns is 4m from the floor level. Requests to exceed this height will only be considered provided that they are submitted to us in writing and accompanied by full technical drawings and structural calculations. Any construction over 4m is classified as a complex stand and charges will be made for structural approval. The maximum build height is still 6m from the venue floor. However there are some stands where the maximum build height a lot lower. Please contact the Operations team to check if your stand is affected.
We would also like to remind you of the following:
- The maximum build height for dividing back walls is 4m from the venue floor
- Any stand build which is higher than the dividing walling i.e. within your stand space must adhere to the following:
- Structures with no branding facing the dividing wall must be stepped in at least 0.5m from the dividing wall.
- Structure with branding facing the dividing wall must be stepped in at least 1m from the dividing wall.
Please be aware that we have a limited build up and breakdown tenancy, all space only stands must be dismantled and removed by 12:00 hours on Saturday 12 April 2025 including waste. Only submit plans for stands that are over 4m with a thorough method statement if you believe this can be achieved in the time frame available.
Chipboard
Please note that chipboard, particleboard and low-density fibreboard (LDF) is not suitable for construction and in particular of weight bearing structures. The H&S Manager and Structural Engineer will identify stands which do not comply during the build process and all necessary remedial work must be completed before the stand will be permitted to open.
Complex Structures
A complex structure is any form of construction of any height, which would normally be designed by an engineer and/or has, through a risk assessment, been found to provide significant risk. The following are classed as complex structures.
- Stands exceeding 4m in height from venue floor.
- Platforms at 500mm and above in height, although these are not pemitted.
- Bespoke suspended structures.
- Anything deemed by the organiser to be a complex structure.
For all complex stands, drawings and Structural Calculations must be submitted for onward submission to the venue, local authority, and the independent structural engineers by the deadline below:
Deadline: 23 January 2025
These drawings must show the form and dimension of every structural member with an appropriate general arrangement plan, sections, and elevations. All calculations of loading and strength must be in English, and all drawings must be to scale. A Method Statement and Risk Assessment are also required by law. Suspended structures – When placing your rigging order you must also submit drawings and calculations ensuring that you provide adequate and sufficient details on how the structure is constructed, total weight, and all fixings points.
Click here for details on what documents you need to submit.
PERMISSION TO ENTER THE EXHIBITION PREMISES AND COMMENCE CONSTRUCTION WILL NOT BE PERMITTED WITHOUT THE STRUCTURAL ENGINEER ISSUING A CERTIFICATE TO COMMENCE BUILD. The Organisers reserve the right to prevent work being carried out by, or on behalf of, any Exhibitor who has not submitted stand design drawings in accordance with these regulations.
Compressed Gas
Use of compressed gases such as LPG (Liquid Pretroleum Gases – propane, Butane, Helium etc.) are not permitted.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations on stands during the event must be safe and without risks to health and safety and where necessary covered by a risk assessment. Any demonstration or presentation areas likely to interest groups of 10 or more people must be located towards the centre of the stand and clearly shown on stand drawings, and if they cause obstruction within the gangway and/or nuisance to any other exhibitor, we reserve the right to cancel the presentation/demonstration or restrict the frequency.
Please click here for details of what demonstrations are and are not permitted at the event.
Display/Stand Build Materials
There are strict rules governing what materials can be used to build stands and these will be covered by the venue’s regulations. Exhibitors and contractors must ensure that they are followed. In general, you are not permitted to build your stand with anything that is flammable or non-flame resistant unless it has been treated. Click here for a copy of the Authorised materials.
All stand construction and displays must be made from fireproofed materials and installed to the satisfaction of the authorities.
Any goods attached to your stand will constitute part of your stand and will be subject to these regulations.
Materials employed in different types of construction must meet applicable regulations.
Flammable materials may not be used for the construction or assembly of stands. Fabrics must be fire retardant AT ORIGIN (MANUFACTURE) and should include the relevant certificates.
Exhibitors must hold fire resistance test certificates for floor and wall coverings and materials used, or failing this hold equivalent fireproofing certificates on the stand. It is in the exhibitors’ interest to obtain these floor and wall coverings and materials from specialised suppliers or shops, which will avoid the issues associated with on-site fireproofing (the salts used attack metals and the fireproofing is only valid for 3 months).
