General safety
We issue the general safety certificates in respect of the Safety at Sports Grounds Act 1975. We carry out detailed studies of sport stadia and using the guidance documents and judgement we assess the maximum number of spectators that can be satisfactorily and safely accommodated at sports grounds within the Borough.
We chair and co-ordinate the safety group meetings for the designated sports grounds, bringing together representatives from the sports ground management, police, ambulance and fire services.
There is currently only one designated sports ground in Warrington, which is The Halliwell Jones Stadium (Warrington Wolves Rugby Football Ground) on Winwick Road.
Special safety certificates
We are responsible for issuing these for stadia where the use is different to that stated on the General Safety Certificate e.g. where the stadium or sports ground is used for a pop concert.
Regulated stands
Where the capacity of a grandstand exceeds 500 spectators, a certificate is required from us in respect of the safe use of the stand.
Temporary grandstands
These structures require consent under various items of legislation, and are dealt with by the building control team. The Cheshire County Council Act 1980: Section 29: is relevant to the erection of temporary stands whether they are erected internally or externally.
Relevant legislation and guidance
The Safety at Sports Grounds Act 1975
The Cheshire County Council Act 1980: Section 29
The Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987
The Safety of Sports Grounds Regulations 1987
The Safety of Places of Sport Regulations 1988
Football Spectators Act 1989
The Safety of Sports Grounds ( Accommodation of Spectators) Order 1996
Guidance:
Documents 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 issued by London District Surveyors Association
Doc 1 - Specimen General Safety Certificate and guide
Doc 2 - During Performance Inspections of Specified Activities at Sports Grounds
Doc 3 - Concessionaire Facilities and other Services at Sports Grounds
Doc 4 - Electrical and Mechanical Services at Sports Grounds
Doc 5 - General Safety certificates and Regulated Stands
Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds - fourth edition 1997- known popularly as the "Green Guide" published by the Stationery Office
Temporary demountable structures -
"Guidance on procurement, design and use" by Institute of Structural Engineers Oct 1995
"Health Safety & Welfare at Pop Concerts & Similar Events" issued by HMSO 1993
For further information contact:
Building Control, Environment Services, New Town House, Buttermarket Street, Warrington,WA1 2NH
01925 442819 building.control@warrington.gov.uk