In short
A risk assessment lists what could hurt people during a stand's build, the open show and breakdown, and how you'll prevent it. A method statement explains how the work will be done safely, in order. Many venues, especially in the UK, ask contractors for both. They must fit your stand: copied paperwork doesn't help when someone is working at height, and it won't satisfy a safety officer who asks questions.
Key points
- They should describe this stand, not a generic one.
- Cover build-up, the open show and breakdown.
- Your builder normally writes them; you remain responsible.
- Working at height is the risk most often checked.
Common risks on a stand
| Stage | Risk | Typical control |
|---|---|---|
| Build-up | Work at height | Suitable access equipment, trained users |
| Build-up | Moving vehicles | Safety wear and banksmen |
| Build-up | Falling objects | Exclusion zones when lifting |
| Open show | Trips on platforms or cables | Bevelled edges, cable covers |
| Open show | Crowds and queues | Queue plans inside the plot |
| Open show | Moving machinery | Guards, supervision |
| Breakdown | Hurry and fatigue | A planned sequence, no shortcuts |
Who writes what
Your builder usually writes the risk assessment and method statement for building the stand. You should assess your own activities on the open stand, such as demos, sampling or hot equipment. Share them, because the two have to fit together. Local law decides who's responsible, and in the UK, exhibition builds fall under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.
Demos and special activities
- Live machinery: guards, stop buttons and supervision.
- Cooking: fire measures and hygiene.
- Lasers and strobes: check the organiser's rules.
- Children at public shows: extra care at heights and edges.
- Virtual reality: safe space around the user.
A quick checklist
- 01
Read the requirements
Find the health and safety section of your manual.
- 02
Collect the documents
Ask each contractor for theirs.
- 03
Brief the team
Make sure people on site know the key controls.
- 04
Keep copies on site
Have them ready if asked.
A simple way to write one
List each task, who could be hurt and how, what you'll do to prevent it, and who is responsible. Keep the language plain, since the people on site need to understand it. Review the document when the design changes, and share the key points in a short briefing at the start of each shift.
Reviewing on site
Walk the stand during build-up, and again before opening. Paperwork that says cables are covered means nothing if they aren't. Fix what you find, note it and tell the team.
Frequently asked questions
01Do I need a risk assessment for my stand?
Many venues ask for one, and in many countries the law expects employers to assess risks. Check your manual.
02What is RAMS?
Risk assessment and method statement: two documents used together for planning safe work.
03Who writes it?
Usually your stand builder for the build, and you for your own activities.
04Do shell scheme exhibitors need one?
Sometimes, particularly for demos or machinery. Check the manual.
Put it into practice
Generate a 3D exhibition stand you can edit
Generate an editable 3D exhibition stand from your brief, refine the layout and export renders, CAD drawings and the model.
Guidance here reflects common practice. Venues, organisers and countries set their own rules: always check the exhibitor manual and work with a qualified stand builder and engineer for structures.