Dividing Walls
On divided sites, you are responsible for erecting and decorating dividing walls facing onto your stand area to a minimum height of 2.5m. Walls above 2.5m must be clad and finished on both sides, with the reverse side being decorated from 2.5m upwards by the Exhibitor who has erected them. Such walls overlooking adjoining stands must be finished in a neutral plain colour only. The minimum height for dividing walls is 2.5m.
The maximum height for dividing walls of single-storey stands is 4m from the venue floor (not from top of any platforms).
Any stand build which is higher than the dividing walling i.e. within your stand space must adhere to the following:
- Structures with no branding facing the dividing wall must be stepped in at least 0.5m from the dividing wall.
- Structure with branding facing the dividing wall must be stepped in at least 1m from the dividing wall.
Doors - Vision Panels
Where doors are present on your stand they must follow the below guidance;
- The required minimum effective clear width of a door is 800mm.
- Doors must have a vision panel with a zone of visibility spanning from 500mm to 1500mm above the floor. The exception to this is doors to small storerooms, where a small panel may suffice.
- Emergency exit doors must open outwards in the direction of escape.
- Doors must be recessed where they open on to public circulation areas, e.g. they must not open directly on to a gangway.
- Sliding doors are not acceptable as emergency exit doors.
Double Deck Stands
Double deck stands are not permitted at in-cosmetics and raised areas 120mm high and above are not recommended.
Dust
There is zero tolerance on dust-creating activities in the halls to avoid additional hazards from coughing and reducing cleaning requirements. All dust must be extracted at source by mechanical means. MDF and chipboard must not be machined on site, as the dust produced is hazardous to health.
Early / Late Working
If you have appointed a stand contractor to build your open space stand, you must be assured that the design of the stand is such that it can be built within the specified times as stated in this manual. Early or late working outside of the published build up and breakdown timetable will not be permitted.
Electrical Installations & Testing
Exhibitors and contractors must comply with the venue’s electrical regulations. Electricity is turned on in the morning on Monday 7 April 2025. If you require electricity for build up please order this with Full Circle Events. All work must be carried out by competent and qualified electricians.
Exhibitors must ensure that the following regulations are applied:
Article 2 - General remarks about electrical installations in the stands |
|
2.1 |
Stand installations should be fitted with sheathed cable having a cross sectional area of not less than 2.5mm2or equivalent. The use of thinner wiring for the power supply to wall sockets is strictly forbidden. |
2.2 |
An exception is made for lighting circuits, which may have a 1.5mm2 cross sectional area provided that they do not carry more than 2kW and the final circuits are fitted with an appropriate protective device. Under-floor cables should have a minimum cross sectional area of 2.5mm2 and may not be jointed. |
2.3 |
The electrical system should have sufficient circuits and be divided equally among the phases. Each group should have the correct fuses and final circuits should be individually protected with a 30mA earth leakage circuit breaker. |
2.4 |
In the case of mains connections with a capacity in excess of 10kW you yourself should arrange for the correct capacity division and earth leakage circuit breaker(s). Joints may be welded by means of conductor splices and industrial terminal connections and must have extra protection in the form of an insulated junction box. Concealing welded joints behind walls, under floors or in ceilings is not permitted. |
2.5 |
Electrical wiring must be laid at a sufficient distance from steam, water and gas pipes. Wiring that is exposed to potential damage must be properly protected. Metal parts which could potentially conduct electricity in the event of an electrical fault should be properly earthed. Electrical cabling and materials must be firmly attached using the appropriate industrial fittings. |
2.6 |
Electric motors must be fitted with a thermal control and safety switch. Motors with a capacity in excess of 3kW should also be fitted with a starter that limits the starting current to three times the nominal current, up to a maximum of 180 Amps. |
2.7 |
The electrical stand installation must therefore be designed in such a way that interference as a consequence of higher harmonics has no influence on the electricity grid within the RAI building. The following limiting values apply:
Points for attention in connection with electrical systems:
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For technical reasons it may be necessary to connect two or more stands to a single switch box or to place a switch box in an adjacent stand. If this unfortunately proves necessary, the participant will not be allowed to switch the power supply to the adjacent stand on or off. However, the basic criterion is that there should always be one mains connection per stand, in order to limit the nuisance in the event of power failures etc. at one of the mains connections.
