Guideline for concerts events and organised gatherings

The Guideline aims to ensure WA concerts, events and organised gatherings are safe for patrons and neighbours.

The Guidelines for concerts, events and organised gatherings 2022 (10MB PDF) prescribes requirements for concerts, events and organised gatherings such as sporting events to ensure that places are safe for patrons, do not disturb neighbouring people and provide uniformity throughout WA.

The guideline replaces the 2009 version, identifying basic standards and safety measures for event organisers to satisfy authorities including local government, police and emergency response organisations. 

The new guidelines include the following new sections:
  • drones
  • infection control
  • counter terrorism
  • crowd care / peer support
The following sections have been updated:
  • the WA disaster response
  • medical / first aid - the event risk tool and the medical risk tool have been combined into one form (p. 106)
  • lasers and pyrotechnics
  • sanitary facilities and
  • accessible events
It is important to read all the information provided in this resource when planning events to determine the parts that are applicable to your event. 

Download the complete guideline or a specific section: 

Full Guideline for concerts, events and organised gatherings (PDF 10MB)

Part A - Background and administrative considerations

Section 1 – Background (389KB PDF)

Section 2 – Roles and responsibilities (PDF 496KB)

Section 3 - Background and administrative considerations (PDF 474KB)

Part B – Guidelines

Section 4 - Accessible events and risk management (PDF 1.7MB)

  • Guideline 1 - Venue suitability
  • Guideline 2 - Creating an accessible event
  • Guideline 3 - Preliminary event rating
  • Guideline 4 - Risk management
  • Guideline 5 - Emergency management
  • Guideline 6 - Protecting crowded places from terrorism
  • Guideline 7 - Medical and first aid
  • Guideline 8 – Infection control

Section 5 – Public Building Approvals (PDF 2.4MB)

  • Guideline 9 - Public building approvals
  • Guideline 10- Public building design
  • Guideline 11 - Temporary structures (marquees, tents, spectator stands)
  • Guideline 12 - Spectator stands
  • Guideline 13 - Shows, carnivals and fairs
  • Guideline 14 - Motor sports

Section 6 - Event Operational Considerations (866KB PDF)

  • Guideline 15 - Event operational procedures
  • Guideline 16 - Fire fighting
  • Guideline 17 - Stakeholder coordinated approach

Section 7 – Crowd Management (1.5MB PDF)

  • Guideline 18 - Crowd dynamics
  • Guideline 19 - Crowd control and security
  • Guideline 20 - Crowd management requirements
  • Guideline 21 - Entry and exits

Section 8 – Management of Alcohol (829KB PDF)

  • Guideline 22 - Alcohol-related issues
  • Guideline 23 - Liquor license application

Section 9 – Drug-Related Issues (1MB PDF)

  • Guideline 24 – Drug-related harm
  • Guideline 25 - Needles and syringes
  • Guideline 26 - Tobacco and smoking

Section 10 – Reducing Impacts (1.5MB PDF)

  • Guideline 27 - Environmental considerations
  • Guideline 28 - Lightning
  • Guideline 29 - Noise
  • Guideline 30 - Hazardous goods – lasers, pyrotechnics, LPG, flammable liquids
  • Guideline 31 - Vehicles and transport
  • Guideline 32 - Clean-up and rubbish removal

Section 11 – Amenities (2.2MB PDF)

  • Guideline 33 - Toilets and cleaning
  • Guideline 34 - Water
  • Guideline 35 - Temporary food stalls at events
  • Guideline 36 - Electrical installations
  • Guideline 37 - Lighting for events
  • Guideline 38 - Camping

Supporting tools (829KB PDF)

  1. Creating accessible events
  2. Risk classification for events
  3. Welfare – crowd care / peer support
  4. Hazard keywords
  5. Developing a risk management plan
  6. Event briefing and debriefing
  7. Temporary structures – Typical check list
  8. Speed conversion table
  9. Force conversion table
  10. Construction induction training
  11. Crowd management checklist
  12. Stage barrier design considerations
  13. Dealing with patrons in distress
  14. Concert safety policy
  15. Entries and exits
  16. Crowd management planning tool
  17. Crowd management procedure
  18. Alcohol-related problems
  19. Liquor license application requirements
  20. Liquor licence assessment checklist
  21. Guide to recycling at events
  22. Toilets for temporary events

Forms (145KB PDF)

  • Form 1 – Application to construct, extend or alter a public building
  • Form 2 – Application for a certificate of approval
  • Form 3 – Application for variation of a certificate of approval
  • Form 5 – Certificate of electrical compliance
  • Typical event application form
Event organisers and managers are reminded to register all events with more than 500 patrons to the Department of Health by completing the event registration form
Purpose of the guideline
Event definition
Is this resource relevant to large and small events
Feedback
Last reviewed: 13-12-2022
Produced by

Environmental Health Directorate