Safety - to read the float safety guideline Click here
Risk Assessment - to read and download the spread sheet Click here
Small Grants Scheme - for more information Click here

Thank you for wishing to take part in our carnival procession. We would like to draw your attention to some advice to help keep you, your group, and the spectators safe while taking part:

General Guidelines & Information.

Please nominate an adult member of your group to be responsible for all aspects of safety, and can act as a single point of contact between your group and carnival organisers both before during the event.

Although there is first aid provided, it is advisable to carry a small kit. We would also suggest that some drinking water is readily available as the effects of dehydration can quickly set in on a hot evening.

Children should have an adequate number of adult supervisors.

We discourage the crowds from throwing coins, as this can cause serious injury, and in return the spraying of water and throwing objects into the crowd is strictly prohibited .

The consumption of alcohol whilst in the procession is strictly prohibited.

Please ensure any electrical items in use are fitted safely, waterproof and are suitable for outside use, remember light bulbs can get very hot. We also suggest that mains operated equipment be inspected before use. Please ensure that you have come equipped for the prevailing weather conditions, for instance that you have a supply of sun screen.If there are any problems, there are stewards and police all along the procession route, and they are there to provide assistance should you have a problem.If there is an emergency dial 999 immediately.

Pedestrian Entrants.

If you are wearing a large costume, be aware that the wind may catch it and force you to fall over. It is always a good idea to have somebody help you with it and monitor your fatigue. Remember, costumes are usually flammable; stay away from sources of heat.

If you have children in your walking group, please keep them together and away from moving vehicles and ensure that you have enough adult helpers for the number of children in your party.

Float Specific Entries.

All vehicles should carry a suitable fire extinguisher. As an All Island Carnival Federation agreement, it is recommended that your float does not exceed 14 foot in height. Please note however some procession routes may only have a 10 foot safe height, and therefore you may wish to make the height of your float adjustable.

The towing vehicle and trailer must be in a legal and roadworthy condition. The trailer must not exceed the maximum towing capacity of the towing vehicle.

The driver of the towing vehicle is responsible for the general safety of the vehicle, towing mechanism, break-away chain and general sturdiness of the float, including adequate insurance cover. Anything that could fall off must be secured.

The driver of the towing vehicle must have a clear view of the road ahead and both sides of the float at all times.

If there are people on the float, you should ensure they are seated in securely attached seats, or adequate handrails to prevent them falling off. Keep the number of people on the float to a reasonable level.

The driver should keep up with the procession and not allow significant gaps to form which can cause the spectators to spill on to the procession route.

The driver should pay particular attention to spectators trying to cut across the procession ahead of them, and crowding to the side.

The use of adults to walk along side the float who can be clearly seen by the driver is recommended to provide an additional pair of eyes along side the float as processions can be very busy places.

Nobody should ride on a float hanging over the edge, or go in between the towing vehicle and float when it is in motion.

You should only climb onto or off your float when the vehicle has stopped moving.

Please try to keep your vehicle centrally away from either side of spectators in case a spectator falls or is pushed into the road.

If you are using a generator, please take all necessary safety precautions when filling it, and store fuel away from sources of heat in approved containers. (The use of a diesel generator is advisable)

We hope you have safe and fun carnival, and look forward to seeing you again.

You can down load the Float Safety information here as a PDF - General Guidelines

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