All work must be carried out by competent and qualified electricians and all temporary installations must be protected by an RCD and inspected before power is supplied to the stand. All electrical installations should be carried out by the official contractor. During the build-up, initial connections are made as early as possible, but in some cases, this could mean on the opening morning if the stand (or block of stands) is not complete.
Electrical Systems, Service Supply and Stand Lighting
Power to all stands will be switched on from 0800hrs on Monday 7 April, so if you require power before this time then you will need to order temporary power. The power to all stands will be switched off 30 minutes after the close of the show each day. Please also remember to order a 24-hour supply for the open period if required. You or your contractors are advised to contact the official contractor to arrange a temporary power supply for the actual construction of your stand if required. Power must not be taken from cleaners' sockets or other hall sockets.
When you order you will need to specify using a grid the correct positioning for lights and sockets - should the grid not be submitted, the items will be positioned at the discretion of the contractor and charges may be levied for on-site charges. Basic loading guidelines for socket outlets:
- 500 watt socket
- Laptops, PC Computers, TVs, videos, spotlights to 500w & refrigerators.
- 1000 watt socket
- Domestic filter coffee machines & lighting up to 1000w.
- 2000 watt socket
- Kettles* & machinery up to 2000w.
- 3000-watt socket
- Hired coffee machines, machinery 2000w - 3000w.
* These appliances are of varying power requirements dependent upon type and manufacturer. It is therefore essential that the reference tag or plate is fitted to each appliance and under law be read, the loading in watts or kW (kilo Watts = Watts x 1000) will be stated, and the appropriate size socket ordered. As the exhibitor, it is your responsibility to order an adequate power supply for your stand. Failure to do this will result in delays on site and could be a fire risk. On-site checks will be carried out by the appointed Health & Safety Officer, as well as the official contractor. In all cases the decision of the Organiser and its appointed representative is final. There should be sufficient correctly installed and rated power sockets to preclude the use of extension leads and long trailing flexes. If essential, extension leads must be correctly fused and limited to one per socket. Multi-sockets must not be used.
Electrical systems and stand lighting
Only electric lighting may be used for a stand and the electrical system may be installed only by certified electricians. If the system does not meet the relevant conditions of EWN and NEN standard 1010, NEN-EN standard 50107, NEN standard 3140 (fire brigade, insurers), it may not be connected to the power grid.
Stand electrical cables should have a minimum core diameter of 2.5 mm2 (live wire 2.5 mm2 in tube is also permitted). The use of thinner cable is strictly forbidden, unless the electrician can show that it meets the requirements of NEN standard 1010.
Note on electrical systems and stand lighting:
- The installation should be distributed over sufficient groups and each group should have the correct fuses. The maximum load per group is 3kW (16 amp). Lighting and power units with an output in excess of 3kW should be distributed over the phases.
- Electrical cables should be fitted at a sufficient distance from steam, water or gas pipes. Cables that are exposed to potential damage should be sufficiently protected.
- Motors should have a thermal safety switch. Motors with a power capacity larger than 3kW should also be fitted with a star-delta switch.
- Spliced joints should be made by means of wire connectors or terminal clamps. Spliced joints may not be hidden behind walls, under floors or in ceilings.
- Metal parts that could potentially become conductors of electricity (live wires) due to an electrical defect should be sufficiently earthed. Electrical cables should be sufficiently secured.
- Heat-emitting light fittings should be kept at least 0.10 m from any combustible material. In addition, no combustible material should be capable of being reached by reflected heat emission within 0.30 m of the edge of the reflector.
- Neon light fittings or systems should comply with NEN 1010.
Safety measures for neon light fittings and systems should comply with standard NEN-EN 50107.
Notwithstanding these rules of NEN standard 1010, the following implementation rules apply in the Convention Centre:
- a maximum of two neon light fittings that comply with NEN standard 1010, NEN-EN standard 50107, may be connected by means of a plug and socket connection that is within reach;
- several neon light fittings placed next to one another must be fitted with a single central fire safety switch;
- neon light fittings or systems must always be fitted with a central fire safety switch if the equipment is hard to reach and is part of the stand structure or does not comply with NEN standard 1010, NEN-EN standard 50107.
