Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to support festival providers in safeguarding people attending festivals from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning; and if he will make a statement.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) leads on national occupational health and safety policy for the entertainments and leisure sector, whilst Local Authorities are responsible for enforcing the law at individual events, such as festivals, in their geographical area.

Festival organisers have responsibilities under Section 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA) to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees and others, including members of the public, affected by their undertaking. These responsibilities extend to ensuring that equipment, such as gas cookers and BBQs, are maintained and operated in a safe condition.

Disposable BBQs are popular with those attending festivals, and there have been examples where fatalities, arising from exposure to carbon monoxide, have occurred due to BBQs being taken into tents as a source of heat. Festival organisers are expected to take reasonably practicable measures to raise awareness of the potential dangers. Reasonable arrangements should also be in place to monitor the use of disposable BBQs and the behaviour of attendees at the event so that action can be taken to prevent these items being used in enclosed areas.

HSE has published web-based event safety guidance to help event organisers comply with their legal duties (http://www.hse.gov.uk/event-safety/index.htm). The Events Industry Forum also produces a guide, known as the Purple Guide, for the live event industry including festival organisers.