THE fact that sports grounds are frequently used as venues for pop concerts highlights the similarities between staging sports events and pop concerts.

Many of the recommendations contained within the Code of Practice for Safety at Sports Grounds apply to the staging of pop concerts in terms of underfoot conditions, crowd pressures and emergency evacuation. However, there are significant differences between the two events to warrant the publication of a Code of Practice for Safety at outdoor Pop Concerts.

The object of the Code of Practice is to give guidance help to ground management, event promoters, local authorities, gardai and health boards to which will help them safely accommodate the tens of thousands of people who gather for outdoor pop concerts.

In contrast to sporting events, where the crowd is relatively static during the event, the crowds at pop concerts are highly mobile and have access to most parts of the ground including the playing pitch.

The report recommends that the entry and exit areas to the pitch be kept free at all time to ensure freedom and safety of movement. The amount of stewards at the event should be in direct proportion to the size of the crowd and there should be adequate toilet accommodation the report notes that different toilet facilities are needed for pop concerts in comparison to sporting events as there is likely to be a much greater number of females present.

There is also a need, among the promoters, to remain aware of the changing nature of pop music and the special problems that can arise from newer forms of entertainment. These problems include the use of scenery and decoration at the venue, special stage effects, the increased use of stage participation, crushing near the stage and the effects of over excitement and possibly even hysteria among younger audiences.

With reference to the availability of water at pop concerts, the reports says that a continuous supply of water should be and do to the audience, particularly those nearest the stage but the practice of spraying patrons with water hoses is not recommended, for fear that hypothermia could be caused by falling temperatures.

While the code is designed for outdoor pop concerts, many of the report's findings will be equally applicable to the staging of indoor pop concerts and other non musical outdoor events where large crowds have to be accommodated.