Space, Design, People: The Formula for Safe Crowds

Venues, spaces, or events where high crowd density situations can occur

There have been timely reminders in recent weeks of the importance of managing crowds effectively. There can be, with too many examples, devastating consequences of poorly managed spaces, with concomitant personal, social, reputational, and financial loss. This short opinion piece aims to highlight the pertinent points surrounding crowd management in a venue, space, or event.

Understanding the layout and design –

Prior to construction and use of a venue, designing out funnels, bottlenecks, pinch points, and areas of restricted flow is important. This should be considered in the earliest stages of event planning. If bottlenecks are unavoidable (use of a bridge or tunnel), then additional control measures should be established, i.e., traffic routes, signage, sufficient stewards, options to avoid peak times etc. A view must be taken on where crowds are likely to gather, and how they’re likely to react.  There must also be an understanding of how a given space will be used. For example, crowd dynamics will differ from a sporting fixture to a festival or nightclub, due to the timing of dispersal from an area and specifically how populations utilise and use a space.

Pedestrian routes must be kept clear from obstacles, concessions, promotions or any blockages that could hinder safe walkways. Access/ egress routes from both indoor or outdoor venues must be carefully controlled to ensure they can accommodate the volume of traffic that is intended. Particular attention must be given to where crowds can converge.

When determining capacities for a given space, consideration must be given to adopting methodology in line with a recognised standard. BSEN 13200, BS9999, or fire risk assessment guidance may also be used. However, the floor space must be considered along with the emergency exits for both outdoor and indoor venues where crowds gather. 

In addition to the venue itself, a good understanding on what is happening around and away from the venue environs is important. Close liaison with transportation services will help event organisers to predict and react to crowd movements.

Understanding the demographic - who is in the crowd -

Evidentially, the crowd dynamic will change based on the location, venue, music, type of event, demographic, and reason for gathering.  Considering this in a risk assessment will define the type of controls that are likely to be applied to a given space. Where crowds gather to see a performer (s), the nature of the music can have a significant impact on the crowd. Provocative music can cause surges and mass movement.

In certain settings, there may be opportunities to separate and divide crowds, much like supporters at football matches, or providing accessible spaces in venues to manage those more vulnerable occupants in crowd situations.

Reviewing social media feeds and recent trends can give a good indication on crowd behaviours prior to a gathering.

Providing crowds with visibility/ access to the focal point will ease crowd tensions. Big screens and good vantage points will naturally encourage crowds to use less crowded spaces.

Knowing how to manage and react -

Those responsible for space or venues where crowds gather must have effective plans in place that allow them to react to early indications of problems, provide routine management or resources, and enact required emergency procedures.

Close relationships with external bodies or organisations including local authorities, fire, police, and ambulance services will ensure relevant interested parties have an opportunity to liaise and communicate what controls are required with the responsible person.

It will also inform them of any emergency response plans and both personnel and equipment required to respond effectively.

Communication is key, with and not limited to, the focal point (performers), safety officers, stewarding, security, medical, emergency services. There should be one source of truth for messaging. This may be through advanced systems or even generic messaging mobile phone apps. There must also be effective communication with the crowd via either PA or messaging.

Social media management is a powerful tool in avoiding crowding, early communication via channels accessible to large proportion of the crowd can ease crowding, tensions and further reduce the risk.

Protect Duty 2022 – what does this mean?

Protect Duty is the biggest counter-terrorism shift, putting counter-terrorism responsibilities upon 650,000 UK businesses. This duty to protect will fall on any venue that can accommodate over a set number of people – these include stadiums, theatres, festivals, theme parks and music venues. Businesses with over 250 staff that operate at publicly accessible locations also find themselves with increased responsibility. 

Adhering to these responsibilities will be through training and risk assessments. Cultural security improvements include further training around scenarios and security breaches as well as moving to irradicate complacency. Mandatory physical updates would involve bollards, intruder detection technology, CCTV correctly and tactically placed, and secure entrances.

However, the biggest challenge will be the grey-spaces – the shared responsibility spaces. New legislation dictates that every business that uses the space will have a responsibility over its security. Whilst this increases vigilance, it requires cooperation. Whilst this increases vigilance, it also creates logistical difficulties that venues should start to think about sooner rather than later and start to build relationships to help mitigate this shared risk.