Carnival/Parade Float Safety and Design Guidance

This guidance is for the event organiser and/or the staff that they appoint as the event safety officer.

The event organiser and/or event safety officer should use the guidance below if carnival/parade floats (a decorated platform, either built on a vehicle or towed behind one) and/or handcarts (a small vehicle with two wheels and two long handles that is pushed or pulled by hand) are part of their event, to ensure that all vehicles/handcarts (vehicles and handcarts will be referred to as floats throughout this document) that are used are safe and that this part of the event, can continue as planned.

  • Floats can only be used when a road closure is in place. It is not legal to carry people on the back of a moving vehicle unless the road is closed to traffic.
  • All floats must have a safety inspection prior to the carnival/parade departure time. Any floats that fail inspection or do not arrive on time should not be permitted in the event.
  • All floats must be road legal, insured (for the vehicle, driver and appropriate use) and have a current Ministry of Transport (MOT) test, or similar, if applicable to that type of vehicle.  It is good practice to ask for a copy of these in advance of the event.
  • Vehicles must not have their lights, indicators or number plate obstructed by décor.
  • Generators must be secured away from reach of children, and safely fastened to the float, earthed, and Residual Current Device (RCD) protected.
  • All generators are required to produce a valid safety certificate. Failure to do so could mean exclusion from the event. These documents must be made available at the safety inspection.
  • All electrical equipment is required to have valid electrical safety certification (Portable Appliance Test (PAT).
  • No naked flames or pyrotechnics fireworks will be allowed on the vehicle.
  • If participants are riding on the floats, safety railings must be fitted to meet the satisfaction of the nominated event safety officer.  Slips, trips and falls are the main reason for injuries.
  • All décor and items are to be securely fixed.
  • No objects should protrude which cause the potential to injure persons in or around the float.
  • Materials and fabrics should be fireproofed and/or have the relevant fire certification.
  • The appropriate extinguishers should be located on each float.

Guide To Float Carnival/Parade Safety

So that you and all of the carnival/parade participants and viewers will have a safe and enjoyable day, please note the safety rules for the event.

Vehicles

Any truck or vehicle in the parade need to:

  • be in good working order, roadworthy (current MOT) and have adequate breakdown cover;
  • have a vehicle excise licence (taxed);
  • have tyres in good condition;
  • have working turning indicators and lights;
  • check current insurance to ensure that the vehicle is covered for use as a float in a carnival/parade, and if not take out additional insurance; and
  • ensure evidence to support all of the above. 

The Driver

This person must:

  • hold a current clean driver’s licence for the vehicle being driven;
  • be appropriately insured for the vehicle being driven;
  • drive the vehicle very slowly;
  • not do any quick starts or stops;
  • have an assistant(s) to help them watch for the public stepping out onto their path;
  • not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
  • remain with the vehicle at all times (including when the vehicle is stationary and in position in the carnival/parade form-up);
  • clearly display two signs in the front windscreen – one with group and driver details, and one with the number/order of the float in the carnival/parade; 
  • must be fully aware of the controls and instruments of the vehicle; and
  • follow the instructions of all event staff on the day and/or emergency services.

Float riders

Anyone who rides on the back of the float must:

  • anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult responsible for their safety and wellbeing on the float;
  • be in a safe position:
  • the safest position is sitting. This gives the person more stability should the truck have to halt suddenly.
    • anyone who stands on the float must be secure. They should have a handrail or secured in an appropriate harness.
    • participants must stand in the middle of the float, not on the edge where they could fall off.
    • have clothing appropriate for the weather: keep warm and be prepared if it is raining;
  • have enough water or refreshment to get through the entire parade;
  • not give out gifts or advertising from or near the float. This is extremely important, as crowds retrieving something could end up in the path of a moving vehicle;
  • anyone playing music on floats must comply with the noise levels deemed appropriate by production staff and/or event management team and safety advisors;
  • only leave a float when it is safe to do; NO ONE is to leave a float when it is moving; and
  • not consume any alcohol or drugs at any point before or during the carnival/parade.

Float Decor

You need to make sure that your float is appropriately decorated, and the decorations are in a safe and secure condition:

  • Decor must be firmly fixed to the float so that they won’t slip, move or fall during the event.
  • Nothing must protrude from the side of the float.
  • Decor will be exposed to the weather and should be able to stay in place should they get wet.
  • Decor should be fireproofed (using flambar or other fire-proofing liquid).
  • Appropriate fire extinguishers should be on the float to tackle any fires that may occur.
  • Decor must be at least a 1m from the ground.
  • Dimensions of the structure must not exceed the lowest height or the narrowest width restriction on the route (confirm with production team/event safety officer to confirm).

Electrical Equipment on the Float

To keep everyone safe, all electrical appliances need to be in safe working condition.

  • Electrical appliances must be tested, proof of testing provided and appropriately secured to the float.

Electrical Supply on the Float

Generators will not be allowed unless an integral installation on the vehicle.

  • Diesel or biodiesel is a much safer fuel, less flammable and the fumes less toxic. Safer still would be to get the electrical supply from a battery, such as a leisure battery used in boats and caravans.
  • Portable or solar power stations can be used as an alternative to fuel generators, and are better for the environment.

Whatever you use to supply electricity to your appliances, it must be:

  • Secured so that it will not shift or move in transit.
  • Earthed so that you will not receive a serious or fatal electrical shock, especially if the weather is wet or you are standing or touching metal (i.e. vehicle/truck). Some small generators have what is called a “floating earth”.  Know how the system is earthed.
  • Leads or wires that connect appliances to the power source should be Residual Current Device (RCD) protected. This is an extra source of protection for “tripping” the electrics if the wires are damaged or overloaded.

The event organiser or the nominated event safety officer should carry out a safety inspection of the float before it is allowed to participate in the carnival/parade. The event organiser or the nominated event safety officer should complete a documented check and sign off “is fit for use” and if it is not, list reasons why it is not suitable to use.  If the float does not meet the required safety standards or cannot be altered on site to meet the required safety standards, then it should not be used (this will be a judgement call for the event organiser or event safety officer as this will be their liability).

Last Modified: 05/07/2023 14:05:00