Emergency Exits & Direction of Escape
The gangways used in this venue are the minimum permissible by law. Under no circumstances will exhibits, stand dressings, tables & chairs etc. be allowed to encroach into gangways. Please keep your exhibits inside your stands at all times.
Doors and gates forming part of an escape shall be provided with a vision panel of clear glazing at sight level and must be hung to open in the direction of escape, clear of any steps, landings or gangways. Where necessary doors must be recessed so as not to open onto or obstruct the required width of any gangway or other escape route. Such doors shall be free from fastenings other than panic bolts in accordance with BS EN 1125.
Bridging and carpeting over gangways are not permitted.
Enclosed Stands / Walling in Open Sides
Long runs of walling along open perimeters of stands are not permitted. Just 50% of any open side is permitted to be a solid wall. Where long runs of walling are present along open sides they must be relieved by display items and not left plain.
Stands wanting to wall more than 50% of an open side must request permission from the Organiser first. Any walling exceeding 50% of any open side should be set back 500mm from the open perimeter of the site. This is an industry wide regulation to ensure all of our exhibitors are given equal opportunity for footfall and visibility.
Exceptions to this regulations may be made for exhibition stands on the perimter of the hall. Please contact the Operations Team for information.
Floor Loading Restrictions
Maximum floor loading is 3,000kg per square metre. It is not possible to exceed.
Flooring
Open space sites are not carpeted - exhibitors must provide their own floor covering.
Exhibitors with adjoining blocks of stands will not be permitted to place their own carpet in the gangways unless prior permission is given in writing by the organisers.
Nothing may be structurally attached to the floor of the Exhibition premises.
Carpet may only be fixed to the venue floor with approved carpet tape. All carpet tape must be removed and any charges for the removal of carpet tape left on the floor at the end of breakdown will be passed direct to exhibitors.
Hazardous Substances
If you a hazardous substance on your stand please confirm the details in writing to the Organisers so that written approval can be given.
Hazardous substances are not be brought into the halls unless essential. The use of hazardous substances must be subject to a COSHH assessment. Exhibitors must declare the use or display of hazardous substances as a special risk.
Hot Works / Permits
A hot work permit must be obtained from the organisers office prior to any work being carried out. The issue of the permit is subject to the advance submission of a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and method statement for the activity, with evidence of competency for the use of any specialist equipment.
Kitchens
At this time exhibitors should only provide packaged food. This is available from the official catering provider and can be delivered to stands. As a result cooking on stands and food preparation is not required and therefore kitchens are not permitted.
See the Exhibitor Catering section for full information on what is permitted this year.
Maintenance
See the Badges & Passes section for full information on what is permitted this year.
Meeting Rooms
Whilst enclosed meeting rooms are permitted we still recommend that you consider creating open spaces instead to help increase ventilation.
Organisers Rights to Change Stand and Floorplan Layout
In the interests of the Exhibition as a whole, it may be necessary to remove or alter anything in - or forming part of - any stand. If we feel this action must be taken this would have to be at the expense of the Exhibitor concerned.
The exhibition floorplan is subject to change at the discretion of the organisers. Please contact the organisers to obtain the latest version of the exhibition floorplan.
Pillars
Some stands have venue pillars either on the stand or directly in front. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor and contractor to contact the Operations team to check if their stand is impacted and request a stand plot to show the exact location and dimensions of the pillar.
Some of these pillars have fire points which are not permitted to be covered. If you have a pillar in front of your stand please note that you are not permitted to clad or attach any items to this. There are strict regulations on covering these pillars so it is important that you check with the in-cosmetics Operations team to see if your stand is affected before you start designing your stand.
Pop-Up Stands
Pop-up stands may not be used to form dividing walls on space only sites. If you are considering a Pop-up stand display, a Shell Scheme Stand must be purchased or dividing walls constructed. For further information, please contact the Sales Team.
Raised Platforms
The maximum height of platforms is 120mm.
