Over The Moon has been following the MUTAmarq guidelines since we started.  The document codifies the best practice for the industry and is a requirement of our insurers that we follow it.  For us, specialising in stretch tents, the previous guide was lacking in not having anything pertaining to these new fabric structures.  The new version of the guide has now rectified that.  Over The Moon is pleased to be at the forefront of developments in event fabric structures.

Stretch Tents MUTAmarq Best Practice

MUTA, the trade association for the marquee and fabric structure industry, has published a revised version of the MUTAmarq Code of Practice after a period of review over the 2010/11 low season. ‘Safe Use and Operation of Marquees and Temporary Structures’ was last revised in spring 2008 and the new version reflects changes to the industry since then. The document recognises the growth of non-standard fabric structures in unusual shapes and configurations, and addresses health and safety issues including the need for a biannual StructureSafe on-site safety course and increased preventive measures to combat the hazard of hidden underground services.<

Venue owners and event organisers continue to carry the legal obligation to offer a safe place of work and in doing so to disclose the whereabouts of underground services. However where there is any doubt as to the location of underground cables and pipes, it is the responsibility of the contractor to establish their location. MUTA in its latest guidance recommends its MUTAmarq Accredited Contractors to scan the work site before driving stakes into it in order to prevent accidents, and avoid injury or damage to property.

  • Other changes to the Code of Practice include the following areas:
  • Scope – to include all temporary demountable fabric structures
  • Stability – to cover tipis and non-standard structures
  • Electrical installations – to clarify the need for a qualified electrician
  • Naked flames – importance of carrying out a thorough risk assessment
  • Client awareness – to clarify their responsibility to provide a safe site
  • Training – requirement for members to provide adequate safety training to crews
  • Personal Protection Equipment – to clarify when to use hard hats
  • Fire exits – to include good practice to provide an additional exit

There have also been minor changes to terminology – for instance to refer to all structures covered by the guidance as “fabric structures” to include a wider range than traditional pole and framed marquees.