American Society of Safety Engineers News
Protecting people, property and the environment since
1911
DES PLAINES, IL (June 29, 2011) ---Parades are a
major part of our Independence Day celebration.
Thousands of American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE)
members, occupational safety, health and environmental
professionals, will join their communities in
celebrating in some way this holiday. Knowing the many
risks involved with parades, ASSE members are suggesting
several ways to ensure that the parade is one of
celebration and not crisis.
“We all have much to celebrate – our family, friends
and our freedom,” ASSE President Terrie S. Norris, CSP,
ARM, of Long Beach, CA, said today. “This is a special
4th of July for ASSE as we are celebrating our 100th
birthday. We have a lot to celebrate as we continue to
make great strides in preventing injuries and illnesses,
but we have much more to do. We want to share our
knowledge to help ensure we all stay safe during this
special holiday, one that so many Americans before us
have fought for and so many now are continuing to fight
for.”
ASSE Public Sector Practice Specialty member Greg
Langan, CSP, ARM, CPCU, of Minnesota, notes that to
enhance parade safety one must take into account that on
the day of the parade the streets are lined with people
two or three deep with children ready to dash out and
collect candy as floats pass, and there are a number of
parade participants such as bands, animals, and floats.
Several risks need to be addressed in the planning
stages to ensure the parade will be a fun and enjoyable
experience, and for this community officials can turn to
their staff occupational safety and health professional
for additional guidance.
To ensure the parade is a fun event, Langan suggests
a ‘Parade Safety Manual’ be developed with a focus on
these major areas:
• theme and entries;
• speed and separation of parade entries;
• float size and construction;
• role and conduct of persons engaged in the parade;
• equestrian and livestock entries;
• role of parade marshals in managing spectators; and,
• the parade route and street barricades.
All of the suggestions and supporting information appear
in the article attached and located at http://bit.ly/jgVDn8.
As for the parade theme and entries, he suggests
limiting motor vehicles per entry; allowing livestock,
reptiles and other animals in the parade only after
receiving specific written approval by the parade
committee; not allowing the discharge of fireworks or
firearms; not permitting entries that produce loud
noises; and, monitoring amplification systems.
It is recommended that a parade be an “all forward
motion” parade with planned distances between parade
entries and that there be no stopping along the parade
route.
As for the float entrants, it is suggested there be a
maximum size allowed; that the speed of motorized
vehicles be limited to 10 mph and they be inspected for
mechanical fitness and properly serviced before the
parade. Other parade float issues that should be
addressed include driver vision, float seating,
decorative materials, electrical lights, portable fire
extinguishers, electrical wiring, inspections, portable
generators and having sufficient fuel and power to
finish the parade route.
When it comes to the role and conduct of people in
the parade it is suggested that no persons be permitted
on the floats who are not noted on the entry form and
that a minimum of two participants (designated as safety
monitors), other than the driver, be required for each
float. The safety monitors may not ride on the float;
they must walk alongside it on either side. Each safety
monitor should wear a fluorescent safety vest for
visibility along the parade route and should not hand
out candy or giveaway items on the parade route.
Other suggestions include not throwing items from the
float or vehicle in the parade; that participants not
jump onto or off any float or moving vehicle; secure
float seating to the float bed; require those riding the
floats be secured by seatbelts or an appropriate body
support and have at least one hand on a handhold;
that all children on floats be supervised by an adult
and no one under five be permitted on any float; a
maximum of 12 walkers accompany a float; that all parade
float/motor vehicle operators be screened for blood
alcohol levels immediately before the start of the
parade; that parade participants on bikes, skates, or
other wheeled equipment be restricted from weaving or
swerving toward the crowd to avoid losing control; and,
that a safety meeting be held with the float staff prior
to the parade.
It is also suggested that parade planners address
equestrian and livestock issues, consider not allowing
stallions to be part of the parade and that all entrants
provide for waste removal.
Parade marshals are considered a key component of the
parade and should undergo a criminal record background
check. It is suggested that they be responsible for
summoning medical assistance if needed and to separate
crowds and clear intersections for responding emergency
vehicles along with several other key responsibilities.
Other parade safety considerations to address include
spectator safety, barricade placements, parade zones and
more when it comes to parade routes. It is suggested
that the police department determine barricade placement
before the start of the parade. In addition, it is
suggested:
• there only be one motor vehicle per entry, with the
exception of car and motorcycle clubs, which may have up
to four motor vehicles per entry;
• marching groups be limited to no more than 50
participants;
• performing groups should choreograph routines that
maintain the pace of the forward moving parade;
• a distance of two on-road white “skip-lines” should be
maintained between parade entries;
• be prepared, identify the hazards, plan your strategy
should an unexpected event occur, know the location of
fire extinguishers and how to shut off the generator and
other electrical equipment, and identify a way to alert
a driver to stop a parade float if needed.
Make sure your 4th of July celebration is a joyous
one by ensuring that safety is part of your celebration
and parade plans, Norris said.
Founded in 1911 and celebrating its 100 year
anniversary, the Des Plaines, IL-based ASSE is the
oldest professional safety society and is committed to
protecting people, property and the environment. Its
more than 33,000 occupational safety, health and
environmental professional members located worldwide
manage, supervise, research and consult on safety,
health, transportation and environmental issues in all
industries, government, labor and education. For more
information check ASSE’s website at www.asse.org or go
to the http://www.asse.org/practicespecialties website. |