The edge of all platforms must be clearly defined with a contrasting colour to the rest of the floor and aisle carpet.
All corners must be rounded off.
Where exhibitors have a platform over 20mm high a ramp should be incorporated and portable ramps are not permitted. Please note the following when designing your stand:
- Raised stand floors should have an outer edge/trim in a matte colour which contrasts with the colour of the aisle and any ramp
- Platforms less than 50mm should have a clopped edge of at least 1m wide. The sloped edge should be realised in a matte colour that contrasts with the other floor edges
- Platforms 50mm to 100mm in height must have a ramp of at least 1m wide
- Platforms 101mm to 120mm in height must have a ramp of at least 2m wide
Edge of any ramps must be clearly defined with a contrasting colour to the rest of the floor and aisle carpet.
Ramps
Where exhibitors have a platform over 20mm high a ramp should be incorporated and portable ramps are not permitted. Please note the following when designing your stand:
- Raised stand floors should have an outer edge/trim in a matte colour which contrasts with the colour of the aisle and any ramp
- Platforms less than 50mm should have a clopped edge of at least 1m wide. The sloped edge should be realised in a matte colour that contrasts with the other floor edges
- Platforms 50mm to 100mm in height must have a ramp of at least 1m wide
- Platforms 101mm to 120mm in height must have a ramp of at least 2m wide
Edge of any ramps must be clearly defined with a contrasting colour to the rest of the floor and aisle carpet.
Rigging
Rigging is permitted at in-cosmetics Global to the maximum height of 6m from the venue floor to the top of the rigged structure/banner/truss etc.
IMPORTANT - if you have a suspended structure Ops Squad are checking that the structure conforms to the Stand Build Regulations. The exhibitor/stand contractor is still responsible for liaising with the venue rigging department to ensure the feasibility of the structure.
Please also note the following:
- Halls 1 and 12 – There are further restrictions on some stands where rigging is not possible so please check with the venue rigging department before finalising your designs.
- All halls – depending on where are what you want to suspend you might be required to order truss and additional rigging points so it is really important that you discuss the feasibility of your design with the venue rigging team before submitting plans for checking.
- Before you plan for any rigged structures please discuss your requirements with Amsterdam RAI Exhibitor Services to check on any restrictions and view a copy of the rigging regulations.
- If any rigged structures are higher than your dividing back walls the following must be adhered to:
- Structures with no branding facing the dividing wall must be stepped in at least 0.5m from the dividing wall.
- Structure with branding facing the dividing wall must be stepped in at least 1m from the dividing wall.
All suspended items, with the exception of a truss only with a fabric banner, are treated as complex and you are required to submit the following to Organisers as part of the stand plan checking process:
- Technical drawings showing all weights of structure and details on fixings.
- Structural calculations. These are then sent to an independent structural engineer for a pre-show and onsite inspection. To the Venue Rigging Department, as part of your order, you must also submit drawings and calculations carried out by an independent accredited inspection body. Onsite a detailed inspection will be carried out by an independent structural engineer to ensure that your suspended structure conforms to the venue regulations. No items may be flown/hoisted until it has been inspected and permission given.
The points below will be checked by the venue:
- Conformity of the installation with the specifications in the manufacturer's technical notice and, in particular, compliance with the load charts and any calculation notes, light bridges installed in the proper direction, an inspection of the installation of rigging clips, etc.
- Use of hoisting equipment that has been duly checked (periodic inspection according to the standards in force) and that are of equal and synchronous power
- Compliance with the technical specifications established by the event organiser
- Compliance with the specifications indicated on the plan provided and compliance with the site's technical specifications
- Use and implementation of hoisting accessories (cables, slings, shackles, links...) in compliance with the standards in force
- Compliance of the rigging points on the suspended structures with the standards in force in coherence with the loads to be supported
- Installation of safety slings in a taut position, particularly for electric hoists
- Double securing of technical elements installed on the lighting truss or the suspended structure, e.g. spotlights, screens, speakers, signage elements, etc
Risk Assessment & Method Statement
All space only stands, or shell scheme stands with construction are required to submit a full risk assessment and method statement for the design, construction and arrangement of their stand with both documents being submitted along with stand plans.
