Use of Paint and Adhesives on Music Festival Temporary Structures.

A music festival location on a greenfield site will require the construction of numerous temporary structures including stages and other infrastructure requirements like fencing and office space. In most cases organisers incorporate the festival graphics and design into these structures but what are the considerations for use of paint and adhesives when doing this.

It is never as simple as just painting a festival stage backdrop or other elaborately designed elements, it requires consideration for safety, regulatory compliance and sustainability too. Festival organisers will often sub-contract the design and construction of temporary structures to a third-party specialist who will fully understand the factors associated with using paint and adhesives. Organisers should ensure that contractors are documenting their use in line with their responsibilities. 

Temporary Structures and Uses. 
Festival organisers can sometimes invest large sums in the design and construction of custom-built stages and invariably this will involve the use of various materials including paint and adhesives. Aside from the design elements paint and adhesives can also be used as weather protection or as alternatives to other types of fasteners. It can be surprising how much additional weight paint and adhesives can add to a structure so applications must not impact of structural integrity by exceeding load tolerances. Use of the correct adhesive type is essential to ensure materials are compatible and remain bonded during use. They must account for typical festival conditions which may include temperature fluctuations, humidity and vibrations for example. 

Regulatory Compliance. 
Use of paints and adhesives in construction will fall under health and safety regulations and relate to handling of chemicals, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the provision of adequate ventilation for example. After the event, organisers should ensure that contractors dispose of materials containing the paint and adhesives used in line with regulations related to hazardous waste. Contractors tasked with construction including paint and adhesives will have the ultimate responsibility to comply with any prevailing regulations and should be able to provide the necessary certifications on request. 

Fire and Safety. 
The regulatory compliance does focus on fire safety as a priority because it can present the highest risk when using paints and adhesives. The regulatory requirements specify the use of flame retardant or fire rated materials and often require either BS EN 13501-1 or NFPA 701 certifications. When being applied or stored solvent-based paints and adhesives can omit highly flammable vapours and contractors are advised to consider water-based alternatives if possible. If flammable vapours are unavoidable contractors must follow strict procedures during their use and storage to limit any combustible threat incidents. As an added safety feature organisers should avoid exposing paint and adhesives used in structures to naked flames, excessive heat placement or placement near equipment that can have electrical faults. Organisers will usually be obliged to submit plans of temporary structures to local authorities which will include details of materials and chemicals used including paints and adhesives along with appropriate certifications. The festival site will also be subject to an inspection from the local fire services who will check every part of a temporary structure for fire safety compliance. 

Sustainability. 
In line with many music festivals organisers now have sustainability objectives which include the types of materials and chemicals used for temporary structures. Oil-based paints are no longer used by most festival organisers who now specify contractors to use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or water-based paints to reduce air pollution and odours. In addition, adhesive production has become more eco-friendly with the use of biodegradable or minimal plasticisers for example. Disposal of the temporary structure after a festival must consider the paint and adhesives that have been used in construction. These potentially hazardous materials must be disposed of appropriately and should not be sent to landfill sites. 

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Image by eminens via Pixabay

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