- Risk Assessment Guidance
- Risk Assessment Template
- Method Statement Guidance
- Method Statement Template
For further information please contact the Operations Team.
Exhibitiors are also required to have a risk assessment for any stand activities taking place on their stand during show open and may also be required to produce a method statement for certain activites at the organisers discretion. These do not need to be submitted to the organisers unless requested, but a copy of these documents must be available onsite should they be required.
Signage
Signage and graphics are not permitted to overlook other stands where there is a dividing wall. Where illuminated fascia boards are used on stands, the lighting of them must be of sufficient power to light the fascia board only, and must not cause any spill of light onto neighbouring stands. No flashing lights will be permitted. We reserve the right to disconnect the electrical supply to any illuminated fascia which, in our opinion, is causing a nuisance to any other Exhibitor.
Signage should be used to help communicate and explain to attendees how you are managing your stand space e.g. no handshakes, one-way flow, entrance / exit etc.
Stand Number Panel
We will provide every space-only stand with a stand number Floor sticker in the aisle in front of the stand.
Vehicles for Display
If you are intending to have a vehicle (including Mobile Exhibition Units, Caravans or Trailers) on your stand please confirm the details in writing to the Organisers so that written approval can be given.
Depending on the type, age and use of the vehicle you will be required to confirm a number of details and which may also require a seperate risk assessment detailing how the risk of bringing and displaying a vehicle in the hall is controlled.
Venue & Local Authority Regulations
All work must be carried out in compliance with the regulations of the Venue and Local Authority. If an exhibitor erects a stand which does not conform fully and in all respects to the requirements of the organiser, Venue and Local Authorities, the organisers reserve the right to alter, demolish or reconstruct the stand at the exhibitors expense and to make it conform to the regulations and requirements. Local Authority decisions are final.
Please click here to view the venue regulations.
Water Features
It is not permitted to exhibit with or otherwise use open, flowing, sprayed or atomised liquids in displays in the Convention Centre, without RAI’s permission. This may be the case, for example, where exhibitors use:
- free-standing air-conditioning systems;
- fountains;
- high-pressure cleaning systems;
- air humidifiers;
- shower equipment. saunas or whirlpool spas.
Applications may be submitted via the Webshop under 'Electricity and Water Connections'. To prevent the danger of legionella infection, water from fire hoses may be used only for extinguishing fires.
Work Equipment & Tools
Exhibitors and contractors are responsible for ensuring that all tools are fit for purpose and safe to use.
- Only CE approved and properly maintained tools may be used. Electric tools should meet all relevant requirements.
- To prevent injury, workers are not allowed to wear rings, piercings, watches, bracelets or necklaces when working with tools and machinery with moving parts. Wearing jewellery and loose clothing is any event not desirable when using tools.
- Tools, particularly electric tools, should be inspected before use. The use of damaged tools is prohibited.
- When electric tools are no longer needed for work they must be completely switched off; this also applies during work breaks.
- Tools should be stored in a way that precludes their use by unauthorised persons.
- When electric tools are used in the work area, this should be well-lit and stable.
- Workers are obliged to wear personal protective equipment as described in Article 4 (Personal Protective Equipment).
- Tools should be used only for their intended purpose.
- Work equipment must be periodically tested and approved. The approval date must be visible on the equipment. The latest approval certificate must be made available on request.
Prohibition on removal of protection devices
It is prohibited to remove, disable or switch off protection devices fitted to machines and tools. It is strictly prohibited to use a machine or tool if the protection is no longer present or is damaged.
Working at Height
Working at Height is a high risk activity and close attention will be taken on working practices during the build and dismantling of stands. Where possible working at height should be avoided and if unavoidable should use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur. As such, all working at height is subject to risk assessment.
Scaffolding
- Handrails and railings must be placed at least one metre above the work surface;
- Scaffolding material should be of good quality and comply with the requirements of NEN-EN 12811-1. Scaffolding erected inside the exhibition halls at a height of over 12 metres requires bracing. The scaffolding should be erected in accordance with the requirements of NEN-EN 1298.
- A mobile scaffold tower may not be moved if materials or persons are present on the scaffolding. Mobile scaffolding may be moved only if the height is less than eight metres.
- Scaffolding may be erected only on a firm, level surface. The use of stabilisers is obligatory.
- The scaffolding must be earthed when working with electricity.
- The work platforms of scaffolding and multi-storey stands should be completely boarded and have proper edge protection (planks of at least 10 cm high). A guard rail should be fitted at a height of one metre above the work platform and an intermediate guard rail at 50 cm.
- The maximum load for which scaffolding is designed to take must never be exceede
- The maximum load must be indicated on the scaffolding at eye level.
- Materials may never be stacked on a scaffold to a height in excess of 55 cm, unless extra guard rails have been fitted.
- The work platform of a scaffold should be marked in order to prevent collisions and the risk of people being hit by falling objects.
Two rules apply specifically to the erection and dismantling of scaffolding and grandstands:
- anyone involved in erecting or dismantling scaffolding or a grandstand at a height of more than 2.5 metres and working within 1.5 metres of the edge of scaffolding or a grandstand must wear an approved safety harness and line; this is required by Dutch law, namely Article 3.16 of the Working Conditions Decree (preventing the risk of falls);
- anyone involved in erecting or dismantling scaffolding or a grandstand and working on or under the uncompleted structure concerned must wear an approved safety helmet.
Inspections
The builder, who uses scaffolding, should be in possession of an inspection certificate. The user may be requested at any time by the enforcing authority to produce the certificate. Scaffolding should be inspected and approved before use. This should be done by a person who is in possession of the scaffolding erection ‘B’ or similar certificate (this does not apply to mobile scaffolding). If the scaffolding has been approved, a green label bearing the date of the approval must be attached to it. In the event of alterations to the scaffold, follow-up inspections must be carried out before use.
Use
The wheels of mobile scaffold towers should be blocked before work starts. The scaffolding should be climbed in the correct manner (on the inside). Work may not be carried out from elevations on the scaffold (such as a ladder). It is prohibited to carry out work on scaffolding that has already been partially dismantled.
Ladders and stepladders
- A ladder or stepladder should fulfil the requirements of the applicable standards (e.g., NEN 2484 or EN131) and have a valid approval sticker.
- The rungs on a ladder or the steps on a stepladder should have an anti-slip design.
- Working on a ladder or stepladder is permitted only if the use of other aids is not possible.
- Scaffolding or an aerial lift should be used for repetitive work.
- A ladder or stepladder should preferably not be used at heights of more than 2.5 metres. The maximum height at which a ladder may be used is 10 metres.
- The access to a ladder or stepladder should be kept free at all times.
- If necessary, the area around the ladder or stepladder should be marked.
- Multi-section or extension ladders should be used in such a way that the various parts cannot slide in relation to one another.
- Ladders must be secured against sliding.
Inspections
Ladders and stepladders should be inspected for faults before use. Do not use if faults are discovered, the inspection date has expired and/or the rungs are dirty. Ladders and stepladders should be inspected at least once a year and the next inspection date should be marked (legibly) on them.
Positioning
- Do not place ladders in front of a door. If there is no other choice, the door should be locked.
- Verrolbare ladders of trappen moeten worden vastgezet voordat zij worden betreden.
- Rolling towers should be secured before being mounted.
- Ladders and stepladders should be positioned in such a way as to ensure stability during use.
- A ladder should be positioned at an angle of approximately 75 degrees.
- A ladder should be placed in such a way that the top or bottom cannot slide away. To maximise safety secure the ladder or stepladder by a rope or stabilisation device.
- A ladder should extend at least one metre above the workspace to which it gives access. There must be an adequate handhold present at the height at which people get off the ladder.
- The ladder must be positioned in the correct manner (i.e. not upside down or back to front) and on a level surface.
Use of ladder or stepladder
- Ladders and stepladders may not be used when wearing shoes with dirty or smooth soles.
- Work must not be carried out if it is beyond reach, i.e. within arm’s length.
- The force during activities may not exceed 10 kg.
- Tools should be brought up with ropes or in a holster attached to a belt.
- A ladder or stepladder may be used only if weather conditions permit.
- A ladder or stepladder may not be used outdoors in wind force 6 or higher.
- A ladder or stepladder may not be moved while the user is still on it.